STORYTIME TAPESTRY

The Newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world

Special Treat ??“ Sharlett Hunt

June 4, 2005

The Dance Class

         by Sharlett Hunt  5/10/05

   My sister, Barbara and I had gone to a country and western line dance class yesterday and I came home in tears.  I have never danced, only some drunken gyrating I called dancing years ago so she found these classes at the city recreation building and I agreed to go.  My sister is a dancer who has danced for many years but not in the past eight years or so.  She figured this would be a good refresher for her and I could learn as I always loved to watch it and it would be great exercise. 

  It was a beginner's class but they were already in their eighth week!  My sis had no problem keeping up but I was so lost.  Feelings of frustration overwhelmed me and tears stung my eyes as I clumsily tried to do this thing and then I just walked off the floor and went outside and sat on a bench, feeling sorry for myself and waited for the class to be over. 

   When it ended, everybody walked past me and encouraged me to come back next week and try again.  I said I doubted it.  Barbara talked to me a lot about it on the way home trying to get me not to give up.  I had quit, I just wasn't a dancer.  Besides that I am fifty five years old.  Who in their right mind would even start trying to learn how to dance at that age?  So what if some of the ladies were in their seventies, they were probably in better health than me.  It just wasn't something I was going to be able to learn to do.

  My sister dropped me off at my house and I noticed a package setting on my doorstep.  I went inside, dried my eyes, and opened it.  It was a beautiful mug and certificate from a lady I had just met recently, Karin Janin.  Written on the mug was the words I Achieve, I Can.  It started me thinking.  I am not a quitter, never have been and was I going to let a little dance class whip me?  So I might never dance as well as Barbara but I can't just give up. 

  Excitedly, I called my sister and asked if she would maybe help me out a little.  We could get together and have a day of practice and I would give it my best shot.  Then I would be ready to attend next week's class.  She was happy to find out that I wasn't quitting and agreed to help me.

  With all the disappointments life has given me, I always at least tried to get back up and do it again.  It's funny how I almost let something so small become such a big thing in my mind.  Even if I never learn to dance, I will be there every week with my dancing shoes on, ready to give it a try.

Sharlette863 @aol.com


About Me:

I was born in Alabama, the middle of
seven children. At about age four we moved
to Central Florida and I have lived here
most of my life. I am a Viet Nam Era
Veteran. I have always enjoyed writing
and as I get older it seems to come more
naturally to me. I believe
everyone has many stories inside them and
some are blessed to be able to share them.
*************