It's About All Of Us!
05.20.08

In the last year, we have seen some remarkable changes begin to take place. Where apathy and ambivalence had been dominant, energy and concern have taken root. It is a slow process and there is still room for improvement and growth, but we have the resources in place
 

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It's us! Every last one of us. The difference makers are here and all around us. It is you. It is me. It is every advanced dancer and every newbie and everyone in between.
 
Dance parties have popped up like rabbits. The only reason they exist and the only reason that they will continue is your interest in dancing and enjoying the camaraderie of dance. Some have made issues and voiced concerns over the proliferation of dances each month/week. Change and shake outs will occur, but the dancers in our community will help determine the level of activity in the South Florida area, just as anywhere else in the US.
 
There has been a steady growth in recognition of the changes in West Coast Swing that have been manifested around the country. Beth and I have been joined by many other dancers in traveling and sharing their experiences from other areas. This process of learning and importing new ideas was a trickle when I started dancing, but has increased dramatically. Many of our friends are now showing up on the contest results and moving up the ladder of accomplishment in dancing. They are encouraging others to join them on these journeys and the results show up on the dance floors around our area now as well. More dancers are noticing and the snowball seems to be building some momentum.
 
There are many of you who may think that they do not matter in the grand scheme of things. That could not be further from the truth. Your involvement in classes encourage the instructor to challenge themselves to find more new material for you. It supports the other students, because learning is most fun together. The venues where your lessons take place stay open because enough people participate in those classes. The same is true for dances. The organizers can afford to keep dances going due to your participation. Every single pair of feet walking through the doors creates more energy in the room. Every request that can be a part of the evenings dance makes the night unique and special.
 
All of us are needed to make our community the best that it can be. Don't take teachers, organizers and instructors for granted! Don't take your fellow dancers for granted! Be a part of something bigger each and every week by getting on your dance shoes and joining the rest of us for a night of fun. Suggest, cajole and help others get to the dance floor. Help each other dance and your life will be richer for the effort.