I really don't mind!

This week, I have had the enormous pleasure of going out, line dancing with my friends, to both live music and videos (a new one on me, but quite fun!) Thank you, to all of my dancers who came out to have fun too. At the second event, I saw several of you who've moved on to other clubs to do your line dancing, and here's the thing I want to say to you:

I really don't mind!

A couple of times (a long time ago) I've seen ex-dancers of mine, out at the shops or wherever, who haven't wanted to catch my eye or interact with me. This makes me quite sad, because... I think of you all as my friends! I'm always pleased to see you and I'd love to know what you are up to. If you've moved from Laughter in Line to another club - well, I want you to be happy. If you wanted classes that are more advanced, or have less of a beginner-nurturing vibe, or that challenge you a bit more; if you wanted more country, or more pop, or just a closer-to-home location.... I still want you to be happy! So there's no need not to speak to me, you can be open about moving on, that's absolutely fine. I really don't mind.

Yes, it's true, I miss you, when you don't come, but this is really not a financial thing at all. I just think of my "regulars" as my friends, you know I try to learn all of your names and welcome you in when you start, and then, as we have the odd conversation as the months and years go by, I feel I come to know you. And when you decide to dance elsewhere, I miss seeing you, but I want what's best for you.

I try to keep Laughter in Line as a beginner-specialist club, because we all started there, didn't we? When I first started line dancing, it was very much more of a thrown-in-the-deep-end experience, and I loved it, but remember wondering for a very long time what a coaster step was, and as for the kick-ball-change, I thought that involved large hairy bovines! And I don't want my new beginners to have that same experience, so I work very hard to teach easy dances, with one or two new steps each week.

My improvers, too, I try to start off in the "step-up" position and then slowly build up to the really fun dances... your "Damn"s and so on! It takes time, and if you request a Damn or similar, early doors, well, we'll have to work up to it. I don't want to put the new improvers off!

So if you decide Laughter in Line is not right for you... I really don't mind. I miss you, but I want you to be happy.

And if you see me "out" somewhere - whether you're still one of my regulars, or you've moved on, or you've just got busy doing other things, doesn't matter! Just come and have a chat! I'm always happy to see you!