No! Your Other Left Foot

This memoir blends humor with a behind-the-scenes look at the world of dance studios. Retired sixty-something art teacher Thea Clark changes her life when she takes up competitive ballroom dancing. Paired with her handsome teacher Michael she wins competitions, but her joy dissolves when she discovers Michael is dying of AIDS. Despite tragedy, hope appears in the guise of a new dance partner, who takes her to higher plateaus of competition, applause and awards.

This poignant and engaging memoir subtly blends humor with a behind-the-scenes look at the world of dance studios. Retired sixty-something art teacher Thea Clark changes her life, not to mention her wardrobe, when she takes up competitive ballroom dancing. At home she cares for an aged mother and difficult grandson, but once her feet touch the parquet floor of the studio she discovers a heady new freedom. Paired with her handsome young teacher, Michael, she begins winning ballroom competitions, but her newly found joy dissolves when she discovers Michael is dying of AIDS. Despite tragedy, a silver lining finally appears in the guise of a new dance partner, who takes her to higher plateaus of competition, applause and awards.

Thea Clark, Ph. D., taught art to middle school students for 34 years. In conjunction with her doctoral research she worked with an emotionally and educationally disadvantaged student and enabled him to continue in a public school. She also taught for a year at UCLA, and among various projects she helped organize a Montessori school. Ms. Clark is a former president of the Humanistic Education Association of America. She lives in Southern California.