Dance is a fundamental part of my life. Even now, I don’t practice it often, not like I did before. However, for many years I had the opportunity to live it. In different ways it took over me and became one of the most important activities for me (and my well-being). Every day I was learning something new, without knowing that all that would become a lesson for daily life.
If you ask me, I always recommend dance as an activity that you can practice in the long term. It improves mood, stimulates attention, memory, coordination and even spatio-temporal awareness. In addition, it allows you to meet incredible people and experience moments that are only lived through dance. The forum, the music and connections beyond the stage.
I recognize that any holistic activity such as the arts, sports, among many others, teach you about discipline, dedication, perseverance, teamwork, and more. But today we will focus on dance, because this is what I learned:
- You work better as a team.
We must learn to collaborate. Be aware of our actions and how they can impact others, both positively and negatively.
A real team can become your family.
- Take care of your body, it is the most precious thing you have.
Your body allows you to be here and now, and it does amazing things. Don’t think of it as something already insured and permanent. Taking care of your body is the key to staying healthy, in an optimal state and allowing you to continue living much longer.
- One word: Discipline.
Discipline is everything. It teaches you to be consistent. If you want to see results, you must work for it. Be there, present yourself every day and do your part with the best attitude. Discipline is something that is required in any field, day by day. Remember: you shouldn’t give up on something just because it didn’t happen immediately. Many things will take months or even years to accomplish. Discipline goes hand in hand with perseverance. Don’t give up.
- You can always do more.
There will always be more than one path. You can always do more, and dance is one of those ways. Exercising is not synonymous with gym, not always. Exercising doesn’t have to be boring or monotonous. This is how it is in daily life too… Just because you have a path already laid out, or an easy option in front of you, doesn’t mean it’s the only one.
- Trust yourself.
Through dance, you learn to solve and move on (with a smile). Being confident about yourself is the most important thing. You work it daily and it will serve you today and always. Exposing yourself to strangers, or perhaps friends or just people you know, is a challenge that you learn to handle and that you solve better and better each time. Having security in yourself is reflected in your way of being and your actions. And yes, it does make a difference.
These are the learnings that I would highlight when talking about dance and how it has influenced my daily life. Mainly, thanks to dance, I learned to always have a moment for myself, to do what I like, what I am passionate about and to always be grateful for the present moment. For that space and place where you are. Because we are not sure what will come tomorrow, but we can always enjoy this moment, here and now.
Finally, I learned that it is better to share. Share what you know, share your passion and your talent. Because thanks to the Juárez’ sisters, from Tiare Escuela de Danza, for them who continue to share through teaching, thanks to them I really knew what it means, that life is better dancing.
We could certainly extend the list. Would you add anything else?
If you made it to the end of this post, don’t forget to share it and leave your comment. Tell me, what activity do you think influenced your life? What was your biggest learning?