When I started listening to my inner calling, I realized all that which makes me happy to be in this present moment … makes me at my receptive, attentive, creative, connective, positive best.

At this juncture I guess the moment I feel most centred is the moment I connect with the art of dancing whether with words or movement … in whatsoever way possible. Be it in thoughts, action or deeds, like learning a new dance form practicing, teaching dance techniques to the interested, imparting a workshop, sharing a dance, creating new patterns or even writing about it!

Somehow a sense of serene alertness sets in and yet it manages to keep me in the state of joyous flow.

I realize this space to be my healing abode that which lets me be me, as expansive as I want to be! I am aware how much my connect with dancing is growing. I am thankful to those who have helped to be where I am … and hopefully evolving in the being!

We are all beautiful unique beings, and it is important to understand that which makes us unique is our distinct differences…

Likewise, with regard to partner dancing, there are many different perspectives as far as learning is concerned.

From Social Dancing (which I identify naturally with,possibly due to my own personal traits) to Show dancing at performances, an ideal platform for people who like to be at their theatrical , glamorous best and love to entertain, to Competitive dancing which would be ideal for those who would like a rigorous and vigorous , athletic approach to dance training, where the syllabus is watertight and there are judges to keep scores and evaluate your training in different levels and where there are certificates awarded for levels completed with proficiency in perfect execution of well-rehearsed patterns.

Each of these are beautiful pathways and has its own takers according to and as per the individual’s nature. The scope of each is very different and yet the health benefits are common to all with consistent practice.

But my point here is, that among them the important factor which differentiates Social dancing to choreographed sequences of the Exhibition and Show dancing and the Competition dances, lies in the expansion of the ability to accommodate , adjust and act according to the needs of the situation, which can be developed an applied very creatively in Social dancing … as you learn the art of partnering for e.g  to lead and follow, no matter what the age, gender, height, weight or proficiency level is.
This call’s for a heightened attentive response to stimulus …(average response time to a visual stimulus for the human brain is about 1.23 seconds or so for the human brain to body connection and response to happen).

Dancing socially is a natural way to bring out the creative potential in the dancers as there is no room for monotony to set in after a while, which could be possible in rigorous performance-based dance training, or with strict adherence to the syllabus in competition dances.

 And yes … I love the fact that no longer is the old rigid viewpoint true of the leader being always in the lead and the follower always the follow … I hope to reach out and train and send out more people on the dance floor who realize the importance of equality in partner connections .. after all without a follower there can be no leader … I hope the word ‘Hijack ‘which technically could mean a follower taking over the job of the leading … is replaced with responsible ‘Alert Partnering ‘ which improvises the creative quotient of the dance partners …..and brings out the essence of great dancing!

Let us join hands to promote the simplicity of Dance a Spatial Art, for I do believe that it’s so much more than just a floor craft.

All across the world April 29th every year is celebrated as the International Dance Day… as I share this as a dedication  to the Art of Dance …do remember to keep the spirit of dance in your heart and keep on dancing!

Savvy Raj

Member of International Dance Council UNESCO