Everyday Gems

Celebrating the everyday gems of life, from nature, to art, to creating our best lives…

Permission to dance…

I was recently intrigued by a video I saw on facebook of a red circle that had been drawn on a sidewalk with the words Dance Here. As people walked by, then paused to read the words, then paused to consider stepping into the circle, I was struck by how we as humans often feel the need for permission to do something we love. When given the invitation to step into a circle and dance, many people did. And as they did, they got looser and looser with their moves, within seconds, like, Yes, I get to dance! Somehow, that anonymous circle not only gave them permission to dance but to dance in a very public space. Other than the dance floor at a club, a concert or a wedding, dancing is not really something we feel comfortable doing unless it is in a specified space.

Ready for the neighborhood cocktail party!

I think back to the days of my parents, when dancing was an accepted norm in life. Courting often involved a date of dinner and dancing. Everyone danced, it was as natural as breathing.

My parents and their friends often had neighborhood cocktail parties, where everyone would dress up, bring an appetizer, mingle and dance the night away. My job was to take the guests’ coats and pile them up on my parents’ bed. I was thrilled to be a part of the magic of those evenings, and eventually, I would end up sitting on the staircase, watching as everyone got slightly inebriated while talking, laughing and dancing. Sometimes, even being invited to dance with my father, standing on his feet as we rocked back and forth.

In those days, the hot albums (for my parents’ set) were Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, The Fifth Dimension, Andy Williams and Tom Jones. It was wonderful to see a different and exotic side to these grown ups that I knew from the neighborhood.

If I was still up, I would give everyone their coats and say goodnight as they left, always engulfed in the heavy scent of alcohol, perfume and rich food. I would go to bed, thinking of the outfits, the music, the fun, and couldn’t wait till it was my parents’ turn to host the party again.

Conga Line dance at the Ode to Dionysus party, 1990’s (those were the days!)

In my late teens, twenties and thirties, I went dancing almost every week. From Disco and Funk in the 70’s, to New Wave and R&B in the 80’s, to Reggae and Salsa in the 90’s, it was a never ending turn on the dance floor and a major part of my life.

Music in general, was the language of the day - always on. Not only did we dance at clubs, we danced at each other’s house, at picnics or at a party. Wherever there was music, there was dancing. Such a rich and fun way to spend time with each other, to express our inner selves and frankly, stay fit! Although I doubt we ever thought of it as exercise, in those days.

Salsa Dancing with a handsome stranger in NYC, oh my!

Over time, we have lost that simple and joyful way of connecting with others, even connecting with strangers for a few minutes. We’ve lost that sense of easy touch and expression and cutting loose, with no other agenda than to have fun, or perhaps flirt a bit :) I miss those days and know that dancing is something I want back in my life on a regular basis.

I so appreciate cultures that dance as a part of their heritage, their story telling and celebration of life’s events. A natural way of connectedness, well-being and expression. What could be healthier than that? Really?

So, in this time of less physical connection with others and ever increasing non-expression of self, let’s give ourselves permission to dance again, anywhere and everywhere we choose! With friends, with lovers, with our neighbors, with strangers, or even by ourselves. Let’s not wait for a magic red circle to appear on a sidewalk, inviting us to show our moves, let’s be proactive in the expression and joy of ourselves, and life.

It’s time to get a groove on, people - Let’s Dance!

P.S. I realize that there are many people who dance regularly in their lives. I’m sure you are a source of joy and inspiration to all around you. Bravo to you!!

-Wendy (aka: gemsatourguide)

All images are my own.