A Square Dance in a NP Hospital

The dancers moved in moderate irregularity to the orchestra’s droning fox-trot. There were perhaps fourteen couples on the floor, with a small group of patients watching from the sidelines.

The caller’s voice caught the attention of most of the patients present, as he announced, with brief instructions, the square-dance: “Chase the Rabbit, Chase the Squirrel”. Three squares swept onto the floor; two entering volunteers and two nurses quickly enticed partners to comprise a fourth square. Two inexperienced patients required more instruction from the caller, while the fiddle paced the sweeping squares.

Next from the orchestra pit came “Mockingbird Hill” to whirl away the waltzers. But not all whirled. There was some frenzied shuffles and lurching. The deftness of coordinated movement in absence, left a strain.

The spirit of the beginners, the smoothness of the few experienced dancers, the good judgement of the caller, and the peal of the music did evolve a successful evening of frolic and enjoyment for many.