“A play on words. Finish your breakfast,
then let’s get going for this thing.”
“It’s not a ‘thing’, it’s a challenge. We’re
going to have so much fun, Dad,” Emma
squealed, swallowing her last mouthful.
“I’m not sure about fun, but it’s going
to be interesting,” Tony replied darkly,
grabbing his coat.
As they walked into the studio, he felt
somewhat relieved to see several other
dads sidling in looking equally embar-
rassed. At least he wasn’t the only one.
“Can we have some quiet please,”
Emma’s dance teacher said, clapping her
hands firmly. Although Tony detected a
definite twinkle in her eye as she gazed
at her recruits.
“Welcome to you all, and may I say a
big thank you from the bottom of my
heart for you dads giving up your valua-
ble Saturday morning for
such a good cause. We’ve
been promised a fantastic
amount of money if you all
finish your challenge today.
I know you don’t want to let
the hospice down, so best
foot forward! Now, if you’d
like to go over to the corner
you’ll find some outfits.
Once you’re dressed, we’ll begin.”
Emma grabbed Tony’s hand and pulled
him to where a froth of coloured net lay,
nestled among stripes, satins and
checked fabrics. “Come on, Dad.”
She delved in and pulled out a pale
pink tutu for him to put on. “You don’t
want bright pink, Dad. This paler one is
much prettier and will look much better
on you!” she said holding it up against
him.
“Do I have to wear one at all?” Tony
ventured.
“Yes. You want to stand out, don’t
you?” Emma said firmly.
“Not particularly!” Tony muttered.
He sighed, eyeing the skirt dispassion-
ately, then leant against a wall to pull it
on dutifully.
“I feel like an idiot. Still, it’s for a good
cause, eh,” another guy said, tugging at
his own skirt, which had been thrust at
him.
Tony nodded. That was the most im-
portant thing, raising money. Throwing
off his worries, he chortled as he caught
sight of himself in the mirrors. Everyone
looked just as daft but instead of feeling
embarrassed he gave a small wiggle,
throwing one arm up in the air like he’d
seen Emma do and standing on one leg,
wobbling slightly, imitating the pose of a
prima ballerina.
“Nice attitude! You need to work on
your balance though,” the dance teacher
grinned as she walked past to the front
of the class.
Suitably attired, Tony and the other
dads lined up awaiting their fate.
Being put through the various moves,
Tony puffed and grunted, stretched and
strained, doing his level best to follow the
instructions called out. He’d had no idea
doing ballet steps could be such hard
work! This was like a full workout at the
gym.
“She’s keeping it simple for you, Dad.
Keep up!” Emma whispered encourag-
ingly.
Simple! Tony thought, heaving and
huffing. Although he had to admit that
as he pointed his foot and
put his arms up in the air in
various strange positions,
he was rather enjoying him-
self. There was a lovely ca-
maraderie among the fel-
low dads. All laughing and
joking as they attempted
the moves.
“I’m never going to belit-
tle being a dancer as easy ever again,” one
dad said, making everyone chuckle.
“Dancing is hard work! But it builds
enormous character and is very worth-
while, as I’m sure your daughters have
told you,” the teacher smiled.
Afterwards Tony was even happy to
pose for a photo for the local press. “If the
guys at the pub make fun of me, I’m just
going to send them down here for a les-
son,” he grinned at Emma.
“Is that why you didn’t want to do it at
first?” Emma asked.
“Umm,” Tony looked a bit shame-faced.
“Dad, you always told me that you
should never feel ashamed of anything
you do. We all have our gifts; it’s how we
use them that’s important. And you’re so
supportive of me. You’re the best dad
ever!” Emma squeezed him tight.
“And you’re the best daughter a dad
could have,” Tony hugged her back
tightly.
“So, how was clearing the drain?” Tony
asked Joe the following Friday night.
“Hell! Got covered in muck and used
muscles I’d forgotten I had!” Joe ex-
claimed. “What about your weekend?”
“Just a bit of quality father-daughter
time,” Tony grinned, sipping his pint. S
© CARRIE HEWLETTIf he took part
in the
challenge the
guys at the pub
would jeer for
monthsyou.co.za 22 AUGUST 2019 | (^63)