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Dancing – A lot of people are intimidated by it and think they need to drink copious amounts of alcohol before stepping out onto the dance floor.  And that, my friends, is a dang shame!

I love how other cultures consider dancing something you learn as a matter-of-fact part of growing up just as one learns to walk and talk.

They seem to ‘feel’ the music and watching them so free and graceful in movement is a beautiful thing.

Music and dancing are so ingrained in their culture and daily lives.

I’m a huge fan of dancing.

The way I see it, it’s a great way to have fun and exercise all at once.

It’s not unusual for me to walk into a dancing establishment and head straight for the dance floor.

Truth be told  – I’m not a technical dancer (more the free-style hot-dogging variety)

and I’m still desperately trying to learn how to ‘follow.’

It’s not a Feminist I-am-woman-hear-me-roar because ‘I want to be in charge’ thing.

I just struggle with following.

I went to Mikey’s Juke and Eatery on Saturday night to help a friend celebrate her birthday. Mikey’s is a great place to chill out with down-to-earth people – a neighbourhood bar with many regular customers.

They have a tasty menu selection and believe me; they’re not in business for the money – I do advocate tipping well though – the staff are super friendly and work hard.

Mikey’s does it for the love of music and the joyful expression of dancing.

Mikey’s usually books Blues bands, but in honour of the Calgary Stampede they booked a Country band. Now I’m not a huge fan of Country, but I gotta say, it’s growing on me!

It had been a long time since I went out dancing – too long in fact! Luckily three delightful and patient gents took turns dancing with me throughout the night.

Although they knew how to Two Step well, they didn’t judge me

[A-HEM]

for not being as well-versed as they were

– they took the time to show me how it’s done.

I asked one of them if he thought I was finally getting it.

He just laughed and asked me if I was having fun.

“Yes, I’m having a great time!!”

“Me too,” he said, still laughing.

Aside from the rubbery legs I had the next day, the thing that seemed to hurt the most was my cheeks.

Must have been the big smile that was pasted on my face the whole night and all the laughing I did!

I’m not sure why I love dancing so much. Maybe it’s the one child-like expression of joy left to me as a grown up.

Maybe it’s the way that music and dancing connects people, even if you’ve never met before. Sure, I wish I was better at following, but when I’m concentrating on that it becomes more like work and less like fun.

So I’m thinking…maybe technique isn’t as important as feeling the music…

…letting it awaken your spirit and seep into your body inspiring you to move

in an instinctual response to the beat.

Hell ya – Country is growing on me!

In the mood for Two Steppin’? Watch the video below

Does music make you silently pray that no one will ask you to dance?

or does it make you jump out of your seat and dance?