Sunday, December 21, 2003

	George and Bernie Duda of West View are regulars at the Thursday afternoon tea dances at Dance America in Bellevue. Click photo for larger image.

On the dance floor, Shirley gives Buck a come-hither glance.

She is tall and blond, with a trim figure and precision posture. She's dressed stylishly in a denim dress with a dirndl skirt.

He is taller, looking handsome in neatly pressed tan slacks and a plaid shirt.

Shirley tilts her head flirtatiously and, as a cha-cha comes over the sound system, gently swings her shoulders and hips.

In response, Buck crosses the dance floor a few steps. He takes Shirley into his arms and the two lock eyes, oblivious to others around them.

In perfect unison, they twirl on the hardwood as music fills the dance hall and prisms from the ceilings mirrored balls twinkle in the darkened room.

Shirley shimmies seductively as she steps away from Buck. His moves and the gesture of his hands draw her back into his embrace.

They are a playful pair, smiling at one another and laughing, communicating with their expressions and their moves in that unspoken language that is borne out of 48 years of marriage.

Indeed it is a seductive pas de deux that Shirley and Buck Boyd perform, and they are not alone.

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Andrew and Nel Dekker, George and Bernie Duda, and Mar and Lily Villasenor are all just as passionate about their dance and each other.

The four couples, who range in age from 59 to 76, are retirees who spend Thursdays at Dance America in Bellevue, where tea dances, a British custom, are held from 2 to 4 p.m.

The couples have been getting together for this afternoon indulgence for years. They are so much a part of the studio that owner Gay Gregg often simply leaves them the key, trusting that they'll put their $5 admission in a box on a desk in the entrance and lock up when they leave.

They are a lively bunch and, on this day, apologetic that so few people have come out to dance.

'Tis a busy season, they say, so their merry group is smaller. But it matters not.

The couples waltz and rumba. They fox-trot and quick-step. They salsa and samba.

They practice their ballroom moves. They even line-dance.

It is wonderful exercise, they say. And a wonderful way to socialize.

They are effusive and welcoming.

They are thrilled when newcomers join them for the dance.

Johnna Pro can be reached at jpro@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1574. Steve Mellon can be reached at smellon@post-gazette.com.

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