Changing Lives through Dancing by David Woodbury
Arthur Murray Dance Studio Santa Monica
“Some people have joy in life, but they don’t know how to en-joy it.”
David Woodbury
Have you ever met someone who was joyous in life, but they did not have direction, goals, a vision, or a plan? They laughed, were playful, they saw the cup always half full and they loved life, but they did not know what path they were on.
Or have you ever met someone with a great smile, a great laugh, and they were in touch with life and they were on a solid path in their lives with vision and goals? You just wanted to be around them to feel good, and discover their “secret” to a joyous life?
The joy of life just rubbed off from them. They spoke positive words. They had peace. They had energy and life.
They are strong on their bad days and during trying times. The great test of a positive person is when trials and tribulations come their way.
In my dancing life, I have met several truly sanguine, happy people. I have known them for many years. I know the moment I see them that they are going to be smiling, fun, happy and energized. They are always the same. They motivate you just by being with them.
Where does joy come in with Ballroom Dancing? First, if you ever see Hawaiian dancers, they always smile as they dance. They are singing and chanting and dancing with the Aloha Spirit. I love to watch the consistent joy and love of the Hawaiian culture through their dancing.
When you seen the top dancers in the world, Smooth, Rhythm or Show dancers, they truly show the love and passion of dance through their faces, their movement, and their fantastic energy. They have spent a lifetime of practice and competition to get to the top. They are all dancing for their lives, and they are giving their all. The champion couples are not just competing, they are giving a show for the audience and for the judges. All the couples show camaraderie on the dance floor and they are all together in the quest to win top couple.
Perhaps having joy in life is first having a dream. Then pursuing that dream with hard work and sacrifice. Getting through the good times and the bad times, the wins and the losses. Experiencing the times if victory and the moments of disappointment. Being patient and listening to the advice of so many coaches and mentors.
Living a joyous life is realizing that the days of victory are ahead, and the trials of life are there to make us stronger and even more successful to fulfil our dreams.
Want to have joy, just keep on going on. Don’t give up or give in. Days of greatness are ahead with even more joy and success!
Thank you for reading and Keep on Dancing!
“Dance & Thrive in ‘25”
David Woodbury