The Ascot Ball

Wednesday 28^th November

My steward knocked on my door again at 10.40. Luckily I’d just woken up. When will he learn that I sleep in on sea days? Perhaps I need to put out the ‘Do not disturb’ notice.

I just had time for a small breakfast before going to the dance class to learn the quickstep. The steps are easy enough for me, with all my dancing background. What I find difficult is following! Too much of my dancing was spent learning a routine for exams, and dancing with a professional teacher. I don’t know how to follow. Woody (gentleman host) has said to me a couple of times: ‘I lead’. The problem is that in the class we are told to practise the routine and I follow that but he decides to do other steps because someone’s in the way. Oops! But I’m getting better. He has the strongest lead on the ship. I have to concentrate very hard to follow the others.

Trevor began his practice with Miyou. The ship will be holding a Strictly dancing competition at the end of the cruise. On Monday Trevor offered to partner me but I said I’d only do it if he couldn’t find anyone else. I don’t like competing and I have trouble remembering routines. I suggested Miyou (glamorous Japanese lady in the photo of several days back) and last night she agreed – and immediately wanted to discuss their game plan. How many hours a day will they practise? What tactics will they use? I think this will be quite serious – but Trevor will love it as he once thought of dancing competitively.

Because it’s the Ascot Ball tonight, Chris and I met up for the hat-making session. I only went along in order to repair my mask ready for the Masquerade Ball later in the voyage. Chris made a fascinator. It’s amazing what some people managed to make out of crepe paper strips, doilies, paper ribbon, sequins, staples and glue sticks!

I discovered at dinner tonight that if you don’t like the menu, you can get grilled salmon! That suited me just fine, though others revelled in lobster claws and chateaubriand.

This is such a difficult life: watching a show in the evening (pianist with comedy) and then dancing at the Ascot Ball. I’m afraid my formal skirt was too long in the waltz (Woody kept treading on it) and the ship was rocking mildly when I tried to rumba with Trevor. I don’t know how he kept his balance as I couldn’t keep mine. I decided on an earlier night. I was back in my room by about 11.30, though Peggy, Chris and Alan headed off to the disco.