Dancing was such a big part of my childhood yet has absolutely no place in my adult life, and I think that’s a great pity… At various times I’ve considered changing that but – so far – I never have… My parents met at a dance and were THE most amazing dancers – jive, skiffle, rock ‘n’ roll… They often danced at home where I’d watch them or join in… It was just a normal part of my life. I went to dancing classes – ballet, tap – from a very early life and loved watching Sunday afternoon musicals. I was surprised and not a little disappointed when I realised that real life wasn’t like the films – people didn’t just burst into song and dance as they walked down the street… If I’m honest, I’m still a bit disappointed…
I came across the Luther Vandross song “Dance with my Father” today – it’s Father’s Day and I was feeling nostalgic and Googled “Dancing with my Dad” and the song just cropped up; he isn’t a singer I would normally listen to… However, the words just bring back so many memories of dancing with my own father that I have listened to it over and over this evening…
Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me
And then
Spin me around ’till I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure
I was lovedIf I could get another chance
Another walk
Another dance with him
I’d play a song that would never ever end
How I’d love love love
To dance with my father againWhen I and my mother
Would disagree
To get my way I would run
From her to him
He’d make me laugh just to comfort me
yeah yeah
Then finally make me do
Just what my mama said
Later that night when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he
Would be gone from meIf I could steal one final glance
One final step
One final dance with him
I’d play…Luther Vandross