Dancing My Way Into Tuesday

March 8, 2022 Tonight I started a new 8 week dance class. Actually, it's two different dance classes. At the behest of my good friends who all thought line dancing would be fun, I decided to sign up for that one with them. It is a testament to how much I love my friends that I am willing to subject myself to country music on purpose in order to dance with them. (Truth be told, the class actually ended up being fun.) The second class bills itself as a class that teaches swing, jazz, lindy, charleston, etc. In reality, it's just a bunch of short, repeating steps to fun music that borrows from a lot of different styles. It will be a fun class, but I don't actually think I can honestly say I have learned any specific styles from that class. That's okay, though. I still think it will be fun.

Tapping on the Door to Progress

 January 21, 2022

I made a list of goals for the year at the beginning of January.  These are not so much New Year's resolutions as they are reminders of things I want to accomplish this year.  One of the things on my list was to get back into the habit of getting 10,000 steps every day.  So far, so good.  Another goal was to take a beginner's tap dancing class for adults.  Random, I know, but I have always wanted to give it a try.  I have some dance experience in my background, but absolutely none in that particular kind of dance.  And, honestly, who doesn't love the aesthetically pleasing sound of the tippy-tap-tap of well-articulated tap choreography?  The problem is, finding beginning adult tap classes in our area is a little like finding a needle in a haystack.  I just haven't found anything.  So as I was checking my Fitbit and trying to determine how much of a late night walk I needed to take, I decided to take a different approach.  I put on my tap shoes (recently purchased, optimistic that I'd find my elusive class), and put Youtube on my big screen.  I did a quick search for tap choreography for beginners, chose a video at random (well, not quite random--the teacher was choreographing to Kenny's Loggins' "Footloose", and my 80s-loving self couldn't pass it up), and hit play. With my TV on in the living room and me tip-tapping on the dining room floor directly across from the screen, I took my first tap class.  Y'all, it was fun!  I fortunately stumbled onto a Youtube teacher who was fast but not too fast, explained and demonstrated just the right amount, and was friendly and personable.  Now I'm going to stick around with her videos for awhile until I gain some aptitude before I branch out and find some other tap lessons.  She was a great introductory instructor, and I want to get the choregraphy down to be able to perform it without watching her feet or hearing her direction.  I'll just have to be the only pupil in my class for now.  But in the meantime, not only did I try tap, but it was a great way to get the rest of my 10,000 steps for the night!

On the Impending Retirement of One of My Teachers

February 23, 2017

This year, my high school drill and dance teacher will be retiring after devoting years to Clovis High and her students. She was an incredible influence in my life, and I was thrilled to hear that one of her colleagues is putting together a tribute to her, collecting memories from her dancers to share with her at her retirement celebration.  I thought I'd share here what I'll be sending in.

Hi Mik,

As you are heading into retirement, I wanted to take a moment to share with you the impact you had on me as a young kid, which is perhaps more than you could ever know.  

When I started Clovis High, I was not just new to the school; I was new to the district.  I didn’t know a soul.  For a shy, terrified kid afraid of her own shadow, this was nearly insurmountable. My mom had left my dad, and our home life was difficult and unstable as my mom tried to find her footing suddenly as a single mom with five children in tow.  In my old district, I was a twirler on the baton team, but as Clovis High had only a solo twirler, already selected, my mom pushed to get me on the drill team, well after tryouts had occurred in the spring.  I didn’t even know what a drill team was, but mom knew I needed something to be involved in, or I was likely to fade into invisibility in the vast, overwhelming world of high school.  She knew I needed stability, routine, a sense of belonging somehow.  You probably don’t even know that when my mom dropped me off on that very first day of band camp, I wandered around campus for literally an hour before I worked up the courage to enter the cafeteria, where over 100 girls, every one a stranger to me, were working out and warming up.  The only thing that got me in the door on that first day was that the fear of telling my mother that I hadn’t been able to walk in the door was slightly greater than my fear of all of those unfamiliar eyes looking at me, wondering why I was in their space.  I didn’t think I belonged.  I didn’t think anyone would think I belonged.

Eventually I did go in, and found you, as instructed.  Without hesitation, you smiled and took me in, and introduced me to some of the other freshmen and some of the senior leaders as well.  Band camp week was intensive, difficult, and incredibly rewarding, and I found that I loved being a part of the team.  I also started school that year with friends I wouldn’t have met unless I had been thrust into the family of band in the few weeks before the first school bell rang.  That introduction was life-saving—life-changing.  I found myself part of an incredible group of talented, fun, energetic, and devoted group of people would become my second family.  Anyone who was a part of band, especially in the 1980s, can attest to the unbelievable numbers of hours we all spent together, week in and week out, on the field, in the gyms, traveling on buses, sleeping on gym floors on weekend band review trips.  You helped make that family happen for me. 

