“Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance.”
Oprah Winfrey
I take a Zumba class on Monday nights at my fitness club. I like it mostly because I’ve memorized the steps in the last five months I’ve been going, leaving my mind to have fun rather than think the way through the dance. When I first took the class I barely thought about the exercise; all my energy was on watching the instructor and trying not to look ridiculous.
Even knowing the steps, I can still look a little ridiculous. But then again, I can also look strong or sexy or happy as I watch my body move in paneled mirrors.
I have never had any dancing finesse, even when I was young and in ballet, tap, or jazz classes. But I have loved almost any opportunity to lean in and get moving. At my summer camp, we had Morning Music every day where we got up after breakfast and danced around the dining hall, shouting “one more please!” after each song. There were always those kids the counselors would have to coerce out their chairs. I was not one of those kids. Nor was I the kind of person who sat out at high school dances. When the music started I easily overcame the painful shyness that otherwise accompanied my school days.
My friend Jenna and I used to perform dance routines for our elementary school talent show. She did the choreography and I showed up. We danced on the gym stage to Shania Twain and Destiny’s Child in handsewn costumes from my mother.
I remember dancing with my father in a dozen memories, swinging around in a dance with turns and twirls. I remember dancing with my friends at our college bar, standing in a circle and singing the lyrics to every song we knew. I remember dancing in my childhood bedroom to Taylor Swift with my best friend. I remember closing down the dance floor at every wedding I could, moving until my heels were sore. Breathless and laughing I have loved it all.
On my own, I’m an advocate for the occasional bathroom mirror dance party. Put on some good songs and move in the bedroom or the kitchen and wake your body up. Last night, still high on Zumba, I played a few songs to burn some energy before bed. It feels powerful and silly at the same time. And good, so good.
There is no aspiration here but a reminder to be present with my body, enjoy the movement, make room for everyday happiness. As Lee Ann Womack says, “When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.”
With Love,
Natalie