“I hope you dance.” Those aren’t my words, and they certainly aren’t words that have ever been directed at me. They’re words from Lee Ann Womack’s song of the same name.
‘I Hope You Dance,’ released in 2000, isn’t really about dancing. It’s more about life and taking chances and walking through open doors and never settling for the “path of least resistance.” Her words.
But she uses dance as a metaphor to make her point. Whatever the challenge in front of you… take it on. And what a perfect metaphor it is. How many of us have stayed off to the side while the music plays and the dance floor fills with those who took the chance… and danced?
As we’ve confirmed, many times over, we live in a very artistic community. Our galleries are filled with the work of local artists. On any given night you can find live music provided by talented area musicians. And the work of creative film-makers is currently on display during the annual Fresh Coast Film Festival, a celebration of the environment and spirit of the Upper Midwest. And then there’s dance.
A Different Discipline
Like most artistic endeavors, anyone can dance, and, at one time or another, most of us do. Granted, for many, it takes a little fermented lubrication to take those steps. But for others, as soon as the music starts they’re on their feet, with or without a partner, making Lee Ann Womack happy.
Since much of our dance takes place behind closed doors, the local dance community exists without a lot of fanfare. But it just takes a quick Google search of area dance studios and you’ll find there’s more two-steppin’ out there than you ever imagined. Most of the teaching labs are designed for youngsters who might prefer the dance floor to the ball field. Watch the kids stream out to waiting parents and you’ll notice many, but not all, are young girls. (Like a lot of things, it takes boys a little longer to catch on.)
The seats at youth dance recitals are mainly filled with moms, dads, and doting grandparents. Occasional missteps, videotaped for eternity, are part of the learning process. No worries… refreshments for everyone!
Big Kids Dance Too
As the kids mature, the dance becomes more serious. For example, tryouts are required for anyone wanting to join the Marquette Senior High School Varsity Dance Team. If you’ve been to one of our local parades, you may have seen them. And you may have thought, like I have… “Those kids are in high school?” They’re that good. They also perform at all home varsity football and basketball games.
Head Coach Kylee Taavola says they get more out of it than just a coordinated workout. “They grow as dancers, increasing skill, confidence, and performance ability. They meet new people and make strong friendships. They bond as a team and make lifelong memories.”
And did I mention… they’re really good? Watch for their special “Not Just a Halftime Show,” November 10th at 7pm in the MSHS gym.
One of the great things about dance is, you can do it forever! In addition to our dance studios targeting the younger set, there are a number of local professionals offering lessons and classes for adults. Again, a Google search will give you plenty of options.
A Different Dance
For open-minded enthusiasts, TaMaMa Dance Company specializes in modern dance. Co-founder Maggie Barch explains… “Modern dance is often site-specific, meaning the space where we perform has as much influence on the end product as anything else. Most things meant to be performed on a stage can be put on any stage. But if you are creating a dance piece to be performed on a rock wall, you need the rock wall. Our goal is to inspire, to make people think and feel.”
Echoing what I said earlier about anyone being able to dance, Maggie says, “Everyone who has a body is a dancer; we just sometimes have to coax that out of them. In modern dance there is no wrong way to move. In class we explore lots of ways to move and then we celebrate the outcome. Students often feel proud and joyous after class and that is so absolutely rewarding for us.”
Get in Line!
Enough talk. If you’re ready to kick up your heels, in a low-pressure setting, Tuesday night at the Ore Dock is the place to be. Brian and Janell Larson, teaching partners at Marquette Swing Dance, will be guiding participants through line dance lessons, starting at 7pm.
Remember line dancing? It was a big deal about 15 years ago and now it’s back… in a big way. Janell thinks you’re ready for it. “Line dancing’s repetitive patterns make it easy to learn — by the end of the song, your body and brain have figured it out. That repetition helps build confidence and muscle memory, so even beginners start feeling successful right away.”
If you think line dancing belongs down south, think again. According to Janell, “It’s not just country music anymore — songs like Shaboozey’s ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ have brought line dancing into a whole new spotlight. It’s really become a shared language across generations and music styles.”
Not for you? Wrong. “Anyone can join, regardless of age or experience. You don’t need fancy gear, a partner or a dance background — just a willingness to move,” says Janell.
And if you think it’s just for the girls, wrong again. Though Janell’s husband and dance partner, Brian, looks like he could hold his own fighting for a rebound, and he can, he’s also pretty light-footed on the dance floor. Yeah… guys can dance too!
I used to think, unless your name is Usher or John Travolta, it’s better to be heard and not seen. And I was wrong. “I think everyone feels a little self-conscious the first time they try something new, but the great thing about dance is that nobody expects you to be perfect,” says Janell. “Once you get out there, you realize everyone’s just there to have fun — not to perform.” Boys included.
Good Advice
Lee Ann Womack said, “When you get the choice to sit it out or dance… I hope you dance.” And I say… why not?