Dance has always been one of my passions. It is something that liberates me and celebrates me. Often when I am dancing I wait for the moment when I just feel my heartbeat in sync with the beat of the music playing and I am totally tuned inward. My movements are minimal and my spirit dances. It took me some time to be comfortable with how I want to dance and move in a crowd. I have learned a few dances and each one taught me something about myself. I think you must also know that writing this blog was inspired by watching Dancing with the Stars which I never miss!
The act of dance for me is akin to finding your flow in life, your own creative expression. Dance involves learning technique, surrendering to the flow, tuning into the rhythm. Every one’s body responds to a certain kind of music and beat. Personally, I love dancing to the beat of drums, cymbals and latin dances bring me joy. It takes a while to figure out what you like and what you do not. It is a great way for anyone to build confidence and begin the journey of figuring out who you are. Several movies like Step up, Footloose, Dirty Dancing etc show us how dancing helps channelize our emotions. There is dance for every emotion we feel. Perhaps this is what inspired an entire branch of therapy known an dance/movement therapy which helps reconnect with the language of the body.
Questions you can ask yourself:
1) Have I ever been ridiculed for dancing? If so, can I let it go today and try again?
2) What do I enjoy more- dancing by myself, with a partner or in a group?
3) What type of instrument or music feels good to me?
4) What kind of dance helps you relieve stress and which one exhilarates you?
Each one of us has a dance in us which is beyond any form of dance that one can be trained in. Yes, you can master the techniques of a form and achieve excellence in it however dancing to me is beyond what someone can teach you. It is what flows from your heart. It is the courage you find in yourself to move the way you want to. It is the sheer joy and love out of which you move.
Some dances that I love are bollywood dancing, kathak, salsa, samba, contemporary, bachata, tango and belly dance. Having listed these here, I would also mention that I tend to pick movements from several of these at any given point and make it my own. I have danced alone in a crowd several times only to find others join me a little later. There are always some people who wait for someone else to begin. For me, all of this also tells about how you like to live your life. Not right or wrong..just is.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your dancing shoes or just dance barefoot!
Reflections, Affirmations and Randomness 