What Makes You Move?
It's not just the rhythm that's gonna get you.
My last piece was much ado about me, so now let’s talk about you. Better tap into tapping your toes and get into your gyrations. Sweat it out and work it out, rinse and repeat. Not that you aren’t already. But there’s always room to further explore the whys and ways you whirl to eek out the extra benefits dancing can bring into your life.
Let’s start with what makes you move. That is, in whatever way your abilities might allow you to. Music is most likely at the top of that list. It’s pretty obvious that the beats that make you bop puts pep in your steps. It doesn't take a genius to listen to artists who move your body, mind and soul. But that’s not where it starts and ends. There's a plethora of other ways you can optimize your propensity for prancing and prolong precious moments.
Your state of mind can have as much to do with dancing as the music does. Check in with yourself before, during and after. Did dancing lift your depleted demeanor? Or maybe it took you from feeling good to floating on cloud 9. You could also just simply be exhausted. Perhaps you were motivated by people dancing happily near you or inspired by an incredible dancer. Was the dancefloor crowded or sparse? Was it night or daytime? What were the lights like? How was the sound? Sleuth out what maximizes your movement and galvinizes your gams. Monitor how you're feeling across a whole slew of parties. Bonus points to any organizational over-achievers who decide to take notes.
Had a tough week? Seek out parties that amplify the optimal elements that take you from bleak to bright. That might entail venturing out to some new ones. And forgo those that don't do your psyche any favors. Turn yourself out further by being finely attuned to your tastes. If you're in a city with few options, try to not waste time on an event that’s actually making you miserable. And if you feel you’ve just gotta go because there’s nothing else to do, what exactly are you getting out of it? Could be something entirely different than dancing that’s equally or more meaningful to you.
Check in with your attire to see whether you're dressed for success. Start with your shoes. Do they enhance your steps or trouble your toes? Since the fateful day I found boots that fit me like Cinderella’s glass slipper, I’ve never taken a step back into anything else. I now have around ten pairs which I hunt down on resale sites with voracity. Now that’s an extreme which isn’t for everyone- especially given that it limits your lewks. But maybe you have a favorite pair of sneakers for certain dance decathlon types of nights. Or an insole to slip into your shoes du jour. Do your clothes look fab but feel like a flop because they're uncomfortable, hot, or limit your range of motion? Maybe it’s not the right choice for that night. Or if it is, bring a backup to change into after an entrance, a few laps and a look-see.
How are you starting the party off? Did you take the time to “Stretch, Stretch, Stretch It Out?" Are you in a healthier mindset when you go with certain friends rather than others? Or perhaps you prefer to venture out alone to see where the night takes you. Give more thought to the company you keep and kiki with. Gravitate to folks who bring out your best. It could be the exuberant stranger twirling next to you- if that’s the case just be sure to leave them some space. With a friend you adore but their non stop talking or lack of body awareness is making you cuckoo bananas? Dance in another direction. If they can't take the hint, kindly say something along the lines of “I need a moment to myself / solo dancing time.” I have it boiled down to a curt “I'm dancing” or “I'm writing” or sometimes I just silently shake my head no. Then again, I'm pretty blunt. So say whatever you're comfortable with. The point is to protect dancing as a sacred time when you put your needs first.
Are you a private dancer? So private that you barely notice anyone around you? Or do you enjoy being in lock step with those who escalate your energy. Perhaps your manner of moving is somewhere in the middle. Until recently, my dancefloor interactions were pretty limited to a speaker stack; my eagle eyed focus resting squarely on myself. It was my modus operandi until a friend lovingly pointed out my seclusion. Until then, I assumed other people’s swivels and steps were of a similar solitary nature. She challenged me to observe and interact with others. And let me tell you- it was an epiphany. I initially felt awkward venturing out of my comfort zone. But once I got into the rhythm I realized the big benefits of both approaches; the dancefloor is equally about community as it is finding oneself. And subsequently, I found equilibrium exploring both ends of the spectrum. Though the majority of my dancing still resides on Planet Tovah, I remind myself to dip into pas de deux, trois or quatre mode to find new levels of joy that were previously untapped.
What area of the dancefloor is your Goldilocks zone? You’ll very rarely find me smack dab in the middle where I quickly turn into a ball of anxiety. At a stand still because though the music is cunt, the tightly packed crowd doesn’t allow for much movement. A sedentary spin out ensues until the floor clears and my rigidness is relieved while I exhale a big sigh of relief. The fringes of the floor is where it's at for me. Think you’re sure of your favorite spot? Don't rest on your usual laurels. Venture to various areas at different points of the party. You might surprise yourself. The beginning of the night could be all about the front left and the end at the ends of the dancefloor.
The past doesn’t have to dictate your future. And your previous proclivities might not actually be your current prancing preferences. Every so often, take a step out of your steps to calibrate your cavorts. Explore all the nooks and crannies of your dancing to optimize every iota to your heart’s soaring delight.