Should we dance when the world is on fire?

It can feel trivial, selfish, even unfeeling, to do something like dance when there are people suffering so deeply around the world. Whether we are thinking about a suffering friend or relative, or our neighbors in Ukraine, climate change, gun violence, or racism, there are undeniably big, traumatic things going on for millions of people every day. Is it insensitive of us to dance while these are happening?

Dance has always been a way to process life. From the earliest communal dances, to folklore dance to entertainment, dance is an echo of life. To be human and alive is to move. Life is a dance. Making it bigger is a celebration of being alive. But, are we allowed to celebrate being alive when so many are suffering?

For me, the answer is a resounding YES. I think it disrespects this great gift of aliveness not to live in a way that offers gratitude, and a sense of sacred joy to our days. If we are not going to live fully, and embodied, what is the point of the struggle to stay alive? It is because life IS worth living, and dancing is a way to express that we know life is precious.

Dancing is also a way to shed our trauma, and relieve tension and anxiety, which, in turn, make us more available and fueled to help others. Being burned out and sad and anxious does NOT leave us more time and energy to donate, volunteer, support, give, and help those less fortunate.

So, dance to be grateful. Dance to heal yourself. Dance to send energy to those less fortunate. Dance to come together to commit to more love in the world. Dance to connect. Just, dance.

Experience dance in one of my Joyful Movement classes. Click HERE to learn more and register.