"On The Wood: Healing Via Dance, Fitness & Skating Floors"

 "On The Wood: Healing Via Dance, Fitness & Skating Floors"

Denise E Williams/Subtle Woman

Occupational Therapist/Wellness Counselor,

Healing Touch Certified Practitioner &

Psychic/Intuitive Empath & Medium 

February 28, 2023

The international Swing/Lindy/Balboa Dance floor of Java Jive at UChicago, the expeditious Dance Fitness floors of Zumba/Bootcamp/Bodyworks & Abs, the multi-faceted Tap Dance floor and the cautious Roller-Skating floor at Hamilton Park District serve as settings of familiarity, safety & creativity for this Sensory-seeking scribe.  The Love and Joy of Dancing, Dance Fitness & Roller-Skating are immeasurable.  Each skill set that I experience and groom for mastery serves as a place for Enlightenment and Healing.

In the Shamanic tradition, wood serves as a symbol of strength and growth.  Dancing, standing and moving atop wooden surfaces (sprung floors, tap boards, stages) can and has promoted relaxation of the dancers and fitness participants' Parasympathetic Nervous System.  Not only do we experience calming energy, but there is also a converse response of excitation and happiness.  

My avocational pursuits have taught me to avoid slippery, non-porous surfaces, such as marble, concrete and non-sprung laminate surfaces.  Safety and comfort are keen factors in the ease of dancing, fitness and skating.  Imagine trying to stay steady & avoid injury during a kick-ball-change or a Susie-Q--an accident waiting to happen. 

Bottom line, I highly recommend movement and music for mood changes, positive outlook and thriving wellness.   Give it thought.

"Entering, Enjoying & Exiting the Swing Dance"

"Entering, Enjoying & Exiting the Swing Dance" 

Denise E Williams/Subtle Woman

Occupational Therapist/Wellness Counselor,

Healing Touch Certified Practitioner &

Psychic/Intuitive Empath & Medium 

February 8, 2023

It is exciting to participate in Balboa, Lindy and Swing Dance events.  The elements of couple or solo dancing evoke anticipation, joy, athleticism & social engagement.  Partner dancing to lively upbeat music creates a community of joyous participation, improvisation and exploration.  

UChicago/Java Jive, Epiphany Center for the Arts, The Drake Hotel and Summerdance are my favorites. Each venue offers an opportunity to dance with experienced, familiar, novel and novice dancers.  The vibe of the dance's beginning varies from curiosity to excitement.  How the dance begins may give you some idea of the Lead/Follow connection.  Smoothness, clarity, playfulness and musicality can heighten the animation and ease of the dance. 

Pairing each dancer's skillset & understanding of the dance shape creates an energetic connection. The speed and intricacy of certain dance steps e.g., Texas Tommy, Sliding Door, Tandem Charleston, Crossovers, etc. can promote a high-spirited response. The flow of the dance sequence makes way for more merriment and well-being.  [Sadness, have a seat.]

Live or recorded music has familiar endings which aids the rhythmic closure of the dance and mood of the couple. Familiarizing oneself with the typical endings of various Jazz standards allow for embellished and familiar dance closures, as well. Often, the post-dance exchange includes high fives, hugs or rushed acknowledgements of appreciation of the dance.

An evening of Swing Dance can prove to be a thrilling adventure!  See you on the Dance Floor!