Groove: Dance Evolution and Revolution
In a traditional technical dance class, the dominant relationships are often with ourselves in the mirror, or with the teacher we follow with near-religious effort, trying to perfect our dancing and “get it right.” In Groove, we focus on connecting with each other on the dance floor—through eye contact, gesture, and moves created specifically for connection—because connection itself is valuable and one of the primary gifts dance provides.
In fact, one of the theories about why dance evolved cross-culturally in nearly every society from the earliest stages of our human development, is about connection. It postulates that dancing together helped us, as social beings, to practice and learn cooperation. Societies that dance together develop a sense of affiliation and a sense of belonging. And ritual dancing was done not only for celebration, but observing important milestones, including death and grief.
Recently, one of our regular Groove participants gave our class a wonderful endorsement when she said this: "We're a mix of skill levels, fitness levels, and ages and Karen makes it a beautiful experience for all of us." We all have different shapes and we are all unique in how we move. It is my joy to reinforce that uniqueness and help participants value themselves for exactly how they are different. But at the same time, I want to nurture community. That’s why, when we dance together you will often find me encouraging interaction - and giving participants a little nudge to look up and appreciate one another. And CONNECT!
Rather than dancing in our own little bubble, our eyes averted, or glancing at the mirror to check ourselves out or compare ourselves to others, we smile at one another and move freely. Often times, once we get over any natural shyness, that's just plain fun. Because Groove IS about having fun. It's dancing, it's a creative workout, and it's just not that serious. But that doesn’t mean that there aren't significant benefits that go beyond that.
As many people have noted, the pandemic experience not only created massive, social isolation, making us lonely and longing for connection, it left a lasting impression. It spotlighted how deeply we need community in our technology-driven, accelerated lives. And not just in times of crisis, but always. The very real grief and loss that we experienced during the pandemic made community and connection an even more meaningful and important part of our recovery and has stayed as a much more talked about and recognized requirement for our personal and societal health.
The other impact of the pandemic crisis is, sadly, is how it also divided us. Those who want to harm us fomented (and continue to foment) that division. Sadly, our feelings about being divided and separate are reinforced every day by the messages we receive in the news, in politics and in simply observing the horrible conflicts going on in our own country and around the world. But it is certainly not all that is happening. There is beauty. There are good people doing wonderful things, solving huge problems and building community in every corner of the globe. As a humanist, I still believe that we have the capacity to lean into this, to grow, and to become better versions of ourselves individually and as a society. But what does this have to do with dancing?
While Groove is about having fun using our bodies for creative self-expression, I also believe it can help us in its own small way to counter our isolation and feelings of disconnect. In Groove we not only recognize our own uniqueness but are invited to appreciate it in each other as we move together on the dance floor.
It is no surprise that dance has an evolutionary origin. And one that has continued to develop and grow in society throughout our histories. One of the beautiful things that happened during the pandemic was that we continued dancing - even when we couldn't do it in person. We danced on videos that we shared, on social media, in online classes and in communities across the globe. While dancing in front of our phones or computers by ourselves in our living rooms wasn’t ideal - we kept dancing.
In all its varied expression, dance is an enduring, vibrant and important part of our human evolution. And in Groove, I dare say - even a revolution. Because it's a dance class where you don’t have to look like anyone else, have a special kind of body or innate skills, or follow complex choreography. You get to bring and be your authentic self. You aren’t anyone else but YOU and that is a gorgeous thing that we will keep celebrating together.
11.2.23 Newsletter
Moving and dancing helps light us up…
When the days get shorter and darker it’s so important to continue to nurture ourselves with opportunities to feel joy and lightness. In addition to getting outside in nature, moving and connecting on the Groove dance floor definitely helps lift my spirits! This month’s schedule includes four regular Thursday evening classes AND a special post-Thanksgiving Friday afternoon class. I’m hoping you will join us for as for some or all and be part of the magic that happens when we get together and Groove.
RSVP won’t you? SO helps me with planning! Here’s the schedule:
Thursdays 6:30 - 7:30 PM, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16 and 11/30.
Special post-Thanksgiving afternoon class Friday, 11/23 (time TBA.)
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield in Oakland
$15 per class. Prepay $45 for any four November classes, or $55 for all five!
Venmo @karen-wertman, or cash.
Bring a friend and their first class is free!
Please a yoga mat and water and arrive 5 minutes before class start.