Free Form Dancing
Posted by
Nirmala N.
I remember when I was in college and was obsessed with taking dance classes at the college gym or through the YWCA. Salsa, belly dance, flamenco, tango--you name it, I tried it! I never developed a long-lasting passion for performing any of the dances, however, which I kind of regret. When remembering doing the dances, I recall all the ways they benefited me:
1) They let me know that I was capable of grace, no matter how I felt about my body.
2) They were a great, fun workout.
3) I learned about the cultures behind the different dances.
4) I felt confident about the way I moved in the world (which is significant, as I thought of myself as a klutz).
5) They connected me to joy in a way that I never found in other physical activities.
6) They made me feel beautiful.
I haven't taken a dance class in years, but every now and then, I crank up the volume on my stereo and dance around my living room when no one's around, or I try to get my husband to join in. It's a great way to feel like a kid again, to feel joyous, to get past the ridiculous fear that our bodies should move in some preconditioned, perfect way. I think of it as "free-form" dancing--it's fun, and of course, helpful for those of us who are self-conscious. :) I'd recommend it to anyone.
Free Form Dancing
Posted by Nirmala N.
I remember when I was in college and was obsessed with taking dance classes at the college gym or through the YWCA. Salsa, belly dance, flamenco, tango--you name it, I tried it! I never developed a long-lasting passion for performing any of the dances, however, which I kind of regret. When remembering doing the dances, I recall all the ways they benefited me:
1) They let me know that I was capable of grace, no matter how I felt about my body.
2) They were a great, fun workout.
3) I learned about the cultures behind the different dances.
4) I felt confident about the way I moved in the world (which is significant, as I thought of myself as a klutz).
5) They connected me to joy in a way that I never found in other physical activities.
6) They made me feel beautiful.
I haven't taken a dance class in years, but every now and then, I crank up the volume on my stereo and dance around my living room when no one's around, or I try to get my husband to join in. It's a great way to feel like a kid again, to feel joyous, to get past the ridiculous fear that our bodies should move in some preconditioned, perfect way. I think of it as "free-form" dancing--it's fun, and of course, helpful for those of us who are self-conscious. :) I'd recommend it to anyone.