Flash Fiction: Square Dance

The class filed into the gymnasium and awaited the P.E. teacher’s instructions. No equipment was anywhere in sight, so it was anyone’s guess what the new unit would be.

“For the next six-weeks, we’ll be square dancing,” Mrs. Reynolds announced to the class.

Many of the sixth-graders’ cheeks blushed in rosy hues, imagining themselves sharing more air with their crush than ever before. Several were annoyed at the idea.

“Are you serious?” a few wailed in unison, though Mrs. Reynolds acted like she didn’t hear them.

Mrs. Reynolds continued with her lesson, teaching the class how to form the square in couples—which garnered giggles—count the steps, and do the various movements the caller directed.

After some practice and slowly walking through a couple routines, Mrs. Reynolds felt they were ready for an entire song at full speed.

Before hitting play on the ancient boombox, Mrs. Reynolds reported, “Oh, I forgot to mention that all the sixth-graders will be performing these dances at the next assembly.”

Eyes bugged and smiles immediately cut into lines as sharp as knives.

When the first song ended and corners bowed to one another, two things were obvious: more practice was needed, and their preconceived notions about square dancing had been false.

Word Count: 212