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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