Fortnightly

Austen and His Dance Partner

It's a tradition for incoming Hinsdale Central High School 8th graders to participate in a 63-year old social etiquette and ballroom dancing class. So why not sign Austen up, I thought? Austen has a group of about 10 boys that he hangs out with at school and soon all the moms were wondering via our text group chat if we should just sign the boys up or ask them. 

"It's equally gratifying and mortifying," commented one mom, "but it's good for them!" 

Austen was lukewarm to the idea when I presented it to him but he didn't say no! However, after the first session, he said it was better than he thought and after the second session, dare he say it was fun?!  

The parents (both moms and dads get dressed up to attend) chaperone at least one of the 8 sessions. Tom and I are scheduled during one of the last classes so I'm interested to see how Austen's dancing skills are by then. According to the (girl) moms who have chaperoned thus far, Austen has won the award for best dressed. I told them he cheated because he has a really nice suit, shirt and tie with shoes, the belt, cool dress socks, etc. because he just made his confirmation and we had to get the whole ensemble! Their daughters also remarked that Austen was good at dancing and also good at conversation! 

I think this will be an experience he'll remember for a long time and help break the ice with the ladies. He's definitely interested!