Just the other evening, my husband and I found ourselves swept into a delightful gathering filled with good company, delicious food, and the irresistible rhythm of a live band.
Music, truly, is a balm for the soul. Dancing has always been a passion of mine. Yet, on this particular night, observing the diverse crowd of partygoers sparked a deeper reflection. It became clear then and there: I needed to write about the beauty of aging dancers!
Looking around, the average age of the attendees likely hovered around 65. The music selection was perfectly tailored to our generation – a nostalgic journey through golden oldies, and it was fantastic dance music! There’s an undeniable pull in music from your formative years, an invitation to the dance floor. However, the age-old hesitation still lingered in the air. Who would dare to be the first to dance? Would it feel awkward if no one else joined in? Would it appear as showing off?
Throughout history, the dance floor has represented a paradox: a space for uninhibited freedom and self-expression, yet also a potential arena for insecurity. Isn’t it somewhat comical that at this stage of life, we still grapple with anxieties that feel reminiscent of being sixteen?
This realization struck me as absurd on so many levels. At our age, our prevailing thought should be gratitude: “I am so fortunate to still be able to get up and dance!” Consider our peers battling debilitating arthritis, respiratory challenges, or vascular issues. Think of those who have lost their life partners and yearn for just one more dance.
The wisdom often attributed to Mark Twain beautifully encapsulates this sentiment: “Sing like no one is listening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching, and live like it’s heaven on earth.” It’s a powerful call to liberation!
Indeed, it’s time we truly embraced our age and shed those teenage insecurities. Farewell, wallflower!
Beyond the emotional liberation, another aspect struck me: the sheer physical benefit of dancing. We should eagerly seize every opportunity to move our bodies, burn calories, and awaken dormant muscles.
My vibrant 86-year-old sister is a testament to this. She diligently aims to achieve her daily step count, walking two miles whenever the weather permits. But she confessed, with a hint of embarrassment, that on less favorable days, she turns up the music and dances in her kitchen. While dancing solo in your kitchen might initially feel a bit self-conscious, it’s actually a brilliant idea. It’s an act of liberation and a fantastic workout rolled into one – and truly, nobody’s watching!
Dancing serves as a potent metaphor for navigating our aging lives. We have the choice to embrace liberation and activity, or to remain spectators on the sidelines as time marches on. The “dance like nobody’s watching quote” isn’t just about dancing; it’s about living fully and freely, regardless of age or perceived limitations. It’s about finding joy in movement and expressing ourselves authentically.
So, heartfelt thanks to the party organizers for believing in their older, dancing friends. And a little suggestion for the band: when playing for this wonderful age group, perhaps consider skipping that 9 p.m. break. For many in the audience, that’s practically bedtime!
Find Connie’s book, “Daily Cures: Wisdom for Healthy Aging,” at www.justnowoldenough.com.
