Changing Lives through Dancing by David Woodbury
Arthur Murray Santa Monica
Man reading should be man intensely alive. The book should be a ball of light in one’s hand.
Ezra Pound.
When I began as an instructor in 1976, my first goal was to certify as high as I could as quickly as I could. At that time, we did not have the Internet, mobile phones, or even 8-track tapes. We had a written syllabus. And that is how I learned to dance, through reading. The only exception was the Gold Star level. I had a projector and reel-to-reels and I watched the World Champions, Bill and Bobbi Irvine, dance all the steps.
I’ll never forget my Judge’s Certification exam with Mr. Sam Sodano, World Latin Champion. When we were at Gold Bar Bolero, Step #4, I danced the pattern and Mr. Sodano said, “Your wrong and missed that step”. I responded that I had done it exactly as it was written in the syllabus in front of him. He then took out a red pen, scratched out the written step, and said “Now you’re wrong. You should have known the book was incorrect!”. Well, that was the only step I “missed” in the thousands of steps that I executed during that test! I’m glad I studied and knew the book.
All of my peers and friends from that era also learned their tests through the syllabus only and we are a different breed when it comes to testing, even today!
In 2025 I am on a great journey, “50Books25”. I am going to read 50 books in the year! As I presented this goal to anyone who would listen, I was met with unbelievable enthusiasm and many, many book recommendations! I found out through the Internet that I was not the only person doing this. Many people world-wide are reading in 2025. The amazing statistics show how many young people are reading now! Amazing.
Well, as of March 14, 2025, I have completed 43 books! I always have two books on Kindle going at the same time, a book on Audible, and a real book (sometimes 2) going at the same time. I though going into this that I was a terrible reader. I discovered that I am a great reader in all the different formats.
I think that being a ballroom dancer and a choreographer all these years has laid a great reading and learning foundation for me. Also, it has set the way I learn. When I discovered I was a good reader in any format, I realized that it was just like choreographing a dance routine or learning new steps.
I’m even reading books about dancing, and management and growth among a full list of all types of books.
I encourage you to pick up your phone and read a book. It’s healing, fun, and can be free with your digital library card and the Libby app.
Now, for dancing, branch out to learn dancing as well. Dancing has so many of the same benefits. It’s fun, exhilarating, challenging, exciting, social, physical, and builds self-confidence.
I’m just shy of 69 and let me tell you, gravity is always pulling on me. Dancing is uplifting, positive, and is truly a fountain of youth. If you don’t feel good about yourself or something about you, it will all disappear when you are dancing. You’ll feel great! Some type of dance magic takes you over and you are truly transformed the moment you step on the dance floor.
Rent a dance movie, read a dance book, watch ballroom dancing on YouTube. Let dancing invite you to a “new chapter” in your life!
Thank you for reading and Keep on Dancing!
“Dance & Thrive in ‘25”
David Woodbury