Dancing Through Life

Of the many aspects of culture having great effects on my life, the one that impacts it the most, with the exception of food, is dance. For me, dance is a form of art in which I am free to do things and use the steps in order to express myself and my moods; a grande allegro when I am feeling like I am on top of the world and want to show off, an adagio when my more artistic side is coming out, when I am upbeat and excited, a petit allegro and turns. You cannot lie or hide your feelings or what you are thinking when dancing, everything is laid out for people to see, it is one of the most truthful art forms, not to mention one of the most revealing about one’s self. There are endless ways to convey your mood through dance.
I am not the only one who feels this way. Throughout history dance has played an enormous role in the culture of almost every society on the planet. From the Whirling Dervishes of Istanbul, to the gypsies of India and Spain, to the Aztecs in Central America, dance is a critical part of culture and life. In the Bible it says, “For everything there is season and a time to every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance…” Ecclesiastes 3:1-4. This shows that even as far back as biblical times, dance was just as much a part of normal life as planting crops, being born, and dying. It is also a way of worshipping in many religions. In early Christianity, as shown by the passage, in Islam by the Whirling Dervishes, in Native American tribes, and in many others as a way of rejoicing in their religion, or as a way of feeling closer to their god. Interesting history can also be found intertwined with dance. Flamenco, a dance most people think originated in Spain where it is widely practiced, got its influences from gypsies travelling there from India. Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates to keep himself and fellow inmates strong when in an interment camp set up by the British during World War One.
Aside from the emotional and expressive aspects of dance, it is also a rigorous physical activity. It helps to keep me in shape, strong, and healthy. Albert Einstein once said, “Dancers are the athletes of God.” I believe this statement is completely true. Dance is a strenuous aerobic work out that still appears pleasing to the eye. Dancers use and develop muscle groups most normal people would not even think to. As Joseph Pilates learned, dance is an excellent way to keep the body and the mind in excellent condition.
For myself, dance is much a natural part of my life, as said in the passage from the Bible. Like it was for Joseph Pilates, it is also a way for me to stay in shape. Dance is also an art for that leaves me free to express myself, like many of the cultures throughout the history of the world. So in conclusion, I will leave you with one final quote, “Some men marry dancers, real men become them.”

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