Have you ever considered your life as a dance? The question itself might seem a bit unusual, but it certainly sparks reflection. Recently, during a Table Topics Speech Contest at a Toastmasters event, the unexpected question, “Life is a dance that you learn as you go along. What dance represents your life?” prompted a surprising answer: the Hokey Pokey Dance.
In the fast-paced environment of a speaking contest, there’s no time for elaborate planning. The goal is to think quickly and articulate thoughts effectively. Initial thoughts jumped to dances often seen at celebrations – the conga line, the chicken dance. But then, the hokey pokey emerged as the most fitting metaphor.
Memories of childhood weddings and family gatherings flooded in, filled with the simple joy of the hokey pokey. As the reflection deepened, it became clear how the different actions in this seemingly simple dance mirror the various stages and experiences of life itself. Even with ample time for consideration, the hokey pokey remains a surprisingly accurate and insightful representation of life’s journey, and perhaps, even your own.
Consider the iconic lyrics: “You put your right foot in, you put your right foot out…and you shake it all about.” This perfectly captures the tentative nature of beginnings and new ventures. When faced with something unfamiliar or challenging, our approach is often cautious and measured. We take baby steps, testing the waters, dipping a toe in to gauge the temperature. This “right foot in, right foot out” phase is about initial exploration and assessing risk. And the “shake it all about” – that’s the natural reaction when we step too far out of our comfort zone too quickly. It’s the moment we retreat, reassess, shake off the initial shock or discomfort, and prepare to approach things from a slightly different angle. Maybe next time, it will be a left elbow we tentatively extend.
Life, like the hokey pokey, also demands commitment. There are times when baby steps are no longer sufficient. Sometimes “You put your whole self in.” This is when you reach a point where tentative approaches won’t suffice to achieve your goals. It’s the moment you need to fully commit, diving in with all your energy and resolve. And just as the hokey pokey acknowledges the need for adjustment, life too requires flexibility. “You turn yourself around” when you encounter obstacles, feel yourself faltering, or realize you’re heading in the wrong direction. This turning point is crucial – it’s about adapting, changing course, and finding a new path forward. It’s about resilience and the willingness to pivot when necessary.
The Table Topics Contest was just a small part of a larger event, a weekend filled with connections and learning. Meeting new faces, reconnecting with familiar ones, participating in workshops, and engaging in shared experiences – these are all vital parts of life’s dance. There was laughter, shared stories, new perspectives gained, and personal growth experienced. Ultimately, regardless of which dance best symbolizes your life’s journey, the most crucial element is to keep dancing. Because truly, that’s what it’s all about. Embracing the movement, the changes, the steps forward and back, and the constant rhythm of life itself.
