Dancin’ With the PrimeTimers
June 19, 2009
What a great party we had! Diamondhead Community Church PrimeTimers could give Dancing With the Stars a run for their money! There was a little something for everyone at this Celebration Dance—Fox Trot, Waltz, Electric Slide, Scottish Dances, Contemporary, Big Band music, and entertainment. The evening started out like so many of the dances of our youth: boys on one side of the room, girls on the other. But soon enough that gave way to some fancy footwork by our fabulous fellows and gals.
About 34-35 fun-loving and very energetic individuals were in attendance and no one had two left feet! To get us “in the mood”, the Celebration Dance Hall was decorated with actual records (remember those?)—45’s, 78’s, and even some CD’s. And you know this crowd can’t get together without food! Two tables were filled to the brim with all kinds of homemade goodies from cookies to cake, cheese to crackers, and three different kinds of drinks. Instructions for the variety of dances were given by Penny Bullock, ably assisted by Hank and Susan Holcomb.
Carlene Daboval thoroughly entertained us by serenading the crowd with familiar standards. When Carlene took the microphone, we were transported back in time to a 1950’s nightclub, except for the fact that the room was well-lit and smoke-free. Accompanied only by Santa Loiacono on piano, Carlene’s standards rang out in her clear, true voice and were instant hits. The Diamondhead CC Dancing Queens made an unexpected appearance with a rather shaky “performance”, and their apologies to ABBA and to Steve and Penny for the mess their feather boas made. (It has been reported that one of feathers turned up in a most unexpected place the next morning, right JB?)
The highlight of the evening came when Chas and Elaine took to the dance floor to demonstrate two enchanting Scottish dances that they learned as children. These dances were just delightful and, if we are lucky, we will see them again. Ginny Elben surprised us all by making a special request for the song, “Brick House”—she and Gene really tore up the floor on that one! The most fun dance, hands down, was the Macarena. Everyone got in on the act, which was led by Clerk of Session, Hank Holcomb, usually considered to be a very serious kinda guy. Well, THAT myth has certainly been dispelled! Hank demonstrated, he danced, he wiggled, he waggled, he wobbled, and he jumped. “HUH!” Hank must have been practicing for weeks!
Many, many thanks to the all of the organizers, decorators, “caterers”, and our very own Spin Doctor DJ, Hank Holcomb. Not only has the new Fellowship Hall been duly christened but we can safely say that a good time was had by all.
--Sue Foster