One of the few things that the entire world has in common is dance. From folkloric to crumping, every culture has its own style of dance. Dance is a form of communication; it brings people together and has for centuries. Back during the medieval times people would come together to dance and socialize at what they would call a “ball”. In today’s day and age, the most common way for people to get together and dance is at a night club. Clubs bring all different walks of life together to enjoy the same thing.
I think dance brings out the best in people. Someone can be the shyest person in the world but as soon as they hit the dance floor it is like they turn into a different person. People coming together to dance whether it be at a club or somewhere else, are a lot less judgmental than they would be on the street on any normal given day. When you are out dancing just enjoying the freedom and music you don’t really care who comes up to you to join in or not. If you were on the street and some random person just came up to you and started trying to have a conversation with you, you would most likely be a little skeptical and most definitely not as inviting. Not on the dance floor, most people welcomes all that are willing to join in and enjoy the music, movements and moment.
I am around dance all day and have been for my entire life. I used to be a performer for the Disney Corporation. I have seen how dance and music can bring sheer enjoyment not only to adults, but to kids and everyone else in between. Dance gets people excited and brings them together. Now I am a dance instructor for a local studio and I get to teach what I know and what I have learned to kids and teenagers. It isn’t just about the technique and chorography; there is a certain level of integrity and confidence that come with dance as well. I have seen kids who would never dare pretend like they know each other, much less talk to each other at school because one was the “popular” one and the other was the “geek”, come together over dance and overcome the stupid clicks at school. This might not sound like a big deal to some people but don’t you remember what it was like in junior high and high school? Kids can be so mean and really can hate you for talking to someone who they don’t consider to be cool enough.
Like I said before dance brings out confidence in people that they don’t have on a normal day. I had this young student who was about 13 years old. I think she was the shyest person I have ever met in my life and even though she was talented she was not confident at all. When she first started coming to my class she would get so nervous before class even started that she would start shaking, crying and sometimes she would even throw up. By the end of the season this same girl was able to perform at one of the biggest competitions in the dance world in front of thousands of people. Today she has this confidence about her that most people envy, and I think dance did that.
I like your post it was almost like i was reading my own, I think we share a few of the same point of views when it comes to dancing. I love to dance it's a way for me to free myself from everyday life stress. and to meet new people and see what my next adventure will be without worring about being judged because the clubs are a hole different socitiy in itself
ReplyDeleteWe both share a lot of similar views on this topic. I have always felt that music is the strongest way for people of any background to communicate on a common ground. Like you said music brings people together no matter what type of music is being played. I also agree with your remark on how on the dance floor people are not afraid to be themselves nor are they judgmental. I think that while dancing people get to caught up with the mood and feel from the music that they get lost in their own world and forget about everything that is happening or going on around them. This is most likely the reason why while dancing we do not care who is near us as long as everyone is having fun and moving to the music it does not bother us. I as well feel that dance brings out the best in people. I know when I dance I feel like I can handle anything that is put in front of me. That is really neat that you use to dance for the Disney Corporation that must have been really fun to do.
ReplyDeleteIt truly is amazing what dance can do for people, from interaction to self-confidence. I have never taken a dance class or performed in any kind of group (besides a high school punk band, which never uses set choreography), but I do appreciate what simple movements can do for people. If you ever go into the AutoZone that I work at and see a guy dancing in the back of the store, or even out front- that would be me. I know that dancing can make anyone feel good in almost any situation, so I figured out that if I dance at work, maybe some of the good vibes would rub off on people. I don’t really care if it is a customer that is laughing with me at my “oh so graceful” moves, or if I get another employee to boogie down one of the aisles and gain a little bounce in his or her step. I am normally a little conservative when it comes to opening up to people, but for some reason I have no problem shaking my booty a little at work to make someone smile. The best thing that we can do is to get more people to dance at completely random times throughout the day, lighten the mood and put a smile on someone’s face.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is awesome! I really like the story about the girl that was afraid to dance. I think she must have had problems at school with social situations and you helped give her an outlet. Now she can use that strength all throughout her life. She must have felt great getting up there on stage and overcoming her fears!
ReplyDeleteI agree that dance brings people together. I don’t think that dancing makes people more tolerant of different types of people, but it does bring different people together that have something in common. It depends on the type of club, but I have seen plenty of people get pointed to and laughed at. Hopefully not me!
I hope I get to bring my kids to dance lessons one day, because I think it is healthy for people to express themselves through dance. Emotionally and physically, because dance is an art as well as and exercise.
There is a religious college in California somewhere (I can’t remember the name) but they don’t allow dance on campus. Can you believe that? I think it’s a shame.
Well, keep up the good work with your little dancers!