Pony Up Or Don’t

Because putting yourself out to pasture, is a decision all your own.

We’ve all heard the kvetching. The negative nellies who snicker statements along the lines of “this or that person is old.” I have an inkling that some of those folks don't hold a life largely lived on the dancefloor in high esteem. At least not at this point in time. The assumption that one can age out of well- going out is absurd.

Music- really any type of art form is a unifier like no other. It has the power to reach your raw emotions before your nationality, race, socioeconomic status, upbringing…whatever. For me- connection, in all forms, is a funadmental human need after air, food and water. And my logic says, why on Earth abandon your portal or path to that if you don’t want to. 

If you presume that a steep decline in music and/or dancing occurs as you age, it’s no fault of yours. It’s no surprise to anyone that society propagates ageism. But those in it for the long game know it can be a fountain of youth. There's not some random timetable for when “fun” has to give way to an avalanche of adulthood. Why is settling down considered the only sensible route to age appropriate behavior? The list is long- religion, capitalism, family, etc, etc.

If you're in that camp and liking it, there’s no judgment here. To each their own. What works for me, might be cuckoo bananas for you. And vice versa. There’s room for everyone at the party regardless of your purpose. I’m just shining a light on what might not be so obvious for some. Because though societal norms may have been bestowed upon you, you don’t have to be at their mercy.

I was recently at a festival where the median age appeared to be around 50, which caused me to reflect on these thoughts further. In contrast to demographics of others I’ve been to, age diversity was amongst the biggest differences. Aside from that, a spritely and spirited vibrancy was still rampant. As was lots of dancing. I mean…I’ve certainly seen some younger skewing dancefloors moving at a geriatric and glacial pace in comparison. A mindset that believes its days and nights centered around music are numbered, has a finite timetable. Which can have an effect on how some treat the scene and space as disposable.

The only right and wrong is what makes sense for you. But take note that amongst us are wildly different mindsets which affect everyone and everything in their wake. So when you're out and about, be aware of those differences and subsequently, how you conduct yourself. Because what’s trite for you, is the holy trinity for some.

Music and dancing matter most- that is IF they make you happiest. No one on this planet could have convinced lil 16 year old me that there was an end in sight to dancing and getting down. It’s not only what propels me forward, it sustains me. And ultimately facilitated my growth in a myriad of ways.

Do you find yourself judgy-wudgy about seasoned folks thinking, “they’re way past their prime?” Well, babes…I’m gonna break it to you. That could mean you’re gonna peak and skedaddle early on. Don’t get me wrong, that’s all good too. But…if you’re happy and able to find balance for it amongst your non-party proclivities- there’s no expiration date to your time getting down. You’re not a carton of milk. And that has nothing to do with the quantity of parties, its quality that matters most.

If you consider “older” folks the dinosaurs of the dance music scene, trust it’s not us that will become extinct. And chances are- you’re a tourist. Not to knock it; that role is fundamental to figuring out just what you want out of life. How else can you expect to see what, where and who floats your boat? Just know your row boat might be another's life long voyage. And no- I’m not trying to convince anyone. Being a transient visitor in the dance music scene isn’t necessarily a negative. Because you’ve chosen to be here at this moment of your life, regardless of how brief. Just remember it’s all about how you treat it and others and what you gain out of the experience.