SHALL WE DANCE?

I had just learned to dance for the school prom, and that kindled interest in improving my skills on the dance floor.

In our area there were two dance halls that were open to the public on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. The music was provided by local musicians playing BIG BAND STYLE TUNES. So, with my friend Gus, we tried to make the rounds on as many nights as we could afford to do so ($2.00 per night), danced until the doors closed at 11:00 p.m. . . . and headed home, sans dates.

The dance halls were lots of clean fun. You could treat a partner to a soft drink, or two, thus impressing her to no end, but without any further involvement. Jitterbugging was verboten, because of the crowd size, but we did it anyway, until a bouncer-type person broke it up with a smile and a "no, no."

Jitterbugging, in its mildest form is still a popular dance style. At any function you attend today, where dancing is included, you will see people of all ages doing their version of the "bug." Even in RETIREMENT VILLAGES, you will see couples in their 80s and 90s having a swinging good time.

During the summer months Dear Wife and I frequently do some Saturday night dancing in a nearby state park pavilion, with jitterbugging, AND the polka (my favorite) going strong.

More, later.