 

Not only did I gain a family and a sense of social inclusion at a particularly important time in my life, but you, and the drill and dance program itself, are the most singular influence on helping to develop my sense of self and confidence in myself.  I remember at the end of my sophomore year, we had auditions for the leadership of the team.  I had never seen myself as a leader; I was a follower, and a darn good one at that.  However, I remember sitting down with you and you encouraging me to consider auditioning for a leadership role.  I don’t remember your words; what I remember is somehow seeing myself through your eyes, hearing that you thought of me as having that kind of potential.  It genuinely opened up new possibilities for me—pushed me to see myself in new ways.  It was one of those moments in time that serves as a catalyst, inspiring real change.  I still had trepidation, but decided that if you could see me as a leader, I could try to live up to what you saw.  I closed my eyes and dove in, working to silence my insecurities.  You placed faith in me, and I found myself the Parade Section Leader my junior year.  It was challenging to lead a group of fifty girls, but I found that my peers respected me and listened to me, and I was a good at diplomacy and working cooperatively with instructors and dance members alike to help bring success to our performances.  I realized that I really enjoyed it, and was made a Co-Captain my senior year, a year that capped off four years of incredible experiences in high school, led predominantly by you.

High school is a formative time for young people, and you came into my life—or rather, I was thrust into yours—when I dearly needed it.  Your talent, leadership, love, and guidance shaped me, and so, so many others, in ways big and small throughout the years.  Your devotion to your girls was abundantly evident in everything you put into our team.  You taught us dance, choreography, musicality, teamwork.  You pushed our physical abilities beyond what we thought we were capable of.  Even more importantly, you taught us to look inside ourselves and grow in strength, commitment, and confidence.  Without you, I’m not sure I would have learned to see myself as a leader.  In my professional career, I have taken on many leadership positions—I relish them, enjoy having a voice, and being a support and advocate for others.  That all began with you—the day you looked at me and saw what I could not see.  For that, I am ever, ever grateful.

My story is just one of literally thousands.  As you move on to this next chapter of your life, I pray that you know just a fraction of the amount of joy and love and confidence you have imparted to your drill and dance team members, as well as your Dance Rep kids.  You have been an inspiration and a guiding light.  I thank you.  We thank you.  We love you and wish you well.

Love,

Donna Mayes Lutjens

Sadie's 2015

September 26, 2015

Today was Teamsters' Day at the Battle of the Bay: San Francisco Giants vs. Oakland A's in Oakland.  Doug's union hall offered a little day trip to its stewards and their wives, so we were up bright and early to catch the chartered bus they provided for us.  Once there, we attended a fantastic barbque put on by the Teamsters (my very first proper tailgate!) before heading into the ballpark.  We had seats directly in the sun--a drawback, to be sure--but had the opportunity to see a rookie Giant hit a pretty impressive Grand Slam that all but sealed the deal for an eventual Giants win.  This was Doug's first major league baseball game, so it was pretty cool to get to see that live.

The only tough part of being gone all day was the realization I had a few days before that we would be gone on the day of the Sadie's dance.  Nicholas got to go even though he's a graduate, since Treasa is still at Buchanan, and Danielle asked her good friend Nathan to go with her--her first high school dance.  I told Nicholas, Treasa, and Danielle that since I was going to be gone and wouldn't be there to take my traditional 'before the dance' pictures, they had to make sure to send me pictures via text.  Treasa's dad did the photography duties at her house, since Treasa's mom was also at another event.  It was a blurry shot, but I'm glad they sent it anyway.  I'm not even sure who shot Danielle's picture, but I think it's pretty cute too.  It's Danielle, Megan, Nathan, and Megan's date Garrett.  I checked in with both the kids at the end of the night once they got back safely to their dad's house, and they all said they had a great evening!

Sadie's for Danielle

September 11, 2015

Danielle asked Nathan to Sadie's today!  They're doubling with her best friend Megan, and her date Garrett.  Such a fun group of kids!

Almost Winter Formal Time...

January 8, 2015

We took Nicholas to pick out his tux for the upcoming Winter Formal.  I think he and his girlfriend are going to look fabulous in green!

Winter Formal, Sophomore Year

January 12, 2013

Nicholas asked Natalie Gonzales to accompany him to the Winter Formal this year.  She had a previous commitment for dinner, but she was able to meet up with him at the dance.  Normally I have Winter Formal dance duty, but because of my knee surgery I had to bow out.  In addition, we had to have Danielle at her soccer game at the same time Nicholas was getting dressed for formal, so I never even got to see him all dressed up, nor did I get to see his date!  I had to rely on a few photos from his dad and from my good friend Allison, who was chaperoning.

Nicholas didn't seem too disappointed that he didn't get to take Natalie to dinner.  I think he just focused on having a good time at the dance.  He said they both had a great time!

