Soften Saturday: Dance Like EVERYONE Is Watching

Have you seen the social media quest to Find Dancing Man?  In case you haven’t, here’s a little background:

Last month a user on an anonymous internet message board posted a photo of a gentleman dancing at what appears to be a concert, followed by a photo of the same gentleman looking embarrassed, peering down at the floor.  The oh-so-brave, I’m-hiding-behind-my-computer anonymous poster added this comment, “Spotted this specimen trying to dance the other week.  He stopped when he saw us laughing.”

A screenshot of this went viral.  Cassandra Rules who writes for The Free Thought Project started a movement to find the Dancing Man, host a dance party for him.  Thousands of people joined the search, gathered together to plan a dance party for Dancing Man. He has been found because of internet magic, all the way across the pond. I sure hope a party happens where he can get down with his bad self without worrying about the judgment of others. I bet he will find a place to dance like everyone is watching and enjoy it. I’m also pretty sure the hater who snapped those photos doesn’t have thousands of ladies lined up to dance with them.

So why do I have a vested interest in this? Because one of my very favorite things to do is take in a live music show. I am not a fan of concerts where I’m expected to sit in my seat the whole time, I wanna dance my ass off. I don’t even care if there are seats. But recently at a concert, a girl probably 15 years younger than me, stated I must be there to see the opening act (a lovely 82 year old living legend), not the main act (a 39 year old).  Her assumption, because of my age, was that I was more in tune with the 82 year old.  I had been judged as too old for the main attraction (even though I’m only 3 years older than that artist). Didn’t stop me from dancing the night away.

AND IT SHOULDN’T STOP YOU EITHER.

After the concert that night, I had a conversation with my favorite fella about what it looks like to get your groove on over the age of 40, what dance parties look like for grown-ups. Or when you don’t wear the same size jeans you did in college. Or when you don’t fit the stereotype of the crowd. Or, or, or…you get my point.  I occasionally hear friends say things like, “I wish I could rock out like I used to,” or “I wish I could dance with not a worry about what other people think.”

You can.  And you should.  It’s good for your soul.

Doesn’t matter if you are over 40 and think you can no longer get your groove on at a concert.  Doesn’t matter if you are a chubby sort and want to dance in a club.  Doesn’t matter if you think you can’t dance, have no rhythm or didn’t wear the right outfit. Go on, dance like everyone is watching.  Not only will you have a great time, you’ll be encouraging others in the same boat to join in the fun. Seriously. It’s time we take back the opportunity to have a great time and not give a sh*t what other people think.  If they want to use their smartphone for hating on other people, might as well give them a good target.

Soon I’m going to a music festival, the three day kind.  I’m the youngest in the group of friends going, but we are all old enough to be the parents of the average attendee.  Don’t care.  100% don’t care. I’m gonna dance my ass off anyway.  I hope to see you there.

Should you be at the music fest, look for me. I’m the over-40 girl with pink hair and bifocals.  I’ll be looking for this guy…and these people.

Go on, DANCE LIKE EVERYONE IS WATCHING! (They are, and they want to dance like you!)