UNIT 7

Read the essay from page 93 of your textbook.

Dancing: Up Close or at a Distance?

    Richard loves to dance, and he goes dancing often. Margaret is the opposite. She says she can't dance. Maybe that's true. She says people always laugh at her when she dances. But is it possible that there's another reason? Maybe she's afraid to dance. When you dance, you usually have to touch another person, your partner. Maybe Margaret is uncomfortable with touching.

    Many people like dancing for its closeness. They like the waltz, the two-step, the fox-trot, and similar dances because they can be close to their partner. Other people like to dance in groups. They enjoy the group spirit in line dances, square dances, and folk dances. In these dances, touching your partner isn't very important. Working together as a group is.

    Richard likes dances with specific steps, like the tango. He also likes "free" dances with no specific steps, like rock. Many people prefer free dances because they allow them to express their individuality.

    But what about Margaret? What do you think? Do you think she really can't dance?