Tonight was the first dance rehearsal for the Cary Debs at the Premier School of Dance from 5:30 - 7:30. The girls were asked to wear a dress, skirt or nice slacks and the shoes they intend to wear at the ball - to break them in, of course.
While the dads, also known as Cheif Marshals, were fitted for tuxes, the debs began their dance lessons. They starting with a curtsey. The girls were nervous and giggly at first, but the nerves took over when the instructor asked that the girls line up and practice one-by-one in front of the whole group.
Afterwards, the dads joined the debs and the waltzing lessons began. As I watched/listened the instructions, I was reminded of line dancing, as the pairs were not yet "coupled up," but stood in two or three lines infront of the mirrored walls. Many of the students laughed at themselves when they messed up the steps in the beginning. When the pairs were taught the "dancing position" the room was filled with a slight awkwardness from simply being stuck in close proximity to another person without knowing what to do.
In the first hour or so, while the steps were kept fairly simple, spirits were high. However, as the lesson went on and the steps grew more difficult, the frustration levels rose while energy levels quickly dropped. The instructor decided to let the students out about 20 minutes early saying that everyone looked exhausted and encouraged them to remember to eat before thier next lesson.
