“Dance is the only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made.” (TedShawn).

I am five and I am dancing in a pink leotard, holding out my thin little arms and pointing my small feet. I watch my ballet teacher, moving my feet to the beat as she keeps time. "One, two, three, four. Wendy’s, McDonalds’, Arby’s, and home.” My blonde hair pulled back, I stretch, hop, and spin like an awkward little butterfly.

I am eleven and I am dancing, but only because my grandmother asked me. It is a warm midsummer evening in this small mountain town. A local band is playing tunes from the fifties and old country songs like Rocky Top. Elderly couples square dance next to the small stage or sit in lawn chairs in the downtown parking lot, tapping their feet to the music. A group of children hold hands in a circle, giggling as they try to join in. My hair is darker and shorter now, my once small frame is long and lanky. I feel awkward and self-conscious. I tell my grandmother I hate dancing, but I let her draw me into the crowd for a few minutes, following her movements. Then, much to my relief, my grandfather approaches to trade places.

I am eighteen years old, and I am dancing, my cheeks red from exertion and excitement as my cousins and I bounce to Uptown Funk and Thriller, surrounded by suits and ties and flowing dresses. It is New Years’ Eve in Chicago, and the family is celebrating my cousin’s wedding. People laugh and chatter and dance and my beautiful cousin spins in her elegant dress.

Although there was a time when I told myself I hated dancing, now it is one of my favorite pastimes. It costs no money and requires no training. A dance can be as simple or as sophisticated as we want it to be. We can dance on our own, with our friends and family, or even with a group of strangers, whenever and wherever we have space to move and some music. Dancing allows us to stand out and express our individual beauty or blend in and participate within our community, sometimes at the same time. I am thankful for the ability to dance, and I hope it will always be a part of my life.