I am sure we all remember square dancing in Elementary School. Who can forget promenading your partner around the circle and finishing it all with a do-si-do? One person who will certainly never forget is Mr. Bob Ellis. After forty five years of teaching dance to students, of all ages, Mr. Ellis has decided to retire.

I had the opportunity to sit in on a session of first graders square dancing at Gorham Elementary. A nostalgic feeling came over me as I listened to the music and watched the students dance. Mr. Ellis has taught at so many schools that when I asked him what schools he couldn’t remember all of them. However, he told me a few of them. He has taught square dancing at Penn Yan, South Seneca, and Williamson; these are just the tip of the iceberg. He also has taught line dancing and swing dancing. He mentioned that he used to teach High School students a while back at Marcus Whitman. I asked Mr. Ellis, "What will you miss most about teaching students?" He replied, "I will miss working with them and seeing what such young children are capable of. I will also miss seeing the children’s speed of learning." My final question for the dance instructor was, "Do you have any big plans for retirement?" He responded, "Yes. My wife and I plan on moving to Florida. We are going to enjoy the sunshine and relaxation."

Mr. Bob Ellis will be remembered by students for years to come. Whether you liked or hated square dancing, I’m sure nobody will forget the younger days of their lives, dancing in the gym.