MRS Fanshaw, as she danced The Military Two-step, might have “sailed as stately as a galleon” but she displayed rather less zest when she had to dance “bust to bust”, at her Old Tyme Dancing class (pace Joyce Grenfell’s song ‘Old Tyme Dancing’). My mother had the same problem when in the 1940s and 50s she and her partner, Elsie, had to glide about the St Columba Hall in their old-time dancing class.
Elsie being the taller shoved my dear parent around backwards as the man is supposed to. They did rather enjoy themselves in spite of the lack of males; or maybe because of the lack of males.
At my same-sex grammar school in the 50s we danced “bust to bust” quite happily and in blissful ignorance of anything odd about it. It was better than dancing with the boys as they stood on one’s toes.
So why the problem on Strictly Come Dancing? I agree with Mhairi Black (“Strictly Needs Gay Pair”, The Herald, September 19) that the programme should include same-sex dancing partners. Men in other countries have danced together since time began, and I know from experience that women and girls danced quite happily together.
I have to admit that I have never seen Strictly; no TV and no inclination to watch people cavorting about. Ceilidhs, up on Skye though, were terrific; but that is proper dancing, with feisty male partners. Have I just shot down my argument? Nevertheless the BBC should listen to Miss Black.
Thelma Edwards,
Old Comrades Hall,
Hume,
Kelso.
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