Dance Fever
This is me tearing up the dance floor with my mother in April, 1972 at my sister’s wedding reception at the Legion. As you can tell by my joyful expression, ballroom dancing was a favorite activity of mine, and I credit that love of the Terpsichorean arts to this man:
Russell Curry ran a Junior High Dance class in Dedham from the early 1950s through the 70s. The classes were held in the Oakdale School gym. According to the Transcript, Curry offered “instruction in ballroom dancing, Virginia Reel and a ‘Rock’ step, social graces, including introductions, reception lines, and general party behavior.” The boys wore suitcoats and ties, the girls wore dresses and white gloves, and upon arrival would sit on opposite sides of the gym until the dance selection was announced. Then the boys would take that long stressful walk across the floor to choose a partner. The only part of the class more stressful than this was “ladies’ choice.” At some point in the evening, the boys would take the arm of their partner and join the long receiving line to greet the evening’s chaperones, who were seated at the stage end of the gym.
“Hello Mr. and Mrs. Chaperone, my name is James Parr and this is Abbie Normal.” Handshakes all around, and then back to the dance floor to tackle the Rock step to the strains of “A Horse With No Name.”
Surprisingly, the classes were more popular with girls than boys, as evidenced by this Transcript headline that ran just 2 days before classes were to start in October, 1971.
Several of my DHS ’77 classmates and I are described in the article as the “brave crew of boys” who had already signed up for seventh-grade beginner classes. I remained part of the brave crew for the rest of seventh grade, but did not continue my studies the following year.
Arlington born Russell Curry was a well-known figure in the Boston dance scene beginning in 1938 when he joined his mother’s Curry School of Dance, an enterprise she had started in 1920. During World War II, Curry worked with the USO traveling to local army camps teaching dance steps to servicemen. In the 1950s, he began instructing young people across New England in social etiquette and dance. During his heyday, Curry taught over 15,000 students a year in 50 communities across New England.
Curry retired some time in the 1970s and moved to mid-coast Maine where he continued to teach and choreograph shows for the Boothbay Region Playhouse. He died in Damariscotta in 1997 at the age of 79.
Despite my somewhat unenthusiastic participation in dancing school, I actually learned a few things and could demonstrate a decent waltz step, fox trot or cha-cha if called upon. I bet there are many other members of that “brave crew” and their one-time dance partners out there who could make the same claim.
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Dedham Tales 
December 30, 2022 at 2:01 pm
It was the only place for 7th and 8th graders to go on a Saturday evening. As I recall Mr. Curry had a very handsome assistant the years I attended. Put a little extra Fox in the girls Trot. Wish I could remember his name.
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December 30, 2022 at 4:19 pm
I also took those lessons, but I remember them being taught by Mr. Lamoreaux sp?
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December 30, 2022 at 6:52 pm
Wow, very informative! I must have been in one of Mr. Curry’s last classes. I was in 7th grade in 80 or 81. I did that year at Ursuline, so it was quite something to go and dance with *boys* on Saturday nights. I didn’t know he had such a long and noted career in dance. He was a bit dishy in his younger days!
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December 30, 2022 at 6:58 pm
I love this. Your photo says it all! Absolutely the best.
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December 30, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Yup, those wonderful days of junior high.
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December 30, 2022 at 7:13 pm
Love that picture of you and your Mom, Jim!
This is a great article, brings back good memories. I loved those classes!
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December 30, 2022 at 7:14 pm
Do you still remember all the steps?
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December 31, 2022 at 7:48 am
Yes! Isn’t that funny after all these years?! Can’t remember the name of someone I just met but I remember the box step, quick quick slow, the chaha and the Ally Cat 🙂
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December 30, 2022 at 11:03 pm
Loved your last two posts! What wonderful stories, delivered with such great and understated sense of humor! Nothing like personal history to illuminate an era…I just purchased your book and looking forward to reading it. Thanks for keeping the past alive! While your blog and book are specifically about Dedham, I couldn’t help feeling your stories would have an universal appeal. I think you could easily cross into literature if you had the desire and inclination…
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December 30, 2022 at 11:04 pm
Thank you for your kind words! Glad you enjoy my posts.
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December 31, 2022 at 1:30 pm
Oh my word Jim, that picture of you and your Mom is exactly how I remember you guys! 1972 was probably the last time I saw any of you. I spent most of my time on the Paul Park end of Tower.I am really enjoying your posts!Happy New Year!
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December 31, 2022 at 1:45 pm
So good to hear from you. People used to confuse our houses because they were both red houses in Tower St! I hope you are well.
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January 1, 2023 at 7:24 pm
Oh my word, I DO remember people stopping at my house looking for yours 😂
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December 31, 2022 at 5:58 pm
I was in Mr. Curry’s dance class for two years in the late 50’s when I was in Junior High at Oakdale School. I enjoyed it.
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January 1, 2023 at 8:06 am
73 and 74 I went and you were right the ladies choice was tough for a boy ! Lol
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