While we all know that jazz is as much a style of music as it is a style of dance, many people may not realize the importance that dance plays in music. Many songs mention the importance of dancing and yet as a society, we seem to have forgotten the importance of limiting that importance to a certain age group. As we get older, we seem to forget not only how to dance, but also the intrinsic importance of dance.
"I Hope You Dance" is just one of many songs that address dance's important role in feeding the human soul. If one thing in life is important for everyone, it would be to dance whenever the opportunity arises. You never know when you'll run out of opportunities to dance or find that you've wasted so many. Take them as they come and your life will be filled with much more joy than you ever realize. Despite many other songs that can convey the message, there are very few that say it more eloquently than this particular song. "When you choose to sit or dance, I hope you dance."
Garth Brooks is another musician who had excellent commentary on the dance. His song "The Dance" captures not necessarily the importance of dancing, but participation. Given that choice, many who lost their lives in some risky endeavor would more than likely tell those left behind that they wouldn't trade the dance for another breath. The lyrics of this song are rather haunting "I could skip the pain but I had to skip the dance".
Believe it or not, not all good songs that mention dancing happen to be country songs. These are honestly the most poignant in my opinion. Other great songs about dancing include “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie. The lyrics of this song include the line "Let's dance for fear tonight is all". The truth is you never know and dancing is a great way to celebrate life.
Music and dance have gone hand in hand for years and will continue to do so long after we leave this earth. At least that would be a hope. I would hate to see what the world would be like without dance. It would be like having children without laughter and that would be a sad world to live in. If you want your children to dance, you must teach them to dance. Teach them that it's okay to dance and be silly around the house. That it's okay to dance your way through your chores (hey, if it makes them laugh while taking out the trash, I say go for it!). Teach them that dancing is a great way to express joy and that laughter is the best thing to watch while dancing.
Native Americans have a long and noble tradition when it comes to dancing. They let their dreams beat the heartbeat of Mother Earth and danced in the company of nature. They danced for joy and sorrow, war, peace, and praise. I can think of no better example to follow when it comes to dancing.
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