Sag Moon Lou

Dancing being an intrinsic part of everyday mainstream culture, and street carnivals!

I live in Wales, UK. Whilst folk dancing is culturally significant in certain areas, it is certainly not mainstream.

I am fortunate, as a Millennial, to live at a time where dance fitness classes ( such as Zumba) are becoming increasingly popular. I joined classes myself at the start of 2020 ( not Zumba, but something similar), and have since gone on to try a number of dance styles , and dance regularly.

It’s one of the best decisions I ever made ! I was never the most coordinated person to begin with ( I’m still not THE most coordinated, but after 6 years I’m much improved!)

I had a lot of restless energy, a love of freestyle dancing, and a desire to dance.

P Prior to dancing, I often felt quite ‘flat’ emotionally…since I began dancing, my baseline level of joy and happiness had increased significantly!

I’ve made so many friends and acquaintances through the classes, and it’s massively improved my social confidence, physical fitness and coordination , and level of perceived attractiveness.

Anyway…have gone off on a tangent here, but the reason why I wish dance was an instrinsic, mainstream part of contemporary Welsh culture ( as it is in the Caribbean, Cuba, Latin American, many African countries…) is because I’ve lived the benefits first-hand.
The improved physical fitness and coordination , connection to my body and sensuality, the way I feel simultaneously calmer AND more alert after almost every dance session…the very real endorphin ‘high’ ( which is actually more a feeling of mellowness) , the improved social connections, the way the music and the desire to concentrate connect me to the present moment , where I’m outside of linear time and not dwelling on future or past…

It feels so natural and joyful, keeping us flexible and slowing down ageing.

I also deeply appreciate the art of different dance styles, not to mention the very wide variety! ( if you enjoy watching dance, search ‘ different African dance styles’ and ‘different dances of Brazil’ ( or words to that effect) on YouTube, and I guarantee it will make you smile and inspire you !! ( not an exhaustive list by the way…there are most likely many examples of this!)

South African dancing is another really beautiful sight to behold ! ( many videos on YouTube)

Carnivals I enjoy watching due to the aforementioned dancing, the vibrancy, artistic costumes, and community vibes! Seems like a joyful way to spend time !