In one week, I DANCE BECAUSE will host its 2nd annual dance party. Some have asked why am I giving a salsa party. I am a dance educator/liturgical dancer with a passion for helping other celebrate life through dance. My husband and I are the directors and the marriage ministry at our church. We started using dance as a teaching tool for our married couples and it is working.
So often in a marriage or any relationship for that matter problems start long before you really notice them. When there is tension in a marriage, one of the first things we do is stop touching. We create more space then is needed between us and become comfortable with not being physically close. Our arguments them begin to be about other stuff than about what really is at the heart of the matter.
The lessons I am learning in dancing salsa with my husband parallel so many lessons of marriage. For me the biggest is following the leader. So often Darrell will say "Let me lead!" I always want to say "but I'm the better dancer and you aren't doing it right!" Of course I don't say that. What has finally happened is he is learning. He realizes that if he doesn't lead correctly we both go the wrong direction and it is his responsibility to get us back on track. He has also learned that even though I am the better dancer, I'm trusting him to show me the way. If I make a mistake its because he didn't give the right lead at the right time.
Do I think dance can save a marriage, probably not but it can help keep the lines of communication open. It keeps us touching our partner in a positive way and forces us to look at each other. Most of all it is great exercise - physically and spiritually.
So, in case you didn't know - Our Salsa party is Friday, July 8, 2011 at Just One Dance Studio in Belleville, NJ. Doors open at 7:30 and the 1 hour lesson starts promptly at 8. This is a fundraiser for our business and our scholarship fund. Tickets are $20. Join us. Bring your spouse or significant other. Say to your spouse or significant other "Dance with me" and see what response you get. Looking forward to seeing you there.
