THE LADY at the back
WOMAN - UK|January 08, 2024
Humiliated, Julie was all set to quit the dance class- until she spotted a friendly face
Susan Hayward
THE LADY at the back

The young teacher was frowning at her, but Julie was really doing her best to maintain her balance. It wasn’t so easy when you reached your 50s to do a hop, shuffle, ball change and stay upright.

Julie was beginning to feel her choice of exercise class – Adult Tap – may have been a mistake. She had thought it would be OK. After all, she had been quite good at ballet and tap when she was a youngster. But that was many years ago. Now she felt ungainly and ill at ease in her old leggings and loose top.

The teacher, Sian, had been friendly when Julie had rung to enquire about the class. She had emphasised that a lot of her students were ‘mature ladies’, and had assured Julie she would have no difficulty coping with the dance routines if she had some previous experience.

‘Just come in comfy, loose clothing,’ she had said. ‘You can borrow some shoes for the first session. I always have a few spare pairs kicking around the studio.’

But when Julie had arrived, a little later than she had planned due to parking difficulties, Sian had been rather brusque and waved her hand in the vague direction of a cardboard box in the corner. ‘Just help yourself,’ she had said. ‘There should be something in there to fit you.’

The nearest thing to a good fit was a pair of very worn black fabric shoes that offered little support. Julie felt shabby and out of place among the other students, looking svelte and well turned out in designer leisurewear. They all seemed to know each other and had barely acknowledged her presence.

She could feel tears sting her eyes. She had been really looking forward to this class and making new friends.

Denne historien er fra January 08, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra January 08, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA WOMAN - UKSe alt
How to avoid a cold when partying
WOMAN - UK

How to avoid a cold when partying

Burning the candle at both ends might seem fun at this time of year, but it can spell disaster for your health and wellbeing...

time-read
2 mins  |
December 16, 2024
ASK US ANYTHING
WOMAN - UK

ASK US ANYTHING

SUZIE HAYMAN AND SUSAN QUILLIAM CAN HELP

time-read
2 mins  |
December 16, 2024
MOWED DOWN after a Christmas party
WOMAN - UK

MOWED DOWN after a Christmas party

Anna-Louise Bates has finally allowed herself to enjoy the festive season again

time-read
4 mins  |
December 16, 2024
A weekend in...VILNIUS
WOMAN - UK

A weekend in...VILNIUS

A dreamy couple of days in Lithuania's captivating city can be easy on the purse

time-read
2 mins  |
December 16, 2024
The letter that SAVE YOUR
WOMAN - UK

The letter that SAVE YOUR

Why do a third of women miss their breast cancer screenings?

time-read
3 mins  |
December 16, 2024
New love in 2025 WOULD BENICE
WOMAN - UK

New love in 2025 WOULD BENICE

Growing up in Bradford, West Yorkshire, to Punjabi Indian parents, Anita Rani says her household ‘didn’t really do Christmas’ – but boy, is she making up for it now!

time-read
4 mins  |
December 16, 2024
'2024 has been DREADFUL'
WOMAN - UK

'2024 has been DREADFUL'

Prince William admits that this year has been the hardest' in his life. Is blood thicker than water in times of need

time-read
3 mins  |
December 16, 2024
The dark side to your CHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT
WOMAN - UK

The dark side to your CHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT

Do you know what’s in your glass this party season?

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
IS THERE ANYTHING MORE NOSTALGIC THAN CHRISTMASES PAST?
WOMAN - UK

IS THERE ANYTHING MORE NOSTALGIC THAN CHRISTMASES PAST?

Do you remember the anticipation before the big day, pondering endlessly about what should go on your Christmas list? I would lovingly write two or three things down, pop it into an envelope and leave it by the fireplace to be wafted up the chimney like something out of Mary Poppins.

time-read
1 min  |
December 02, 2024
The Christmas that CHANGED OUR LIVES
WOMAN - UK

The Christmas that CHANGED OUR LIVES

We speak to three women about their most wonderful time of year

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024