Believe it or not.......

Believe it or not, I will tie this into the here and now at some point. But the background is all a part of what I hope to do later.

I continued lessons and finally took the test for the first "bar". The categories may have changed some by now but in those days there were figures, dance and ( freestyle, either as an individual or in pairs.) I was interested in the dance and I felt that was my strong suit.

On the day of the test I drew the teacher that was 6 feet 2 to "dance with." For about a 10 year old kid that was very tall. The couple have to perform the same steps and moves at precise places on the floor. If I remember correctly for most of the dance my right hand is at the right side of  my waist and his right hand and arm are across my back holding that hand. My left arm is extended in front of him and he is holding my left hand in his left hand. I wish I could remember for sure but I don't, but it seems there was more than one standard dance and we did I think what they called the foxtrot. Because of the positions of the skaters you can see why his height scared me. Also I had only done the dance alone never with a partner. I was so nervous but I passed the test. I received a small bronze pin which I wish I still had. It seems that there may have been three awards in each category: bronze, silver and gold. This was only a first step. But I was thrilled! I think you had to receive all three bars in all categories to achieve professional status.

I had my metal suitcase for carrying the skates with a national membership decal and my name in decals on it. I was part of the whole thing.

There was something else taking place at the same time and that was a new awareness of the music they played. They played some really good music.....pop, a little rock and roll and quite a few numbers from broadway musicals. I visited a rink in another town once that had only organ music. The skating was still fun, but not the same.

The lyrics, the meanings, the rhythms and movement and constant exercise was all a part of it. After Saturday's at the rink I went home for dinner, a couple of favorite TV programs and I was tired and ready for bed. But it was a good tired.  Those were some of my best days ever.