I have always loved to dance! Alone, with a partner or a group – it doesn’t matter. Dancing brings me joy, allowing me to feel a sense of freedom from the boundaries that exist in our day to day engagement with others.
I am struck by how this can so easily be seen as a metaphor for life itself. This only became apparent to me recently, as a result of an endeavor I decided to pursue. Let me tell you about it…
Often when driving, I listen to music I like. Music has always been able to shift my mood, most often in a positive direction, and I have actually started being more deliberate about using this as a strategy to turn a sour mood into a lighter one. While driving one day, jumping around in my seat listening to some great tunes, I had this thought, “If I suddenly received a bad diagnosis – was told that I had a short time to live – I would arrange to dance with a great dance partner on a regular basis.” Quickly I realized the absurdity of that statement, since life is a terminal condition and we aren’t guaranteed anymore moments beyond the one we have right now.
So, I contacted this terrific dance instructor that I know and proposed that we spend time together, just dancing. I asked if I could bring my own music and with fingers crossed he said, “Of course!” He was intrigued but not surprised when I shared my motivation for taking this step
– to be involved in something I love
– and hopfully learn something along the way
I haven’t been disappointed….
So watch for my updates as I explore the ways in which dance, especially with a partner, can provide opportunities to reveal how we ‘show up’ in the world. I hope you’ll be as surprised and intrigued as I have been so far!
