Page 70 - Phonebox Magazine April 2010

The Tea Dance - a lost tradition
Carlton Pre-School are running a series of Tea Dances over the next few months to raise money for Carlton pre-school. We think it is a lovely way for one generation to have a good time whilst raising money to help a younger generation.
The History of the Tea Dance
It is said that the 7th Duchess of Bedford invented the tradition of Afternoon Tea in the early 1840s. Feeling hungry mid afternoon, and knowing dinner would not be served until sometimes as late as 9pm, she ordered cakes and bread and butter to her rooms. In the beginning of the 20th Century, tea became much more sociable. The eligible ladies and gentleman of the wealthy and aristocratic families used to entertain their friends by dancing in each other's homes.
The Argentine Tango arrived to Britain around this time too and The Waldorf Hotel began offering latin dance classes. Tea Dances were being held on a daily or weekly basis at many of the top London hotels and nationwide. The fashion was somewhat taken over by the Charleston and the cocktail set, but continued through to the second World War II. Maybe the Carlton Tea Dances will see it make a comeback.
TheTea Dance
It's the Sunday tea dance and they'll all be here today,
Aches and pains forgotten, dance the afternoon away, foxtrots, quick steps, waltzs, some are slow but some are nifty, with memories of how it was back in 1950,
Norman's in the toilet and he's struggling to pee
He's got trouble with his prostate, and he'll likely miss his tea. Eddy's got a new love that he met in Thornton Heath,
she does a lovely tango, but she hasn't any teeth,
his latest fancy footwork nearly broke his partner's neck,
she mistook his outside swivel for a travelling contra check. Ida's had her hair done and she's ready for the saunter,
She had vindaloo last night and it's coming back to haunt her. Florry's mini skirts revealing when she's spinning in the jive,
she really shouldn't wear a thong approaching 85.
They've had their tea and cake and chat and had a little laugh, and gamely rise with creaking knees to face the second half. Norman made it back in time for rumba number one,
his cucaracha's very neat, but he's left his flies undone.
Vera's fallen over in a massive Crimplene heap,
Bert's got indigestion and Mabel's fast asleep.
It's the last waltz time and they get up for Humperdinck's old tune, and then "Goodbye, good luck, take care, God willing see you soon".
Anonymous.
Carlton Pre-School Brings Back the Tea Dance
Sunday 9th May & Sunday 4th July Carlton Village Hall 2pm-4pm
Tickets £3 including refreshments
Call 01234 721510 for more information or to book
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