“If I could steal one final glance, one final step, one final dance with him I’d play a song that would never, ever end, ‘Cause I’d love, love, love to dance with my father again.” – Luther Vandross
I love to dance. It is one of my favorite activities. Dancing is beneficial for your flexibility, balance, coordination, aerobic conditioning, and your brain! I have spent a lifetime of dancing. Ballet and tap when younger, clogging and swing dance as an adult, with some cha-cha thrown in there … all fun and helpful in my fitness quests. I credit my dad for my interest and love in dancing – as well as his patience in teaching me!
As a young girl, around eight or so, I took baton twirling lessons from a Noblesville High School student. Noblesville was a small town then and many of my friends also took lessons from her. I would walk to the high school after my grade-school class was dismissed so that she could give my lesson in the NHS gym, which is currently part of the Ivy Tech building. I always managed to arrive before she made it downstairs from class and I would find a booth in the “canteen” and wait patiently. In the meantime, teenage boys and girls would arrive in the canteen, turn on the jukebox and start dancing (1958!) so it was like my own American Bandstand! I was mesmerized and knew that is what I wanted to do as well. I knew that my parents went out dancing, so I demanded to also learn!
Sharon’s father instilled within her a love of dance. (Photo provided by Sharon McMahon)
Swing dance steps are pretty basic, with a variety of moves depending on whether it is Western Swing or East Coast Swing. My dad was a great dancer (and very patient!) and he taught me well. Of course, during my teenage years and young adult years I thought I was “too cool” for that! However, after marriage and children I longed to swing dance again and I have a great long-time dance partner in my husband Bruce! Again – great exercise and lots of fun! And remember, thanks to line dancing you do not need a specific partner! There are organizations in every community that offer line dancing lessons and gatherings.
Sunday is Father’s Day, and I miss my dad, as many of you do as well. He was a great dancer, a fun and loving father, a good provider, and generous person. I have not seen him, or my mother, since I was 19 years old as I lost them in a traffic accident. My younger brother has also endured that loss. Dancing therefore remains a strong connection to my dad, and I treasure my time with him.
I understand that not everyone has or had a good relationship with their father. However, most people have somewhere along the way had a father figure in their life. That person may be a stepfather, grandfather, uncle, teacher, coach, or other mentor who meant a great deal to them. If that person is living, let him know how much he has meant to you, and if he is not, reflect on his mentorship and your good times with him.
And – if you are not a dancer, try it! Just put on some music and move, it is good for body AND soul!
Happy Father’s Day to all those special Dads who make such a difference!
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.