Homecoming at the Gaetje Household

October 20, 2012

The girls are all grown up and dressed up!  Sophomore year Homecoming Dance for Miss Natalie and Miss Taylor:

 Taylor and her boyfriend, Chris

Nicholas' First Winter Formal

January 8, 2012

Three or four days after my camera was stolen, it suddenly dawned on my that the following Saturday was Nicholas' first Winter Formal. Both my sister and my ex-husband, both of whom know how much it means to me to be a historian of sorts, had offered me the temporary use of their cameras, and I can't tell you how much that meant to me. However, Doug also knew that no matter what, he wanted to make sure we got my camera replaced. He knew it was the one thing I'd really want to splurge on, since it's something that I use all the time. He took me to Best Buy, and we shopped for cameras. The big brother of my stolen camera was on sale, and we couldn't pass it up. I was ecstatic to be able to use it to take pictures of my very handsome young man and his lovely date at the Buchanan Winter Formal.

Doug and Nicholas, getting ready for the dance. It was really sweet to see Doug helping Nicholas with his cuff links and his tie. Am I a little emotional? Yes. Yes I am. I remember a Winter Formal many years ago when Doug was putting on his own cuff links and tie, and picking me up for our Formal date.Mama's handsome boy.

It was pretty fun, actually, the whole week prior to the dance, when Doug and I tried to impart little gems of dating wisdom to him. When your first date ever is a Winter Formal, it's kind a high bar.

"Even if you don't want to dance, dance. It's her first dance, too, and you don't want her first high school dance to be one where she sits in a chair all night."

"Don't forget that you have to budget for tip for your dinner. And tax."

"Take a toothbrush so you can brush your teeth after dinner. You don't want to slow dance with the girl when there's a piece of lettuce stuck in your braces."

"Have a few conversation starters already planned, in case you're not sure what to talk about at dinner."

"At some point in time in the evening, make sure you tell your date she looks pretty. She probably will have spent a lot of time and effort to dress up for the dance--let her know you appreciate it."

"Look her in the eye when you're talking to her."

"Whatever you do, if there's a t.v. on in the restaurant, don't sit facing it. You get distracted far too easily by t.v., and you'll stop talking to her."

"When her mom picks her up from the dance, be sure to walk her out to the car. Don't just wave and let her walk out by herself. Also, if she's cold, offer her your tux jacket to wear."

"Make her laugh, and you won't go wrong."

And to his credit, he didn't balk or get embarrassed, or even roll his eyes when we dropped these little hints throughout the week. He just took it all in.

Nicholas and his best friend, Edward.
Nicholas and his date, Pearl. (Pearl is Edward's cousin.) They all went out to dinner together at Red Robin before the dance.








I thought perhaps Nicholas might not dance, but his whole group got out and rocked out together.
When I drove Nicholas home, he said he'd had a lot of fun. Of course, he might have just been saying that because he thought that's what I wanted to hear. But his Facebook status later that night: WINTER FORMAL: AWESOME. BEST NIGHT EVER.

My little boy is growing up, and I couldn't be happier!

Sneak Peak at Nicholas' Winter Formal Suit

December 29, 2011

Next week we actually get to see the boy in the suit. I think he's going to look so handsome!

Look Who Else Had a Dance This Weekend

October 16, 2011

My beautiful niece Taylor also attended a high school dance this weekend with her friends--the Homecoming Dance. Love the dress! It's so exciting to see our kids growing up: )

Look Who Went to the High School Dance

October 16, 2011

Nicholas attended his first high school dance last night. Actually, it was his first school dance since the Mother-Son dances in elementary school--he never had any interest in the junior high dances. I was really excited that he wanted to go; he's told me that he's 'trying to be more social'. He didn't go with anyone in particular--he just knew of some of his friends who were going, so he wanted to go hang out. I told him I'd be happy to buy his ticket, as long as he made two concessions--he had to let me take a picture of him, and he had to wear a shirt with a collar. (He grumbled a little at both, but conceded.)

I think it was a success. He said he didn't really dance, but he got to hang out with some of his friends. I almost expected him to call and ask to be picked early, but he stayed until the end and said he had a good time. I think my little boy is growing up (and becoming more social, to boot!)

Neon Dance

September 11, 2011

When Bree was in Junior High, she only went to one dance. Nicholas never attended any of the dances. So when Danielle came home and told me that the Welcome Back Dance was coming up and she wanted to go with all of her friends, I was really excited for her. The dance was a Neon Dance, and as you can see, Danielle got into the spirit of it. She and all of her Neon girlfriends danced and laughed and chatted and had a great time--junior high is off to a great start!

A Magical Night Under the Stars

May 4, 2011

Brianna looked so beautiful on the night of Prom. She had a beautiful dress, a knock-out smile, and lots of great friends to make the evening one to remember. She went with Simone, who was also beautiful as always. The two of them, along with several other couples, had dinner at Simone's home before their limo picked them up to transport them to Holland Park West, a lovely outdoor garden venue.

I chaperoned Prom this year, so I got to see them all there and take some pictures. Luckily, someone was looking out for me, so I didn't have the dreaded dance floor duty--I just got to check the kids in at the entrance and take lots of pictures!


Austin, Mallory, Simone, Bree, Kyle, Lena, Katie, Alyssa, Berto, and Nicole
Simone and Bree

Austin and Bree--friends since second grade, all grown up.

Second grade buddies--Austin, Nicole, and Bree


My beautiful baby and me
Austin, Nicole, and me
Macie and me