Categories
Article

On your own

Dancing with others, with a partner, in a group, is a fascinating confluence of energies, intentions and possibilities. The complicity, the fun. That involvement, the reading of each other is what makes social dancing an experience like no other.

But, there is another dance that provides a different and equally profound dimension. That of dancing on your own.

It’s a practice you can do in your place, no matter the space. I do it almost every day in my little flat. I reach my mobile, select that especial playlist, and start letting my body respond to it.

It’s moving freely around the floor. There is no planned choreography or technique, but it helps to remember that if I use my core, I can do more. Quite often it all starts with slow motion, taking the time to be really present.

Movement is guided mainly by a rhythm coming from music. But my body also takes its own decisions.

Often, when dancing on my own, it ends in meditation. It’s something about it that brings me to myself and my center.

It requires some training at listening. It is listening to and follow your body parts wherever they want to lead you. And quite often they lead me inside.

When you are on your own, you can start reading yourself. Stop the noise. Take your feelings and emotions with you, like embracing a partner with real care. It’s a chance there. Of being fully yourself, a chance of start treasuring your own company.

By Jesus Acosta

At heart, I am a story-teller. As a creative writer and designer, I tell stories on the web, on paper, and sometimes I scribble random lines on the dance floor.