Each year, at one of my dances around Thanksgiving, we provide strips of paper on which dancers can write what they’re grateful for. I’m always deeply moved by what’s expressed, and throughout the night I read as many as possible to the crowd. This year people were grateful for “a healthy body that allows me to dance,” “food, music, dance, HOPE,” and for “new perspectives that come with age.” A number mentioned health, family (one specified their cat, another 6 granddaughters), and thankfulness for our community as in “my fabulous dance community,” “for each & every person in our dance community. We need and love each other!” and for the “bounty of our beautiful heartful friendships.” Someone added: “I am so grateful for each moment we share on this big ol’ crazy rock, right?”
Right, indeed. And I rarely feel more gratitude than when I’m dancing or listening to live music, preferably both at once. It really touched me that someone said they were grateful for the “musicians who create and perform this music.” As Nietzsche wrote, and I must agree, “Without music, life would be a mistake.”
Another made numerous, miniature origami cranes (which brought me to tears) and wrote thankful sentiments on their wings — in remarkably tiny print — such as how they feel welcome at our dances, “foot rubs after dancing” and the thought-provoking “imperfect allies.”
I’m so thankful for all you dancers and for the profound support and love you bring throughout the year. And I’m grateful to every one of our subscribers and dance advertisers who fuel Seattle Dance Info, making it possible for me to do this work I find so meaningful.
May you have a truly lovely Thanksgiving, filled with culinary delights, charming people, and magic dances.
See you on the dance floor —Sean Donovan
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