Changing Lives through Dancing by David Woodbury
Arthur Murray Santa Monica
Theodore Roosevelt – The Physics of Vulnerability
If we are brave enough often enough, we will fall. Daring is not saying “I’m willing to risk failure.“ Daring is saying “I know I will eventually fail and I’m all in, ”I’ve never met a brave person who hasn’t known disappointment, failure, and even heartbreak.
The definition of vulnerability as the emotion that we experience during times of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.
When we dance, we truly open ourselves up for failure. What dance are we doing? How advanced is my partner? The floor is so crowded. Then there is the timing, the sequence of steps, leading and following, and floor craft to dance around the floor with all the other dancers. Yes, it can be intimidating for both followers and leaders.
We are taking a risk. We are making ourselves vulnerable to others around us. What if someone judges me or laughs at me? Am I brave enough to dance?
Well, here’s the truth. When you dance with a partner, that partner is thrilled to be dancing with you. They know you have bravery, knowledge, manners, social skills, and your have spent time and money on your dancing to get better. Trust me, you always know a “group class only” or “free open dance partner” who has spent very little time or tuition learning how to dance. You know the moment they step on you or ram you into another partner. The lack of frame, timing, and footwork tell the tale.
Your partner is so happy as you move gracefully and confidently across the floor together with you, dancing to the music of a Salsa or Swing. They know you are trying your best, and they are having fun dancing to the music.
How about those people watching you, sitting around the dance floor? First, they are thinking how lucky you as a couple are to be dancing. How sad they are that they are sitting, sitting, sitting and just watching. A partner would rather be dancing the very basics with a new partner than sitting in their seats with all their training. There is nothing like being up on the dance floor no matter what your level of dance instruction.
Try this. Ask someone to dance. They may say no, but there is a HUGE chance they will be delighted to dance with you. Make sure your breath is fresh and that your scent is clean. Practice all your etiquette and use all your manners. You may find that by being brave, you will achieve great things with your dancing.
It’s OK to be vulnerable. It’s OK to be shy, or not have the right words. It’s OK to be new. It’s not OK to just sit, or not dance, or ask a partner to dance. Trust me, after you practice bravery, you will soon experience new courage beyond your wildest expectations. Be brave in life my friends!
Thank you for reading and Keep on Dancing!
“Dance & Thrive in ‘25”
David Woodbury