written by Colleen Coleman
Photos by Susan Blackburn Photography
When our oldest son was 5, we moved to the Saratoga Springs area and built our dream home. Our living room sat vacant for a few years as we become used to the larger mortgage and bills that came with a bigger house. But that empty room turned into a dance floor, and it’s where I’d twirl my baby boys and dance the days away. Carly Simon’s “Clouds in My Coffee” was a favorite as it referenced Saratoga and winning at the races. The boys couldn’t believe that where we lived was in a song!! By the time my eldest son, Matthew, was in middle school, that dance floor was filled with furniture... but the memory of time spent dancing remained. He’d declared to his friends, “When I get married someday, that’s the song my mom and I will dance to!” Years later, my Matty hints to me this will be our song for that very special day! A break out dance no one will expect... Oh dear... What have I done!... “No, No, No…NOT “You’re so Vain” on your wedding day!” I’d declare over the years... But sure enough, the engagement came and the song went on the schedule for our Mother and Son Dance in my son’s mind. Now what? That little boy’s voice whispered to me... “Dance with me, Mom!” ...How could I say no!
This was all a blessing in disguise! We spent a few weeks tweaking three songs together... opening with a more traditional dance, “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack (my favorite for my boys)... record scratch transition…and Carly’s “Clouds” appearing out of nowhere. Tastefully, we exited into another favorite to close out the set.
Our next plight... choreographing our masterpiece. We tried on our own but soon hired the Arthur Murray Dance Studio to put the professional touch on our big dance. Our instructor was spectacular weaving footsteps, movement, twist and twirls into our routine. It was the sweetest, most cherished three weeks with my son... Matt and I snuck out to the dance studio, unbeknownst to anyone, not even the bride. I remember him saying, “I want to learn how to twirl you around Mom!”...and that he did. Our two hour sessions were exhilarating and magical. As our song came together, we added props and finalized details that brought his dream to fruition. Every minute I had with my boy in preparation for this very special day was priceless!
On the day of his wedding... with my hair and makeup complete, we snuck outside onto to the patio to practice our routine just one last time! He said to me, “We got this... let’s just have fun!” And that we did! My son spun me around the dance floor... we threw thousands of dollars (fake... yes) into the air when “your horse naturally won” sang out and we earned a huge applause from our guests! One of his best friends in attendance that day, was waiting for “Clouds” and thought we decided to nix the idea. The minute the soundtrack scratched and we pulled away from our slow dance, He knew exactly what we were doing!
What a full circle moment in time it had been... from spinning him as a boy to being spun by him on this momentous occasion. On the ride home, I finally let out all my emotions, crying all the way home as the day couldn’t have been any more beautiful! ...I danced with my boy and he spun me around...
I hope one day... he takes the time to dance with his daughters... round and round in their home... making memories that will last until one day they say to him... “Dance with me, Dad!”
Colleen Coleman
(of CMC Design Studio LLC)