‘It doesn’t matter how you do it as long as you do’
When was the last time you danced?
I mean really danced! Not just sat in your seat and tapped your feet, but got up and actually moved your whole body in a celebration of music and movement.
OK, these days perhaps we don’t have the opportunity of the organised dance events our parents may have attended, but most of us can still find music somewhere every now and then. From social music nights in pubs and clubs, to community events that happen to have a supporting DJ or even live music. Maybe you attend concerts, carnivals and festivals, even the odd local disco or significant family events, but assuming there is the room, do you actually get up and dance?
I’m guessing that most people are aware of music. Whatever genre ‘floats your boat’ I bet most people have developed an involuntary sway or foot tap at some point, but how many of you get up and dance like the world isn’t watching? Ah, yes, I bet that’s why you don’t. Why is everyone so worried about what people might think?
So, I’m an enthusiastic solo dancer, put me with a partner and I’m rather hamstrung for what to do, but let me boogie by myself and I’ll dance the night away on a couple of glasses of lemonade, even if I’m the only one dancing. So if I can do it I would like to suggest that we all could. I’m 3.871 cubed and I learned some time ago that we probably only get one shot at this existence. Folks, if you sit there and wished you were dancing, then get up and dance.
We can all dance regardless of age, the movement is good for us physically and the pure joy that the body latches onto when you finally totally give in the music and just move, is pure freedom for the mind and soul.
So, why don’t more people dance? Oh, yes, you’re all worried about what people might think – that’s it. Yes, I’ve seen you, lots of you will have a little wiggle round the kitchen when something decent is on the radio, but take you outside and it’s ‘oh, no someone might see me’.
So I’m here to dispel that myth. Folks, as an inveterate solo dancer at events, let me tell you that dancing is just about the most social thing you can do. Dancing invites participation, admiration and positive comment, never ridicule. I’ve rarely danced at events and not had others join me. Complete strangers come over and introduce themselves, tell me that it was wonderful that someone was dancing, and spend the rest of the evening chatting. I’m accosted in local shops following events – ‘you were the one that was dancing last night, it was wonderful’ etc. It’s happened so often that I’ve started to realise that not only does it do me good, but it does others good too.
So, the next time you are out and you hear or feel music coursing through your veins, give in to it. You might not pass that way again and there is nothing worse than missed opportunity. Dance as though the world wants to dance with you. I think if we all danced more often the world would be a happier place.