Dancing Shoes

It is approaching midnight and I want to put these thought to paper before the wear and tear in my mind delays processing them, as the wear and tear in my body forced me to leave the function before its rightful conclusion.

What an evening; one of many of its kind for my wife and me, and the first in three years (I am told) for many of my colleagues from Penta. One wonders as to why the interruption in organizing it, and why for such a long time.

Frankly, my wife and I did not know what to expect. It was to be a holiday get together for the staff; organized by a handful of individuals, and paid for by those participating in it. I never imagined that a few dollars could bring about the warmth and joy of holidays into the minds and bodies of so many.

Eager not to miss anything, my wife and I arrived at the hotel, fashionably, fifteen minutes late. Behold, we were the first ones, there; what a feeling – did I forget the date, or was it the time, or could it have been both. A small sign by the main hall assured us that at least the date is correct. Slowly, but surely, I could recognize familiar faces filtering in, wearing warm and friendly smiles and sporting reds and greens. Interestingly enough, men, for once, outperformed the women, by wearing most colorful and decorated neckties sporting characters and themes.

That made me standout, because I was not wearing a tie, but my wife, by wearing her colorful holiday outfit, made up for my oversight. (Frankly, I knew that sooner or later, collars will be loosened and possibly some ties will find a pocket, or, a purse for safe keep).

In no time, we found it necessary to make room for some colleagues to join our table, which was setup for only 6. The more the merrier, that is the rule of the game, is it not? The atmosphere cheerful, the conversation intelligent and delightful, the smiles and greetings genuine and the temperature warm and cuddly, what else could anybody ask for?

Good food? Nice music? Maybe.

The host and hostess for the occasion were buzzing over everything. They were the ones that made sure we were welcomed; they were the ones who were busy overseeing the setup and the wait staff, and continuously consulting with the chef on the fine details of the dinner arrangement.

An hour into the party, soft and slow music was filling the background of sweet chatter and holiday plan accounts. Some were going to Florida, others to California; some were to visit parents (in-laws) nearby, some were going to take it easy and enjoy the turn of the year from the comfort of their own home with siblings around them. AI was not much of a concern, at least not at our table. None of us planned to hoard food or water beyond a prudent man’s concern, nor any one of us foresaw a major national or world disaster. Tech giants were mention, once and a while but much to spoil the fun.

By this time the sweet aroma of fresh baked goods and the hurried but organized sounds coming from the kitchen made us realize that before we start to party, it may be necessary to fuel the body. For that, the content of the buffet was premium grade. High octane with close to zero potential damage; how thoughtful of our organizers. It is most reassuring that one could literally party with no guilt in over doing it! How about that for fine details?

I profess that I can keep appearances when it comes to understanding rhythm and beat. We soon realized that there were a few more like me, making us a wonderful group of chair dancers-dancers having both our legs and arms free to move in any direction (even if it is opposite each other). But the true urge to find out that a sets legs can be coordinated with a set of hands and directed by a singular mind, literally pushed us out of our chairs and on to the dance floor.

A few clumsy and jerky movements were enough to make me realize that I was not wearing my dancing shoes (of course, what else).

Hold it. What is happening? Who are those two on the floor? What a grace, what a delight. Do they have wings, are they wearing their dancing shoes? Maybe both. Who dare enter the dance floor? No one could compare!

Why compare? They are most wonderful and hence more of a reason to go out and shake these tired legs and make them move in rhythm with both the music and the pair of hands that were so free-spirited on the chair.

Soon a bunch of us are dancing to the music representing, perhaps, a couple of generations of musical talents. It is almost a shame not to set back and just watch the couple whose miraculous moves fulfill the dreams and aspiration of most of us present here tonight.

But, we are in a cheerful and party mode, and it will be just as shameful not to get up and do what we can, and have fun doing it.

Now a slow dance, then a fast followed by another slow and another fast, we make every effort to keep the beat of the music in-sink with the beat of our own hearts and those of our partners as closely as we can. It is magic, it works. Now the floor is full and everyone is having a wonderful time.

Time flies. Wear and tare for some, a teenage child for another, or simply ending with a good note are understandable reasons to leave. But before leaving, we each make a firm promise that we will, at least, wear our dancing shoes for the next holiday party.

Thank you John and Sandy Krytus for all the work and the charm that comes so natural to the both of you when you grace the dance floor.