Dancing in the Streets and in the Studio

Today I taught belly dance for the first time. It was sooo fun! I had seven students. Everyone came with a great attitude, and I think they had a really good time! Even I am sore. I am really happy that this worked out. I think it was meant to be. I never quite imagined myself in this position, but here I am. And in fact I am helping other women to feel more control and self-esteem about their bodies which is something beautiful because God made us and we should celebrate it. I am also reading a book about the beauty of social dance called "Dancing in the Streets- A History of Collective Joy", by Barbara Ehrenreich. I think this quote about the book conveys the main point: "We are innately social beings, impelled almost instinctively to share our joy, and therefore able to envision, perhaps even create, a more peaceful future." What a hopeful thought. I think that's what I've felt about dance all along. Music is an expression of hope, and dancing is an outburst of joy. When we dance together, we are sharing our joy with one another, telling one another there is something out there worth celebrating. What a refreshing feeling when life feels mundane. I think anything that brings people together to respect and love one another is a reflection of the One God that we all share in common.