The time to dance is now

One thing is absolutely sure: the people of this world need you to dance, and we need you to dance today. For an audience. In public.

Amidst widespread fear and uncertainty, we put our health and that of loved ones first. Many of us across the globe are holding our breath as we scramble to figure out how society works now. Harsh social restrictions are placed upon many of us, and we may be particularly concerned about our well-being. This unfamiliar and trying situation can cause an overwhelming sense of fear and anxiety. Such challenges and negative emotions often lead us to engage in reflexive behaviors and giving in to fear, or giving up. The human mind is naturally inclined to focus intensely on this fear. So, in response to the disruptive situation attributed to SARS-CoV-2, we tend to hold our breath and withhold life. We withhold life in an attempt to take good care of our well-being. How can this be conducive to your well-being — or that of anyone else? It can not. The good news? As almost always, you have a choice. And I might argue, obligation. As a human, as a dancer. Do you choose to give up dance and accompany dance to its grave? Or will you rekindle the fire and let your passion burn so you can keep performing with vigor?

If in your heart you choose to keep on dancing, you have come to the right place. For there are ways to keep on dancing. There are ways to keep performing even now. There always will be for as long as there is human life.

But there is a real sense of urgency here. We must act quickly and re-start performing within a few days. Now this is not about producing your most dazzling light-show and virtuoso technique display. Unless, of course, that's what you're ready to perform anyway. You don't have to create new works, repertory dances are just fine. Or works in progress, open rehearsals, excerpts, improvised scenes. Whatever feels most natural in your current situation, just get out there and dance. Pretty please.

Jan Lippuner