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Folk Dance Federation of California, South, Inc.
DANCING WITH TWO LEFT FEET |
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.
It's about dancing in the rain.
I could recount the many times I did not feel like going dancing. After a nice evening meal, lying on the couch, and watching the news, dancing somehow takes the backseat. It would be nice and easy to continue flipping channels, munching some cookies to fill the bulge growing under my belly, and rolling over to the other side whenever my arm or leg falls asleep. Mentally, I know I should attend our dance class, if my lazy body would cooperate and get me off the couch.
After some prodding from my wife, I grumblingly muster the energy to get up, drag myself to the car, and go dancing. We arrive at our dance hall which is already filled with our friends setting up equipment. I feel that my droopy face matches my droopy body supported by my two lead left feet. I sit down. The music starts. The dancers form the circle as I continue to sit on the sidelines, too lazy to get up and join them.
I hear one of my favorite songs and a tiny crack of a smile appears on my face. I get up and join the dancers as that crack of a smile grows bigger with each step I take. With every step, my body becomes lighter as all of my so-called pains melt away and evaporate into thin air. One song follows another as the evening goes on. Before you know it, we are doing the last dance and I feel like dancing some more.
So, what are you doing sitting on your butt reading this article? Get up and go dancing. You can always read it after the dancing. First of all, you will be in a good mood and second you will enjoy the article even more.
Even if I am not able to convince you to go dancing and you are still down in the dumps, talk to yourself and convince yourself to get out and dance. The music, the spirit, and the joining of hands will bring enthusiasm and energy back into your life. It worked for me as it repeatedly cured the arthritis in both of my left feet.
In my opinion, folk dancing is the best folk medicine!
Printed in Folk Dance Scene, "DANCING WITH TWO LEFT FEET (58), September 2010.