Dancing the night away

At this time of year, it's common for us "girls" to think back to our proms and other formal dances that seemed to be routine occurrences during our school years. This picture, taken in either 1959 or 1960 in the Williams' living room, preceded our going out to eat before the Linsly Military Ball. I can still remember Wick's shy invitation following our meeting up at Woodsdale School where I was hitting (slamming) tennis balls against the side of the building. I was either completing fifth or sixth grade. Going to a dance was about the farthest thing from my mind, especially since I had just broken an upper window. But when Wick asked, I answered yes with such alacrity that even I was surprised. Forget parental consent. My mother was dumfounded and my father bemused, but both consented. Then began the preparations. My hair presented no problem since it was cut Pixie-short and provided no options for a "do." A dress, on the other hand, was THE PROBLEM. However, Barbara Bailey, a beautiful veteran of many formal dances, and her mother found a suitable dress, and with a few minor adjustments, primarily made in the torso...., I became Cinderella. I traded in my shorts, sleevless shirt, and sneakers for a full-length, layered aqua tulle gown with white flats. A beautiful corsage and white gloves completed the ensemble, and I was whisked off to an unforgettable evening where my dance card (actually a little orange book in which young lads signed up for dances-- which I still have) was almost full. Fortunately, both Wick and I had taken ballroom dancing from Louella Parsons (correct name?), so I think we did rather well. Wick, Milt, and Don looked so handsome in their uniforms. Although I went to several balls years later, this first experience will always be the most memorable.