One in the line of dancers

(English Country Dance) His momentum had started well before the harpsichord began. The tune just gave it frame. His outstretched, upturned hand saying ``May I have the pleasure?'' was there all along, not seen. His feet already knew patterns fit for ``Green Sleeves and Yellow Lace.''

He had an elegance not caused by melody or pace or beat. It elevated each figure to ceremony.Dignified with unapologetic zest. Why hadn't the rest of us thought of dancing quite so well?

One by one, we danced a new conviction that we never quite forgot even when we left the hall. For what the dance had lacked before he gave it life, all life had missed before he gave it dance.