Dick Van Dyke, a beloved figure in entertainment, recently shared a surprising insight in his memoir, “Keep Moving”: he’s never actually studied dance. For someone celebrated for his energetic and captivating performances, particularly his dance sequences, this revelation is quite unexpected. Van Dyke himself admits, “I am a fake. People think I am a trained dancer—I’m not. I am best when I freestyle, when I can go with the way the music makes me feel.” This philosophy of freestyle dancing has become a signature element of his enduring appeal.
While many assume his dance prowess stems from formal training, Van Dyke emphasizes the improvisational and intuitive nature of his movement. He elaborated on the contrast between structured choreography and his preferred style when discussing his experiences on set. Reflecting on the iconic “Step in Time” number from Mary Poppins, he noted the extensive preparation involved: “For the ‘Step in Time’ number in Mary Poppins, we rehearsed for six weeks.” This rigorous process highlights the demanding nature of choreographed dance, a stark contrast to his more spontaneous approach.
The difference became even more apparent when he worked on “Night at the Museum” with Ben Stiller. Initially tasked with learning a salsa routine, Van Dyke found the limited rehearsal time challenging. “On Night at the Museum, I had one day to learn to salsa. It wasn’t enough for the dance to sink in and become second nature. I should also mention that I can’t lead.” This anecdote underscores his discomfort with structured dance forms and his reliance on instinctual movement. He felt the salsa wasn’t quite working, leading to multiple takes.
The turning point came from an unexpected source: his wife, Arlene. Observing the difficulties, she suggested a simple yet brilliant solution: Van Dyke should revert to his signature freestyle moves. This suggestion proved transformative. “The rest happened in a single take,” Van Dyke recounted. This moment not only salvaged the scene but also reaffirmed the power of his unique freestyle dance style. It was his natural ability to move freely and expressively that truly resonated on screen.
Beyond specific performances, Dick Van Dyke’s dancing embodies a broader philosophy of joyful living and aging. He encourages everyone to embrace a playful spirit, regardless of age. In his book, he shares his perspective on aging, stating, “For me, it is all about how I feel on the inside… Our reflections barely matter.” This outlook connects directly to his dancing – it’s about the feeling and the joy of movement, not about perfect technique or appearances.
His secret to maintaining youthful energy and spirit is simple: embrace your inner child. “I haven’t grown up. I play. I dance with my inner child. Every day. If you don’t sing and dance like me, figure out how your inner child likes to play and then make a date to do so.” Dick Van Dyke’s dancing is more than just entertainment; it’s an expression of his life philosophy – a testament to the power of playfulness and the enduring joy of freestyle movement. His approach to dance, and to life, serves as an inspiring reminder to find joy in movement and to keep moving, no matter your age.
