Farewell to the Fifties

A day of dancing courtesy of a fellow dancers' 60th birthday.

I was invited to celebrate the birthday of someone I have met through Scottish dancing in Oxford.  In the afternoon there was a 'dancers' dance' and then in the evening there was a more traditional ceilidh.  I was honoured to be invited to both and although a little nervous and almost stayed home thinking I wouldn't know anyone, was glad I went.

The afternoon dance had a lot of good dancers there, (he is on the London Dem team - I know I shouldn't been but that sort of status does impress me!) but the dances were a nice mix with nothing too outrageous.  I even got some compliments on my dancing, including from someone I had met at a class I went to once in Winchester.  There were a couple of uni dancer friends there that I wasn't expecting so that improved my mood!  And it was a sunny day and I wore my spring skirt so that made me happy :-) 

There was a quick cycle back for an hour break to put my pastry pin wheels in the oven and then head back again.

Although nervous again at not knowing people, I was pleased I was experiencing it.  I was touched by the programme of the eve which included a tribute to people on the back including his parents: 'who first encouraged me to dance when I was four, a lifelong gift.'

There was a mix of ceildih dances - most of which I had done the night before - and numbers by members of the audience.  Particular highlights for me were learning the Palais Glide (though not sure I can remember now - 26/4!), singing all 5 (!) verses of Auld Lang Syne, and the duet (?) of Pack up your troubles and It's a long way to Tipperary.

Thanks for the invite, JF and many happy returns.