Tuesday, May 08, 2012

A First

Tim attended his first dance Saturday night. More accurately this was his first formal dance. He attended his cousin's Bat Mitzvah a few years back, boogied down to YMCA, and danced the Horah.

This was an even dressier event.

The girls were decked out in white gloves and miles of tulle. The boys' outfits ranged from jackets and ties for the youngest guys to tails for the older ones. Watching a thousand kids parade into the civic center in formal dress was a sight to behold.


The organization hosting this affair is called Social. I've heard about it for years, and, frankly, have done a bit of scoffing over the whole idea. It all sounded to me like Project Debutante Wanna Be with a bunch of high falutin' country club folk.


I just love it when I eat my words. I've swallowed so many, I'm beginning to acquire a taste for them.

So it was with Social. A friend encouraged me to think about it. Saturday night I thanked her profusely -- practically with tears in my eyes -- because Tim has loved every minute of it, and so have we, his parents.

I can see how social grace is a learned trait and one that can be very helpful in life. Social has reinforced a premise I've found true in other areas of parenting -- sometimes kids need to hear an outside voice,just another someone saying introduce yourself, make eye contact, manners matter, etc.. Social does all this very well. Plus the kids learn to waltz and to shag and to do the twist.

A thousand kids paraded in. The seats were packed with parents who paid ten bucks a head to watch. Dave sat down and said the words I've thought all year long - cash cow! A veritable gold mine.

But you know what? It was worth it, worth it, worth it -- worth the money, worth the driving, worth investing $40 in a pair of Good Humor Man white pants I promise you he'll never wear again.

Another first and one enjoyable evening.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is amazing to me - I'd never heard of this phenomenon. Your next step is to come to Scotland and go to a few ceilidhs as a family! No white trousers required, kilts optional.

Kris said...

In Atlanta, we have something similar called "Cotillion". Both my older boys have done it (after I "made" them!). Both loved it so much they asked to do the 2nd year. It's a great thing, especially for boys.

Kelly@http:/inthesheepfold.blogspot.com said...

Christine - You know Scotland's on my bucket list. I think I landed in Prestwick when I was 17, but I'm not counting that.

Kris - I agree. We had nothing like this where I grew up near Detroit, but I can how this can help kids grow more confident. And they do love it.

Amy Parris said...

I'm happy to say that I'm married to the man who started the whole Social epidemic here. He talked my parents into letting Kevin do it (first ACS student with his partner). I can honestly say that that program helped form them both into wonderful gentlemen. I can't wait to see Mackenzie at her first Spring Formal after attending all of Kevin's. That is, after I swallow the registration fee.

He looks so very handsome! Glad he liked it.

Anonymous said...

In this dark age, I am 1000% FOR anything that promotes our Western/Christian standards, polite society and "rules" of civility. When so many influences would have our children behaving like animals and giving in freely to their baser instincts, I would put up with quite a number of stuffed shirts:)

I wish that my parents would have invested in this, especially for my only brother. Like so many other young men who graduate with doctorates, he still can't use a fork and knife properly. What's worse is that he doesn't care--Food arrives in mouth, what's the big deal??

Anyway, our forefathers (and mothers!) knew that in these details, character is formed. I am so thankful that Social has such a good showing here in my fair city. I'm so glad that you and your husband enrolled your son--you'll never truly know just how much it will serve him.

~Christy, CMHT (veil, twin gals, etc.:)

Kelly@http:/inthesheepfold.blogspot.com said...

Amy - I didn't know all that! For TIm I say thanks.

Christy - I took me a day or two to figure out "veil and twin girls." So glad you visited! I agree - civiilty and manners make a difference. On another note, have you had the baby?

Anonymous said...

Hey Kelly,
Yes ma'am...all 9lbs, 13 oz of him:)
Should have brought a razor to the hospital so that he could shave:)

We were very blessed that all went so well, and that he is so healthy. He was born March 12th, and baptized on March 19th--St. Joseph's feast day.
I will try and get your email address so that I can send you a photo.

I just discovered your blog a few days ago, and I really enjoy it. You have a the benefit of being wise, but not looking a day over 35...kids keep us all young!

Hope to see you all soon, but a very happy Mother's Day in advance. As my husband told me just this evening, the kids will always look back and say, 'Mother was always there...'
It's really too beautiful...

~Christy

Kelly@http:/inthesheepfold.blogspot.com said...

Congrats, Christy! Sounds like you birthed a toddler.

Bless you for saying I look young! Little ones do help in that regard.

Happy Mothers' Day to you and to all Moms out there. Special love and prayers going out to my own Mom.

gmomhpa said...

Kelly, I happened on to your blog a couple of weeks ago and am so enjoying it! I remember you from the 2005 winter we lived nearby. You were one who welcomed us enthusiastically as we walked FV, and it meant more than you could have known. I share so much of what's in your Mother-heart -- except that now I'm a grandmother of 8 and met our first great-grandchild in March on his 2-mo. birthday. Your children, hubby and parents are so very, very blessed!

Kelly@http:/inthesheepfold.blogspot.com said...

gmomhpa -I'm glad you stumbled onto my blog. Welcome!

Describe yourself a little more so I can remember you. Were you visting from New Jersey?