Changing Lives through Dancing by David Woodbury
Arthur Murray Dance Studio Santa Monica
“Laughter is like taking a good medicine”.
-Proverbs 17:22
Many years ago, I was speaking at a meeting in the DC area with many of the big Arthur International executives and studio owners and top staff.
In my 40’s, I had finally put on braces on my teeth. My teeth would not close, and only the right back teeth came together. I had many wires and had crisscrossed rubber bands. They were so obvious, and I wore bold colors that depicted the current season and holidays.
The President of Arthur Murray Dance Studios was also in attendance. After my introduction, I opened my mouth to say thank you and as I spoke, all four of my front rubber bands flew out of my mouth and I froze. Then, I started laughing, and they started laughing, and those brightly colored flying rubber bands broke the ice. It ended up being a great meeting and one I will never forget. Laughter was the magic that day.
I always ask our teaching staff “How do you know that you are smiling?”. The answer is this: you will always see your smile reflected in the faces of those with whom you are speaking.
If I am talking on and on, and I see blank stares coming back at me, I immediately pause and put a big smile on my face and interject some laughter into the conversation.
It truly is a medicine. I’m always trying to be brief and get to the point in a fun way!
Our two new little kitties, Sissy and Spanky, have taught me some great lessons. They are just 2 years old and very sensitive to sounds. If I speak took loudly, or have a harsh tone to my voice, they become afraid. So now, I sweetly whisper to them and smile at them and they love it. Now, I have begun to sing to them a lot and they turn into little butter balls and they meow and roll around. The result of a smile, sweet tone, and kind words make them loving companions.
As an older Southern man, I have also learned that when I am out in public, walking, if I connect eyes with someone, I smile at them. And guess what? They usually smile back. Many times a smile has turned into a greeting that turned into a very warm conversation. It is OK to smile when you are out and it works wonders.
Watching so many professional competitions, I have many memories of the dancers pointing right at me and smiling at me while they are dancing. They are so in tune with their audience, and they know that I have been cheering for them and that I love them and I’m rooting for them.
There is nothing like arriving at the airport and finding the face of your mom and dad, your partner, husband or wife, sister or brother or best friend waiting for you and the smile they show you. It melts your heart and you share a big hug and kisses. Usually when we are sharing the greeting, there are laughter and tears mixed together. Funny how laughter pops up everywhere!
Exercise: find a special time and interject some humor with someone and get a roll of laughter started. It sure breaks down barriers and sets a good tone for the rest of the conversation.
I remember many, many years ago I was visiting my mom and dad in Nashville. Momma and I were sitting in the front covered porch in our Southern rockers and we had started laughing. We just could not quit and then Daddy came in and the three of us laughed so hard together, over just nothing. We all had tears in our eyes. We finished with a big group hug and dried our eyes and laughed some more. I’ll never forget that moment.
Momma always said to me, “Keep a little song in your heart” and Daddy always said, “Keep a Pep in your step”. I continue to do both of these until today!
Thank you for reading and Keep on Dancing!
“Dance & Thrive in ‘25”
David Woodbury