Dance is Joy

My father introduced me to Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor when I was 10… in a figurative sense. Dad loved musicals and Singin’ In The Rain became one of my favorites. I was obsessed with their tap dance to Moses Supposes and practiced every day after school until I ‘got it’…or something slightly resembling it…

My dad also taught me to Jitterbug and Waltz and we watched musicals year after year and these are my most treasured times and memories of my father. Dancing became my passion and my skills were honed in varying dance styles. Traditional tap dancing to Anchors Aweigh, Jazz movement to Chicago’s All That Jazz which eventually progressed to a ridiculous dance my 3 sisters and I performed to Disco Duck. Don’t ask!

Dancing was always a family hobby and to this day, my 5 siblings and I will throw down at any appropriate or inappropriate opportunity… it brings us joy and has bonded us deeply. My daughters love to dance, and so far, my 2 grandchildren Leo and Vivi are on the same Soul Train dance path! It’s what we do!

Many people don’t think they can dance. I often hear friends say that they have two left feet or resemble Elaine from Seinfeld. Most feel insecure or awkward that they will ‘do it wrong’ and therefore never attempt. My advice: there is no wrong. All movement to the music that makes you happy IS dance. When I teach Zumba, it brings me joy to see the people that choose to move the way they want to move… not necessarily following my choreography at all! Those dancers leave class de-stressed, sweaty and smiling. THAT is the joy of dance.

Don’t just take my word for it! Research supports the benefits of dance. Studies support the benefits of dance. HERE is one of the latest. Not sure where to start? Take this QUIZ to decipher the dance that matches your personality!