Why Dance Continues to be a Big Part of My Life
By Nizana
Someone I am aquainted with through work who is not familiar with ME dance found out I am a dancer and asked me
what it was I liked about it and what has driven me to do it for so long. It’s
been a big part of my life for several reasons. First, it's one of those things
I just really like. Some people like beaches, some people like mountains, some
people like sports, and some don't. Personal preference. I enjoy it, it brings
a smile to my face, it entertains me, it offers my life balance and happiness.
I really like it in a broad stroke way- the actual dance itself for
example. You can do improv, troupe (or duet) or choreography or a combination
thereof. There are so many cool movements and the variety of styles is far
reaching. Then of course there’s the music, the costumes and the sisterhood.
There’s so much to like about it.
Because of the dance I get to drum and zil and make music where otherwise
I probably wouldn't be nourishing my musical side. It allows my creativity to
soar as I choreograph troupe routines, improv my solos, produce events, teach,
and write articles or reviews for dance publications. I get to synergize my
creativity with others through dance collaborations. It enhances my self-confidence
and gives me feelings of joy when someone tells me they really liked my dancing
or some other meaningful specific feedback after a performance.
I’ve noticed a great many dancers including myself have used to it to
deal with stress or health conditions. One of my dance sisters used the dance to
come back from serious injuries incurred in an automobile accident. Others have
used it for inspiration to get through cancer or other debilitating medical
conditions. Some health conditions require exercise and this dance form
allows you to be as low or high impact as you’d like. Many women have used it
for childbirth or to get in shape during or after pregnancy. It is a great form
of physical activity, which is important to a healthier overall life. If I have
to exercise, I might as well look gorgeous and have fun!
This dance is also steeped in culture from a wide region of countries that
continues to ”travel” and assimilate flavors and has exposed me to even more
culture through dance and music such as Latin, Hawaiian and African. As I
appreciate and support diversity, this assists me in being more understanding
of the bigger world community. So it’s all of these things; I can’t pick one
reason why dance is important to me and why I like it so much. But I know it’s
important, something I’ve been doing for over two decades now and don’t see
stopping in my future.
