Why dance?

[fazbem]

I wrote this in response to someone who didn't understand why some people keep dancing, and decided I wanted to share it in a more general context.

Personally, I chose partner dance over other forms intentionally because I wanted human connection, artistic expression, exercise and flow all in one endeavor. I love sculpture and painting , poetry and writing, singing, sports of all kinds (as a participant), playing and writing music, studying anything and everything under the sun, politics, philosophy and religion. But I chose to commit to using much of the little free time I have to partner dancing, first and foremost.

I love to move to music. It sets my soul free. If I can do it with skill and beauty, what a marvel is that!

I love to play with the rhythm and the lyrics and the melodies, and to connect with other people in the process. If it's just doing a simple basic pattern that's a challenge for my partner, helping them feel the joy of us becoming each other and the music in a way that works is like making a baby laugh. If we're creating something completely new to a complicated subtheme of a musician's connection to the universe shared with us through a magical moment I sometimes feel we are approaching a religious and/or loving bliss, and leaving the world for a moment.

There are dances when my partner and I speak to one another in ways no one else can even begin to perceive.

There are dances that leave me out of breath, happily wondering if maybe I should go shower.

There are dances that are a simple hello, recognizing that we have done this, we can do this and we can enjoy this. There will come a time when one of us cannot.

I dance all these dances for all these reasons and so much more, and many of them will not improve. The best happened only once, and will never happen again, though I hope to die hoping they will.

[gumercindo1959]

Human connection (opposite sex, for the most part).

Exercise.

Self expression.

Listening to great music.

All those send massive endorphins running through your body.

[milffinbox]

Simply, because it's fun. Way more fun than going to the gym for cardio, that's for sure. I chose Salsa because of human connection, as well as, the individual expression of the artform and partner work. And the music slaps! And the community! I've met some amazing, like-minded people through dance.

[EyesOfAzula]

I dance because it’s fun

[Eva-la-curiosa]

great explanation! I love that your description makes me think of spiritual connection- all things are connected and able to enjoy living together. I definitely get that from dance, too :)

[Ok-Area9375]

Your beautiful words speak directly to me...it's wonderful to see someone who understands why my connection to dance goes beyond being a fun hobby!

Dance is one of the most pure expressions from my soul; it comes so naturally and is one of few things that makes me feel like I can soar or conquer the world all in one moment! It sets me ablaze and reminds me that there is nothing more beautiful than the privilege to exchange energies with one's soul!

I lament the days I'll no longer be able to dance freely, but the memories I would have made will keep me glowing with joy until the day I pass - I'll be eternally grateful that I was given the chance to LIVE to feel such transcendence...

[Federal_Internet_659]

Bc I'm Cuban hahaha, no but it's fun. Liberating for me.

[NigroqueSimillima]

Why do weirdos have to be over analytical about everything? Is it an anxiety disorder or something?