Marina had to be in Vancouver last week for work, so we decided to make a family trip of it, and have the long weekend on the west coast. As luck would have it, there were two family events happening over the weekend, so we were able to participate with the extended family who live there, along with a few others who came from out of town. It’s rare that the stars and calendar align so perfectly, and that we were able to have a bit of a break.
One of the events was a 25th wedding anniversary celebration—an informal gathering of family and friends that of course included lots of kids who happened along in the intervening quarter century, running around every-which-way throughout the evening. At one point, after the slideshow of reminiscences set to the playlist from the wedding itself, someone began to replay that soundtrack which included a lot of music from the late 1980s, some of it quite danceable.
Aside from the young (as in under 12-years-old) kids who dance to anything with a beat, everyone remained glued to their chairs or in close proximity to the dessert table. Everyone, that is, except yours truly and my fabulous life partner. We got up and enjoyed the moment, dancing through several songs. People watched us. Several applauded after the first song, although we did nothing particularly showy or impressive. It was the best place to dance.
I was reminded of that time in the Lululemon store when a particularly dance-positive song came on over the speakers, and we danced while waiting at the cash. These were not unlike the Sunday afternoon down at Harbourfront near a hat kiosk where there was a small radio playing Latin jazz that just begged for someone to be dancing salsa, right there at the corner of Queen’s Quay and Rees Street. Both of these were the perfect place to dance.
Mind you, we weren’t wearing dance shoes. The floor certainly wasn’t a sprung, wooden floor. There was no DJ—only the available sound through some very inexpensive speakers. What made these random places the best places to dance? Three things… three things that are essential for great dancing: Music, partner, and floor (of any sort).
So long as you can connect to all three of music, partner, and floor, you have it made. That’s what makes dancing the best. Connect to great music that has a clear pulse and heartbeat. Connect to a great partner who enables you to be in flow and become lost in the moment (which brings about engagement in the wellbeing PERMA model). Connect to the floor with great footwork, balance, and floorcraft. Wherever you are, whoever might be around to watch, or not. When you have all three elements, it’s the best place to dance… so dance!… as we…
See you on the dance floor.
Mark
P.S. This Thursday evening, the best place to dance will be at the southeast corner of Bloor and Spadina beginning at about 9:15 as the 13th season of Sidewalk Salsa kicks off! Check out the Sidewalk Salsa Facebook group for full details!