Everything was basically shut down when I started my morning dance parties in my basement and on Zoom back in 2020. 40 minutes, because that was the limit on a free Zoom account, I pick the music, you join if you like. I’ll be there, even if it’s just me. Or at least, that was the idea.
But if it really had been just me, I would have given up by now. Instead, there’s been someone there nearly every day. Sure, it’s often just me and Tyler. Or sometimes just me and Becky. But never underestimate the importance of one person.
This week has been amazing, with dancers from all over the world: Norway, Malawi, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Malawi again (but a ten hour drive from the first one), and Hudson, MA.
Dancing every morning has been good for me. It hasn’t fixed everything, but I’m doing something I love, getting exercise, making new connections, and bringing a little bit of joy to other people’s lives.
It was a bit weird at first, but now it would seem weird not to dance. So many people love to dance. But some unwritten rule says you can only dance at a club, or a wedding, or at least after a couple of drinks. Why? If you love dancing, why wait? If ecstatic joy is just a couple of shakes away, why not just start shaking?
This weekend we are having an event with live music, dancing, and we’re live streaming it to Malawi and other locations around the world. It is the next step in the evolution of my dance parties. For me, the music has always been just as important as the dancing, and there’s no music like live music.
So come, join me, in a joyous celebration of life. Even if you don’t always feel all that joyous. No, make that especially if you don’t always feel all that joyous.
One person in your life can make a world of difference.
40 minutes of celebration, 5 times a week goes pretty far, too.
