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WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE BY JON SERLETIC Ever since my first dance convention when I stood near the edge of the dance floor , watching the couples going around , admiring what I saw, wondering if I could ever do that , I knew that I was in a place where peoples dreams were coming true . I had never heard of the UCWDC (United Country Dance Council), but I knew someone had created an environment where the average person of average income could participate in something that most only dream about . I had always thought that this was only for the gifted , lucky , or affluent . Yet here were average social dancers taking lessons , learning routines , and giving it a try ; receiving applause from folks they didn't even know. Perhaps the best way to express what I'm thinking and feeling is to give you a few accounts of what I actually saw take place . A couple years ago while watching Newcomer Pro Am , there were two older ladies with their pro from Indiana . It was obvious that they had just started dancing , and perhaps were not quite ready for competition , but they were there giving it a try . First one dancing with their instructor , then the other in the next heat . Both struggled to stay on time , counting to themselves . The instructor I could see was concentrating to keeping them on track. I couldn't help but admire him for his patience and understanding , and them for their courage and determination . Then I realized what I was really seeing : He was helping them build faith in themselves . They are still competing with him . They have costumes now , and they are loving it . I wonder if they realize what an excellent example they are to other men and women like themselves , who are still dreaming . This next example actually made me , and perhaps other watching , a little anxious , wondering how things were going to work out . A very classy looking lady , well up in years , very slowly walked out onto the dance floor . She was arm and arm with a tall extremely handsome young man , perhaps young enough to be her grandson . I thought , if this were so what a nice memory this would be . He had this great posture and poise about him as he slowly walked with her like he could have been escorting the First Lady . Then I got a little nervous for them as I realized that this was a two step at a pace of at least 180 BPM. Oh , my ! She was the only one in the gold category so they were on the floor by themselves . The music started and they two stepped rather nicely kept their timing . Near the end there were signs of her tiring and loosing step, but B. J. Brown the DJ was on the ball, He slowed the music down , an helped fulfill another dream , and us to relax as well . It's alway encouraging to see kids on the dance floor . I've seen some as young as three . I saw a group of kids five and up , thrill the crowd with their line dancing at Worlds . I'm especially encouraged when I see teens study dance ....fathers with daughters , mothers with sons . This last example is probably the best . I believe it was at Beth Emersons' Gateway Festival 2002 . I was sitting next to Kathy Mcbreen , when along with other contestants , came a boy with Downs Syndrome , and proved he could dance . He was with his mother who was an accomplished dance instructor. She would patiently wait for him to lead , he especially liked giving her free spins . I nudged Kathy and asked if she was feeling the same thing I was. She looked over with tears in her eyes and said " yes , I'm sure a good number of people are " . Throughout the weekend I noticed this boy sitting in the front row, and every time a name was announced he would stand up and vigorously applaud . He was absolutely tireless about this . Everyone who competed that day got a standing ovation from Marshall . (He must have felt that everyone who entered it , deserved it .) The UCWDC has established something very special , very unique , and very necessary . With it's many faults , (that they admit to) it's still the only thing of it's kind , and provides such vast opportunities for anyone willing to try , and willing to accept it , with the friendliest and most approachable dance instructors in the world . As we know " the music dictates the dance ". Likewise , Country Music embodies the country spirit that I see and have been able to experience myself . This must continue , and we can ensure that it will , with a little encouragement , a little support , and perhaps participation . Do you have a dream ? |
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There is so much to talk about when it comes to dance . All articles on this site from my collection. If you find then helpful let me know. cjonsqqss@yahoo.com |
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