Dance light, for my heart it lies under your feet, love.
—John Francis Waller
At my dance Sunday afternoon, Bob, a longtime friend, generously related how he felt I was part of what helped bring him to dance, and how it changed his life. What a blessing, to know one has made a difference. I have those key people, as well, who’ve taught me and made possible this everyday dancing joy for which I’m ever grateful.
One of those inspirations was my stepdad, Don, and in his honor my family attended an All Souls Day mass Monday night. At one point they dimmed the lights and allowed the 66 candles, representing those lost this year in the purview of the parish, to shine. Don’s candle among them, it was astonishing to see how much illumination was cast by those 66 souls.
The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos), including All Souls Day, occurs October 31–November 2 and, says an article on History.com, is “a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration.” At midnight on Halloween, the article explains, “the gates of heaven are opened…and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours” according to tradition. “The spirits of adults,” it continues, “can do the same on November 2.” I find this idea of permeability between heaven and earth both comforting and fascinating.
There are multitudes, in addition to our key people, who show us small kindnesses by agreeing to dance with us, bolster our spirits by voicing or showing their appreciation, and pitch in to make our communities happy, safe, and welcoming places to be. Know that with each dance and every interaction, you are perhaps acting as the heroic radiance that encourages someone to keep dancing, helps see them through a struggle, or enables them to be their best and brightest self. Imagine all those candles, next time you’re out on the floor, each dancer’s soul brightly aglow.
Let your love light really shine, these final two months of the year, at any of the special events, regular dances, workshops and weekly classes listed online at the Dance Calendar.
See you on the dance floor —Sean Donovan