This post, Dance, was originally published in 2017 and has been completely updated in August 2022.
When was the last time you danced?
At your wedding?
In junior high/high school when you had to?
I say why?
If you’ve read my 10 things that make me happy post, you know that I love to dance and it makes me so HAPPY! 🙂
My parents put me into dance when I was little and it’s always been a part of my life. From ballet to jazz, modern to hip-hop.
Now, I’m sure you’ve heard of ballet, salsa, and the waltz, right?
But have you heard of contemporary, buck-and-wing, or chaconne?
Did you know that there are a lot, I mean a lot of different styles?
I’ve never even heard of a lot of them myself but I found a great starting list at The Phrontistery.
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And have you ever watched any of these different styles?
Several years ago there was a new dance competition show on tv called World of Dance.
Talk about a diversity of styles.
And all competing against one another.
As a dancer, it was thrilling to watch!
Asking my parents to watch with me was another thing.
They didn’t like what they saw.
They didn’t consider it dancing…. because it didn’t look like what they considered dancing to be.
The reason I bring this up is not to have a discussion as to what it is but to inspire you to do it!
In your fashion, in your way, in your style.
But I don’t know how to.
I just can’t because I’m too clumsy!
I have two left feet!
Does this sound like you?
Well, I challenge you!!!!
I fully believe with all my heart that everyone and anyone can dance!
It’s not always about certain movements but about feeling those movements within the music, within yourself.
It’s not a matter of how you dance, only that you dance!
I was blessed enough at one point in my life to be in New York City taking dance classes (I was aspiring to have a career in dance).
During my very first class (hip-hop) the teacher singled me out from everyone in the class (there were probably 15 to 20 students that day) and told me – I can see you ‘know’ how to dance, now I want to ‘see’ you do it! I was floored!
First that I was singled out, second that I was decent enough for him to see I could dance but thirdly and most importantly that I wasn’t really dancing!
I had always been in an ‘organized’ dance style before – ballet, cheerleading.
Never really given the opportunity to be ‘me’.
Well, I had my work cut out for me but I felt blessed to be given the critique!
As you can see, even a ‘dancer’ doesn’t always even know how to dance!
It’s not always about certain movements but about feeling those movements.
So, again – I challenge you: To dance today!
Whether it’s a little toe-tapping while you’re waiting for your food to heat up in the microwave or nodding your head while you brush your teeth.
Turn on some music or find your own beat.
If you have a significant other/kids they’ll probably love it and join in.
If you have pets pick them up (if possible :)) and dance with them.
By yourself? Then go crazy!!!!! It’s not a matter of how you dance, only that you dance!
And here’s just a little snippet from one of my favorite songs – I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack:
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
I hope YOU dance. I want you to find your style and your love and appreciation for it. Even if it’s only in the bathroom in the privacy of your own home!
Do you love to dance? Do you dread it? When was the last time you danced? Share with us below!!!
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I have seen a few different techniques/styles of dance but I’m sure there are a ton more that I have never seen. I do like to watch most of it. I do like to dance and probably randomly dance at least weekly with my kids.
That’s so awesome to hear 🙂 Thanks.
I love dancing. We have regular kitchen dance parties at my house. We have also been watching So You Think You Can Dance since it first aired and I am always shocked by how many beautiful forms of dance there are!
That sounds like so much fun! I’ll have to start having kitchen dance parties 🙂 Thanks!
I used to love to dance! I need to remind my husband he needs to take me out once in a while, lol. Dancing is so much fun. Stress reliever too! ☺️
No doubt 🙂 Hope he takes you out! You deserve it!!
I completely agree with dancing every single day! My one year old and I dance all the time and it instantly brightens my mood!
Ah, I love it! And I believe it 🙂 Glad you get your daily dance!
Dancing is definitely fun, and it can just be dancing around at home… in front of your kids, by yourself, even with your eyes closed! I agree.. we whould all dance!
Thanks so much!!! 🙂
I love dancing! I’m so grateful that my parents raised my sister and I to enjoy dancing and not feel shy about getting out on the dance floor whenever we can!
Nice!!! Yes, I hope I can instill that in my son too.
Great post! Dancing is our bodies interpretation of the music! I always loved to dance. It is all I ever wanted to do and be when I grew up. Sad thing is, I didn’t even dance at my wedding and never danced as a grown up. Your post has made me want to dance again! It is what our souls need! So we can learn how our bodies move and feel like in this world. We live too much in our heads and don’t live in our full bodies. Love it!
Oh, I love that – we do live in our heads too much! I hope you get the chance to dance soon… or make your own time:) Thanks!!
I enjoy dancing, in my car, my kitchen, and in clubs too. It’s one of those things that make me happy. I used to watch “So You Think You Can Dance” tv show and i used to be in awe of those various talented dancers who will learn different styles of dancing throughout the competition and do great at them. Something about Dancing is liberating!
Very, very true! So happy to hear you love it. 🙂
I LOVE to dance. It’s honestly part of my self care routine. I have little solo kitchen dance parties constantly and love to go dancing with friends. It’s such an uplifting thing. And a total happy maker 😊. I agree 100%.
That’s awesome 🙂 I love the solo kitchen parties – everyone should definitely have ones! Thanks.
I love to dance. I’m not and have never been any good at choreography. But I do fancy myself a pretty good dancer otherwise. I haven’t done it in some months and I’m craving it. I’m glad i read this post because it reminded me of how much I do love it and miss it. Thank you for challenging people to dance. It really is very freeing.
Thanks so much! I hope it does encourage others to find their dance 🙂
I love to dance. I’ve never been trained. I longed to dance as a young girl, but for financial reasons, the neighborhood drill team was as close as I can get. I eventually became a cheerleader in high school. I joined the dance team my first year of college. I love to dance. I shake my body whenever I hear music! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your love of dance.
Lol, I love it! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I agree – it’s not about being good at dancing, better at others, etc. – it’s about dancing!
Thanks!!!