Party animals

 

Line dancing at a birthday luncheon

 

BIRTHDAYS are special. How do you celebrate yours? Madam Saw Yang, a senior with a zest for life, made hers memorable by dancing solo at her birthday bash.   

Saw Yang celebrated her 70th birthday on April 11 with a line dance luncheon. She invited about 90 guests for a sumptuous luncheon, followed by a scintillating session of line dance. It was a pleasant surprise when I received her invitation card, complete with a map to the restaurant and a list of 42 line dances. 

 

Why a line dance luncheon?   

“I have attended many line-dancing functions (lunch, tea or dinner) for the past few years, all organised by different line dancing groups from Petaling Jaya, Selangor. I enjoyed all of them – delicious food, great company and dandy dancing,” said Saw Yang.   

“Recently I attended the annual luncheon of the Bandar Utama line dancing group at Jade View Seafood Restaurant in Dataran Sunway. I enjoyed the delightful dishes and lively line dancing there. The spacious dance floor also impressed me.  

“I wanted my birthday to be memorable. Since my friends like line dancing, I decided to have a line-dance luncheon there,” she elaborated.  

I have known Saw Yang for more than 20 years. She was an energetic teacher while working and when she retired, she continued leading an active life. Besides home-making and socialising, she goes swimming daily from 9am to noon. However, eight years ago, she found a new love: line dancing.  

“I have always loved dancing,” revealed Saw Yang.” Being an only child from a conservative family, I was not allowed out during my younger days. With no dancing experience, I first learned the cha cha steps from my line dance teacher in Damansara Jaya at age 62! Since then, I have continued to enjoy every minute of dancing. I joined many line dancing classes in PJ, but now I only go for classes in SS2 and SS3 five times a week.” What a fulfilling life after retirement!  

At 12.30pm, when I arrived at the restaurant, an enthusiastic group of people were dancing on the carpeted floor. Although lunch was at 1pm, Saw Yang had asked her guests to go early for an hour of dancing first. When lunch was served, most of her guests were in a relaxed and happy mood. 

Saw Yang, dressed in an embroidered kebaya, was bubbly and busy as she went around greeting guests – relatives, new and old friends. The guests savoured the lavish lunch with delight. There was no fear of piling on the calories – the dancing after lunch would burn them all away!  

Mdm Saw Yang (in yellow shirt) celebrating her 70th birthday during which both host and guests had a roaring time.

Soon it was dancing time. Saw Yang changed into a yellow T-shirt and white pants complete with a neck scarf and dancing shoes. The pulsating beat of the music was like magic, enticing everyone to the dance floor. Saw Yang started the ball rolling, dancing sportingly with her guests. 

 

Although the guests came from different line dance groups (SS2, SS3, DU and DJ), taught by different teachers, they were dancing harmoniously and happily together, stepping in time to the music. The only variation was in hand movements; some had their hands stretched upright, others had their hands at shoulder height while some waved their hands gracefully over their heads. Although line dance was more popular among ladies, there was one man “among the roses” who was happily dancing and enjoying himself.  

Guests dancing harmoniously, with variations in hand movements

During the break for her to cut her birthday cake, Saw Yang gave a heart-warming speech. She encouraged those who were not dancing to take up the sport.  

“It is an excellent form of exercise and a great way to socialise. If you love music and dancing, you should get involved,” she said.   

Saw Yang also spoke on how she keeps busy and happy. “Every day is a bonus.”  

Each morning when I wake up, I thank God for his blessings. I try to be happy for the day and don’t dwell on the past or wonder about tomorrow.”  

She enjoys socialising with different groups of friends (line dancing, high tea, ex-colleagues) and relatives.   

“We must learn to let go and not worry too much about life’s little problems. We must make time for ourselves, doing the things we enjoy most,” opined Saw Yang.  

The highlight of the afternoon was a plucky performance by the birthday lady. Saw Yang danced solo to two catchy numbers, Lamtarra Rhumba and Ai Ching Cha Cha to the surprise of her guests. Obviously enjoying herself, Saw Yang shook and swivelled her hips to the rhumba and cha cha beat, with her guests clapping and cheering along. There was resounding applause after the dances.  

The birthday lady dancing solo

 

Everyone had a swinging time, those who danced as well as those who watched and clapped. One of the guests, Pang, 62, who took up line dancing recently, reiterated that line dancing was a good workout. He had lost a few kgs after one month and was feeling lighter and fitter. He enjoyed the luncheon tremendously.  

“This is the best gathering I have ever attended. I get to see all the ladies dancing while I dine!” he said with a grin. “When my friends and I get together, we would just eat and then go home, although some would adjourn for mahjong sessions. Line dancing is healthier!”  

Another guest, Wendy, 57, said, “I enjoyed myself dancing to the well-chosen music. When I dance, I’m in a happy frame of mind. I get a sense of satisfaction when I can remember all the steps. It is self-challenging.”   

After the party, guests went home with a happy heart. The muscles and joints may have been aching, but the memory of an afternoon well spent lingered on. Saw Yang received favourable feedback from her guests.  

“All the guests had a wonderful afternoon- music and dancing all the way. The joy and happiness on their faces really made my day!” she said.  

Yes, seeing others happy was the best birthday present for Saw Yang. 

.................................................................................................................................

This article was published in the Star (Malaysian newspaper) on 21st June 2004.

More photos are added here.