Living History
My first date
I was lucky to grow up in Forest Lodge, which is a small suburb between Glebe and Annandale in Sydney NSW. It was a working class suburb and blessed with an excellent primary school with dedicated teachers. The school was used for research and teacher training by Sydney University, which was close by at the end of Ross Street. So we had lots of unusual activities.
I had my first date in 6th class at age 11. The invitation was issued while we were riding our bikes and playing on the swings in the large grassed section of Harold Park Raceway, inside the trotting track. It was very formal indeed: "Would you care to accompany me to the fancy dress ball?" he asked. I wasn’t sure what to do but said I would ask my mother.
My mother said she would ask my father and my father had a word to his father down at 'The Holler' (the local hotel). Everything was agreed. I had the impression that, despite their serious expressions, my parents’ eyes were a bit more sparkly than usual. I later discovered that they thought it was hugely amusing and had difficulty keeping a straight face.
On the day before the big event my date appeared at our back door and apologised for being unable to collect me and walk me to the school. He explained "I am going as a petrol pump and Dad will have to deliver me in the back of the ute". When I saw him I had the impression that his costume may actually have been heavier than the real thing.
So we met up after the judging, and danced together all night. Thankfully he had removed his heavy and restrictive costume by then.
Although we went off to different high schools the following year and did not see a lot of each other, we remained friends for many years and shared a large house with our respective spouses when we both had small children and were saving for our house deposits.
All the students at the school were taught the Barn Dance, Pride of Erin, Gypsy Tap, and other social dances of the day. These could be performed progressively (where you changed partners after each set of steps) or with a single partner. Progressive dancing was a great way of meeting people and breaking the ice early in the evening.
I treasure the memory of my first date. Thank you Jimmy.
Andrea, Yass, New South Wales
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