It's Not Just Folk Dancing

These past few weeks, folk dancing has felt like more than just fun and community. It has felt like family, a refuge, a safe place. During the week after the election, folks walked into every class looking despondent and shell-shocked.

So I told them that we would not be talking about politics; we would simply dance. And that wonderful magical thing happened – I put the music on, we took hands in our circle, our feet found the steps, and by moving together in harmony and unison we found what is best in all of us and our country and our world.  By the end of each class, everyone was laughing and happy. 

These weeks have been a reminder of how central and important and wonderful this thing called folk dancing is. Of how important it is for all of us to cherish our dancing communities. So here’s a shout-out to my students, fellow dance teachers, and fellow folk dancers. Let's all keep dancing into the new year - and beyond.