Updated: August 22, Ought TwoWHERE TO DANCE in Fort Worth
The Horseman Club
"Fort Worth's Premier Country Western Night Club"
by Lynda KauffmanBeginner’s Luck I (Should have been in last month)
I’ve been part of the TCWDA for about 6 months now and thought maybe you guys might enjoy a beginner’s perspective on the club, dancing, and the people involved. Prior to January 2002, I had never danced and probably didn’t know the words to more than 1 or 2 country songs. Even though I’m a native to Fort Worth, I listened to Rock-n-Roll (please forgive me) and danced 70’s style (yes, even in the 80’s 90’s and 00’s).
Being new to the dance world can be intimidating to say the least. But, I’ve never been sorry that I took that leap and decided to get off the couch and go find something to do with my time. John, our Trail Boss, loves to tell the story of how I found my way to you guys, and if you’ll ask him, I ‘m sure he’ll share it with you. But in the interest of space and time, I’ll pass over it for now.
My first turn around the dance floor was so scary; I’m surprised I didn’t throw up! I would come out on Friday night, sit on one of the empty stools and PRAY no one would ask me to dance – but someone always did, and I thank you guys for your patience and persistence. [I’m so fascinated by the dancers that I sit and watch different couples doing things (I may NEVER do). Soon, the group guided me toward dance lessons. And what did I learn first – a real easy dance – THE SHUFFLE!!! Boy, I thought I’d never get it. But I found a "buddy" to go and endure the classes with me (most of you know Frances), and we are growing up together so to speak.
Next article, I’ll tell you about my first dance class. And if any new members have a story to tell or a thought they want to share, please let me, or someone in the group, know. I’m sure we’d love to hear it.
Beginner’s Luck II (This months article )
The seasoned members know that dance instructors vary, and you may learn better from one instructor due to your own learning style. Several Fort Worth members, and one rather tall, lanky Arlington member tried to tell me this several times. They didn’t want me to give up because I wasn’t "getting it". And BELIEVE ME, I didn’t get it. I went for 3 weeks and was so frustrated because everyone else in the class was getting it. Was I so klutzy that I just couldn’t do this?
Finally, they convinced me (not that I’m stubborn in the least) that I should try a different class. By this time I met Frances and convinced (definition of convinced: begged, pleaded, bribed) her to go with me one Sunday evening to Cowboys. Actually, Frances was a willing compadre.
We had NO CLUE what we were getting into.
The first thing we did wrong, was we walked in on week #4 of a 4-week class. Secondly, I dressed in my "finest western garb" and boots to go dancing. Now, the only boots I had that would stay on my feet were my "hippie boots" and although they worked OK, they looked VERY out of place. I’m sure we (at least I) looked like a throwback from the movie "Electric Cowboy" or something.
We sat at the rail (third mistake) and watched the lesson, not daring to get up and go to the floor. We didn’t realize that those that sat at the rail were dancers. Heck, we weren’t even good spectators at this point. We created curiosity, just by being there. So, when people started asking us to dance, we were terrified. I think Frances handled it much better than I did. I told them I couldn’t dance yet, but to ask me again after I’d had a few lessons. Frances, on the other hand, told them "it’s your shins buddy", and off she went to the dance floor.
Another thing was we stood out simply because we were new. It took me a while to realize that most people know each other and any new face stands out. We attracted the odd drunk or two that night as well and this is where we learned to work together. [I would advise any single female to find a friend to go with. You never know when she’ll punch someone in the arm for you that REALLY needs, like Frances did once].
But, we made it through, and showed up the next Sunday for beginners lesson #1 dressed a little more appropriately and ready to learn. Neither one of us can compare to the years of experience that exists within the TCWDA but, we learn a little every time we dance and we, at least I, dance A LOT.
SPLASH!
The annual FW Chapter swim party was a hit, or rather a splash.
Thank you Ron and Becky for again, allowing us to invade your home with wet bodies, dripping clothing and lots of food (OK, minds out of the gutter, please). If you were there, you know how creative and beautiful their home is. If you weren’t you missed a treat.
The pool, of course, was the main event and the first one in was our fearless leader, John Lester. John was good at coaxing others into the pool with him and those that wouldn’t be coaxed enjoyed watching the swimmers. Water guns of all shapes and sizes were passed out and it was open season on anyone NOT in the pool. Please be sure to ask John about the giant ball he was playing with. Blowing bubbles was another main event. Cheryl and I couldn’t make our bubbles work and Melinda seemed to be the expert bubble blower (I have no idea what that means) – yes, these folks were easily entertained!
Thank you to everyone that brought goodies. The food was delicious. There was one meat and sauerkraut dish that was scrumptious, and lots of wonderful salads and desserts. We have all (finally) been sent the recipe for Melinda’s great salad. Thanks Melinda. I hear that Chris’ Cheesecake was wonderful, but I don’t think many of us got a bite because SOMEBODY ate most of it (Thanks, John). AND, for anyone needing a special dessert, here’s a new recipe - go get your telephone and call Frances and say, "I need a dessert", and Abracadabra, the night of the party you have a delicious dessert that everyone raves over.
We gathered and shared memories of past events over the VCR. Some of us were in them and some of us were sharing for the first time. I was impressed that Elvis made an appearance, but I HAVE TO KNOW – did anyone EVER catch that bunny???
I’m sure by now the group shot and probably some other individual pictures are on the website for us to remember the night.
I can’t wait till next year.
