Dance is an extraordinary part of life
It is now 11 years since I first stepped into the Dance arena, I was reminded of this today when my dear friend Monica Nataraj (someone who I seldomly see but is ever present in my heart) sent me something that I am working with - finding some love and compassion for myself. My life has been one of deep transformation. Monica was the first person who helped me to see that Dance is an extraordinary part of life and life is a beautiful Dance. Those who dance live life differently (not worse or better) just differently.
What is interesting for me, is that through these deep ongoing movements, there are still many patterns of care-taking and lack of care for myself that I am often in a struggle with. I find it much easier to engage with others to support them and make a commitment to meeting them for say meditation, but when I know I would like to do this for myself and there is no-one around, I often welch on myself and give up. Just at the point of giving up, there could be a moment when I think I could ask for help, get support, reach out to the amazing people I know that would support me if I would just have the courage to just ask.
A generative posture for asking
There is an exercise in Biodanza where we do just that, a generative posture for asking and it’s no wonder that I find this one so hard to do. In my training, I found this excruciating, and so the journey never ends, I keep showing up with all my foibles.
I had never danced until I was in my late 40's
It is my 60th birthday soon, and I had never danced until I was in my late 40's. I had a story in my head that I was too big to dance. It makes me smile when I think of how I throw myself around the dance floor now, but Dance has been so much more than this for me. It has brought me completely into my body sensations in a way that I never thought possible. It has also helped me to connect and lean on others (even though I still find this very hard). Dancing helps me stay present in each moment, the body is such a truthful barometer as nothing can be hidden when we give ourselves to our Dance.
I hope you dance, it really is never to late
I hope you dance, it really is never to late. I went from humble beginnings to now teaching, absorbing and loving the people whom I dance with regularly. Along this journey I have gained the most profound friendships and discovered that learning is in every moment of the dance, no matter what modality it is.
I believe everyone can benefit from a bit of music and some dance
I believe that everyone can benefit from a bit of music and some dance. It changed how I felt and what I thought. It tenderised me and made me more honest and open, loving and less judgemental.
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Sue
Photograph by Hanna Jacobs