In elementary school dance was something I naturally gravitated to. Since I was petite and graceful I was often chosen to be in dances for siyum celebrations chagigahs and class plays. I loved the feeling of sailing through the air twirling to the music and matching graceful motions to moving tunes. But being in dance is one thing — being voted to be the actual head of it all in 12th grade is quite another. I didn’t dream it would actually happen but it certainly didn’t hurt to hope.

“Dassy” my friend whispered to me on that momentous voting day “don’t worry I’m nominating you as dance head for sure.”

I really don’t remember who or what I voted for but I do remember the babble in the classrooms and hallways afterwards. Even though we had been warned against discussing our choices the girls were abuzz. I was surprised at how many girls came over to tell me that they had voted for me to head dance. It meant a lot to me — not only that now I had a pretty good chance at getting the job but I also appreciated the social status their votes of confidence gave me. I couldn’t get home fast enough that day to share the great news with my mother.

“Hi Mommy” I blurted out tripping over my words in my excitement. “We voted for 12th grade jobs today and I may actually be chosen as dance head!”