Going into the seventh grade also meant that I started Mutual. Back then, Young Womens classes weren't held on Sunday. We met on a week night for lessons and activities. I always liked going to Mutual because it was another time during the week when I could see my church friends - girls and boys alike.
One of the best parts of Mutual was the nights when we had dance instruction and/or casual dances. It happened on a regular basis. In every ward, there was always an adult or two who were proficient enough in ballroom dancing that they could give instruction to a cultural hall full of teenagers. Oh, and back then, there was no such thing as a cultural hall. It was called the gym.
I remember instruction in the jitter bug, fox trot, waltz and cha cha. I probably had my favorite partners since some boys were a little more skilled than others. After our instruction, time would be allowed to dance to 45's. It was also a time when I hoped that the current boy that I had a crush on would ask me to dance.
I think it's sad that ballroom dance instruction isn't given to most teens today. I loved the stake cotillions and the mutual-night dancing! We were very fortunate to have the Goodsells in our ward to get the dancing going.
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