Here’s the second part of a story I shared last night. It’s based on a tiny incident which happened many, many years ago in Manchester. The extra details are also true, but transferred into this story from a different memory. The real location wasn’t a disco, nor was it called Taboo, it was actually in a college. Part (1) described me and my chums going to a posh club for the first (and probably only time) We were poor students but we had tried our best to look smart, tidy, and for the girls – perfect hair and make-up) We were nervous at first being in such an exciting and splendid place, but soon realised everyone else was like us, just wanting a good time, good music and an evening of fun.
Maybe it was our excitement at having an almost once in a lifetime opportunity, there was such a great atmosphere, everything seemed to sparkle with happiness, fun, good music and beautiful people.
I was on the floor boogying away in my unco-ordinated fashion when I noticed a man and his girlfriend who I recognised. I’d seen them before at the usual club we went to. For some reason I thought he looked American. I can see him now, not particularly tall, a nice, pleasant, regular, handsome face, even features, a perfect smile as he danced with his lady. She was a long-haired blond and always looked bored and slightly irritated. Why she should have been with such an attentive and attractive boyfriend I couldn’t imagine. He usually wore a beige jacket with the sleeves pushed up to the elbows Don Johnson style, a crisp white shirt and red tie pulled down from his collar and straight, grey fashionable trousers, ultra fashionable and ultra ultra expensive. That night he was wearing a black dinner suit and a white tie. He looked more handsome than ever.
I edged closer, as usual to dance near them. Look at me, look at me! I silently implored, trying to catch his eye. I know I’m only young and a student and very unsophisticated and not rich and beautiful, but I would be a great girlfriend!
They moved away and the crowd seemed to press closer, dancing, shouting at each other, trying to converse despite the noise. I realised everyone was moving, and somehow I was transported around by the mass until I was on the edge of a space in the middle.
There in the centre, jiving, slowly, and beautifully was an extraordinary couple I’d never seen before. They were both very tall, he was black and wearing a lurex jumpsuit in blue. it seemed to be covered in precious stones which sparkled as he moved. He was dancing so slowly, languidly, so elegantly, indifferent to the crowd watching in awe. The woman was as beautiful as he was handsome, as tall as he, bleached , cropped blond hair. She wore black dungarees, one strap hanging down off her naked shoulder, and a gold waistcoat. They were jiving in perfect harmony as if they’d rehearsed a million times.
The music changed and everyone surged back and the couple disappeared.
I don’t know what happened later, I guess we kept dancing, had a few more drinks and eventually left the club, to try and get an all night bus, or if that failed, a taxi.
That was the one and only time I went to the Taboo club, and it was unforgettable.
Lois Elsden 