Chapter 50

The foyer of the dance studio is filled with intermediate and senior dancers. They’ve come to help judge our progress. A few of the intermediates offer words of encouragement, while the seniors seem to be happier checking their posture and tummies in the studio mirrors. Silvio claps his hands, telling us to line up along one wall. More people arrive. They watch us take our positions. “We will start with the rumba,” Silvio says, and Carmen, dressed in a leotard and skirt, puts on the music.

“Just relax, Sam,” Mary whispers.

We dance and Silvio observes, nodding when he sees something he likes. The seniors watch Muller and Judy the most. Judy’s got a smile as big as an ocean. When the music ends, Silvio says, “Very good. Now the salsa.” We take our positions with me counting under my breath. Muller and Judy are the only ones who don’t look stiff. The rest of us are obvious beginners, missing the beat, crunching a toe here and there. I spin Mary and get my sleeve caught on her hairclip. Silvio walks towards us and gives me a critical eye. “Now you’ve done it,” Mary whispers in my ear. He continues past and stands right behind us. I miss the beat again and get all gimpy. “Stop pushing me,” Mary says. “He’s right there.” Silvio goes off with fingers pressed to his lips. I feel like I’m in public school, catching my nuts on the box horse. “What happened, Sam?” Mary says.

“I lost count. The man makes me nervous.”

“We have to do better with the tango.”

“That’s the hardest one.”

“Just remember what Silvio taught you.”

“He taught me a lot of things.”

“Be mucho machismo.”

“You be mucho machismo. I’m busy counting.”

We get through it somehow, and everyone applauds. Muller’s grinning like a chimp. All the couples come out on the floor to do a final merengue. It’s easier than the tango, more hips than feet.

We take our positions with knees slightly bent. “Don’t wiggle, Sam,” Mary warns, which I forget as soon as we start. She digs in her nails. I keep expecting Silvio’s hands on my back. Then I see him over at the trophy table with Carmen. The song ends, and he walks to the middle of the floor with Carmen holding the first trophy.

“Very good everyone,” Silvio says. “I am proud of you all. I would now like to announce the winners of the dance contest. First place goes to the very talented couple off to my right. Please applaud Muller and his lovely wife, Judy.” Everyone claps and Muller gives a little bow. Then Silvio hands out the second and third place trophies.

“Lastly,”—Silvio takes a gold medal on a ribbon out of his pocket—“we always give something to the most improved.” He walks slowly around the room, pausing at one point, then suddenly walks over to me. “To our most improved dancer,” he says, “Sam Bennett.”

A bigger round of applause fills the studio. People are clapping like mad. Silvio puts the ribbon around my neck.

“Congratulations everybody,” he says. “My wife is bringing out refreshments. Our beginners will now move up to the intermediate level. Tomorrow, the seniors will graduate. I hope you will all attend.” He goes and helps Carmen put out the drinks and glasses.

Judy and Muller come and join us. “You see, Sam,” Mary says, “Silvio doesn’t hate you.”

“Well done, Sam,” Muller says.

“You won the damn contest, for chrissake.”

“Daddy,” Judy says, “it’s not who wins.”

“Can’t you take a compliment, Sam?” Mary says. “Go over and thank Silvio. Show some appreciation.”

“He’s talking to some people,” I say, but Mary pushes me and I go stand with the others waiting to talk to him.

“Thanks, Silvio,” I say when it’s my turn. “I appreciate it.” He smiles and makes a little bow. Then I thank Carmen, adding I hope I’ll be good enough to dance with her someday. She stands like a commodore with her hands behind her back. She’s all smiles and glitter. I excuse myself and join Mary, Judy and Muller. “Let’s go,” I say.

“What’s your hurry?” Judy says.

“Where’s your medal, Sam?” Mary says.

“It’s in my pocket.”

“You’re supposed to wear it, Daddy.”

“Okay, fine, I’ll wear it to the car. Now let’s vamoose.”