By Virginia (Ginnylynn) Rodriguez

Jealous. Shocked. Excited. 

Adjectives not generally used to describe something happening in a Senior Center! Yet, I experienced them myself today! 

At the Senior Center that I visited with my mother, in the dance room, many people began to congregate there. As the band sounded out the melodious sounds wafting over the shiny dance floor, I watched in awe as couples, that were AT LEASE 20 years my senior, began to glide and swirl as if they were held in its embrace. Perfect rhythm and movements with their partners made me realize that I’ve been a slob. I have ˝ the energy that they were displaying and viewing their smiles, they were truly enjoying every minute. 

A beautiful red-haired lady, who I discovered was 84, danced circles around everyone there. A dance instructor with slim legs and an orange miniskirt changed partners with ease. Her straight blonde hair gracefully blew back as she followed her partner's lead with style. I discovered she was 70 years old! From the polka to the waltz, everyone on the floor looked like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. (If you were born after 1954, you might disregard that comment.)

“May I have this dance?” I stared ignorantly up into the face of Claude. His slick back hair and his meticulous appearance reminded me so much of my grandfather. I honestly went into a cold sweat. 

“I can’t dance!” 

“I’ll show you,” he graciously offered.

“No, please, I don’t want to make a fool of myself!” 

He turned away as a gentleman should.
No one seemed winded or tired. 1 ˝ hours went by and my mother and I got up to leave as she was tired. She didn’t dance. Neither did I.

I realized that I had to make a decision. I saw myself in my mind’s eye in 20 years. Either I could do nothing and someday face being crippled and not be able to get up off my couch OR change my habits and become more active so I could look like those seniors on the dance floor when I become their age.

OK, Claude. I vowed to myself that no matter how long it would take me-I am determined that I would take dancing lessons and someday accept his invitation. Then, no one could keep me seated because I will have MY dancing shoes on!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: You can contact Virginia at nitewriter54@yahoo.com or visit her webpage: http://www.ourchurch.com/member/g/grammysroom