by Dr Aruna B
What is your choice of dance form?
"Oh no. I don't dance."
Is that your response to my question? No, my dear friend. We dance every moment, in our own way. We just do not see it. I will help you see your moves. Observe carefully as you read the following.
<aside> đđ˝ Dance is a choice. A choice to let ourselves be seen, to be vulnerable, to expose the beauty of our soul.
</aside>
A few like to dance the tango. Tango is a dance to the others' rhythm. Tango is a movement between masculine and feminine energies. An intimate dialogue between the two characters, which requires equal participation in order to be fluid. The leader has to start off the dance, plan the steps, stay alert, and most importantly, communicate, through his embrace, an invitation to the follower to move with him. A good leader has a light touch but a strong presence. The follower has to be receptive to his invitation. She moves only when he moves. This requires physical awareness, sensitivity, mutual understanding, and trust.
Tango is not for everyone. It is an emotion that is danced, and as such it requires that we be open to experiencing it and open to sharing and elaborating it with another. It requires that we be open to the intricacies of intimate dialogue. Tango is a dance of the heart as much as of the body.
A few like to dance solo. They choose their music, choreograph their own steps, enjoy an empty, spacious stage. They are in control of their emotions, not letting anybody else to decide their moods. It does not mean solo dancers are happy dancers. They just enjoy the freedom to be happy, sad, angry whenever they feel like.
Some are so modern in their choice of dance. You know, contemporary dancers. Liberated, unwilling to stick to the norms and rules. Strong, outspoken moves. They prefer to dance with a partner and all of a sudden they switch to the idea of dancing alone. Contemporary dancers are risk-takers. They amaze people with the flexibility of their moves. What more can I say about them, there is an air of mystery about them. Nobody can figure out a contemporary dancer. Unpredictable and uncertain.
Then comes traditional dance. They like to be in a world that is designed for them. Abiding by all the rules and expectations. They move with predictable ideas. A dance form that has a manual. Clear with do's and don'ts of the movement. They face the uncertain world with standard operating procedures, systematically. It is a safety net. As human beings, we like to have things permanent. The traditional dance will bring you the comfort of familiarity.
Now you answer this question of mine. Which dance form do you prefer? You are free to try out every style of dance. No one style is faster or profound in its expression. But, make it a point, while you dance, enjoy the moment. It is about being happy while dancing rather than arriving at a destination. At the end of the dance, we all are exhausted and a bit critical of the way we danced.
If I am choosing to do a solo dance, Am I happy? Am I living fully? Do you long for a sense of wholeness? Switch to Tango
If I do the tango, am I feeling controlled by someone else? Does it annoy me? Go for solo.
Traditional dance limits your creativity, Do you feel weighed down by the obligations?Contemporary is waiting for you.
Contemporary gives you nervousness and anxiety. Do you need the protection of social acceptance? Yes, traditional dance embraces you with that.
Dance your way fully, the way you want it. Do not judge others. It's their dance.