Somewhere between my elementary tap and jazz classes and the first time I watched Dirty Dancing, I developed a desire to learn the Tango, the Cha-Cha, and all the other seemingly complicated dances.

So a few weeks ago I finally took the initiative to try my hand at ballroom dancing. I showed up in a t-shirt and jeans at 7 p.m. outside the doors of the Box Factory. A few fears developed as I saw men in dress pants and women in black skirts and high heels.

But my fears were all calmed as soon

as I entered the double doors and met the host. "I'm so happy that you came. We love new people," he said. His eager hello was followed by a wave of smiles from all the veteran dancers.

The dancers' benevolent attitudes were matched by the attitude of the instructor, Rhonda (her last name is still a mystery to me).

It was explained to us that from 7-8 p.m. we would be given a dance lesson, and from 8 -9 p.m. it was open dance. To stay from 7 - 9 p.m. costs $8 and to just come for the dancing is $5.

To my luck, the group was just beginning to learn a new dance: the Cha-Cha.

Only 30 minutes later I found myself across from an elderly gentlemen, head up, straight back, with the teepee finger grip ( I think that entails placing 3 fingers around you partner's thumb when you clasp hands, but I may be wrong).

Besides learning the 4 count Cha-Cha - well part of it, I met a wide variety of people. Among them I became friends with an older lady in a green shirt, who shared my lack of rhythm. She was one of the friendliest people that I have ever met, and I look forward to having more laughs about our awkward feet next week.

Upon leaving at the end of the night I only had one regret: that it did not last longer.