Lifelong Friends

       Have you ever watched a toddler begin to “dance” when she hears music? Young children seem drawn to music, and at an early age can often be seen starting to move about and “dance” when they hear music. According to the National Dance Education Organization’s website, young children can often learn movement patterns just as easily as they learn language. Sometimes, they may “dance” before they are able to talk. Dance becomes a way of expressing emotions that a child may not be able to express verbally. In doing so, they learn to communicate ideas and tell a story through their movements.

       When a child is involved in dance classes, she will have more opportunities to learn socialization skills by learning to work within a group. In addition, she will learn that she has to move with the group and to stay with the group in order to perform, thus building listening skills, concentration, and impulse control. She will learn to cooperate, interact and relate to others and begin to develop a sense of community with her dancer friends in class as they applaud and learn to appreciate one another for their efforts.

       For a dancer, that sense of community is something that lasts for a lifetime, it seems.  There is something about dance that brings people together.  I have witnessed this over the last twenty years as I have watched my daughter learn and grow as a dancer and now a teacher.  We still get together with friends we have met through dance, even though we no longer dance together.  And we will drive to another city or state to watch other dance friends perform!

       One year, I remember going to six different dance studio recitals.  That's a lot of dance!  And for those of you who aren't familiar with dance recitals and dance competitions, this is not just an hour long activity.  The shortest recital I have ever been to lasted only about two hours, and the longest about six hours!  Competitions typically take a 6-12 hour day, or even an entire weekend, depending on the circuit.  So when I say that dance has its own community, it really does! That is real dedication to watching our friends perform and supporting and encouraging them.

       I came across this picture showing two little ballerinas embracing on a stage. The caption reads that psychologists say if a friendship lasts longer than seven years, it will last a lifetime. I believe this to be true. I have lifelong friends made through my daughter's dance adventures. I wouldn't change that for anything. They are treasured friendships! As further proof, I've attached a picture from my daughter's high school graduation party.  Miss Leslie, her dance teacher from the age of three, is pictured third from right.  And all of the young ladies have danced together since they were between three and five years old.