Flying Without a Net

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Ask Someone to Dance

AFEW YEARS AGO, a friend recounted a story told by Alec Horni man at the University of Virginia. Horniman drew a picture of a basketball court on the blackboard. After drawing the rectangular diagram, though, Horniman began talking about attending a high school dance after a Friday night basketball game in the middle of winter. He described the dances he attended while growing up.

The students head to the gymnasium lobby as the custodians sweep the floor after the game and set up for the dance. The setup is the same wherever you attend one of these high school dances. There is someone managing the music. Parents or teachers are managing the refreshments. The lights are dimmed before the students reenter the ...