The story goes that when I was three years old I climbed up on an empty stage and danced. I like to think this was where the first embers were lit. I have vague recollections of taking dance and theatre classes when I was around five years old. I don’t remember the specifics of those classes, but the shape of those movements were preserved in my body. I danced through my teens and continued challenging myself in early adulthood. In ballet, I found beauty and grace hidden in the recesses of daily life; tap taught me to discover patterns; swing unleashed the power of trust. I liked the challenge of pushing myself beyond my limits and executing the suppleness of my body. Dance was a way for me to invigorate the humdrum routine of daily life, getting lost in movement and the power of music.
Eventually the strenuous moves of ballet became too difficult for my body to execute. I explored a variety of different types, flowing through belly dance and swing, before encountering the intoxicating world of salsa – I had just discovered the champagne of my dance world. It swept me away to exotic lands with sultry beaches, lush jungles, and sunlit skies. My body instinctively understood the flawless cadence of those patterns. I loved how I naturally flowed with the music and I learned to surrender a measure of control to partners’ who granted me the freedom to move in seamless harmony.
One day I was thrust into the arms of a new partner. RA was greedy and selfish, unwilling to extend me freedom of movement, leading me through a stilted and twisted choreography. I gave up dancing, as the pressure proved to be too difficult on my joints and partners put unintentional stress on them while leading. I worked on managing my disease, learning exercises that would maintain my muscle tone, and while I celebrated those victories, I missed the pulse of the music and the way I moved with it. I had always been the leader of my life. And it was time to take that back.
My girlfriend said she wanted to try a belly dancing class. I agreed to go with her. Dance is simply the synchronization of my body to music, identifying how it has changed and celebrating its limits. Nobody follows the same tempo – our movements are unique to us. I may not have the flexibility and strength of my pre-arthritis days, but I can still move. Dance, like life, is never stagnant – it is always transforming and shifting within the body and I can learn to tap into its new rhythm. I am, after all, the choreographer of my own life – and this time I will be dancing solo.
No Comments
Leave a Comment
The information on this site are stories based on my personal experiences and is not intended for medical advice. All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. All content is original and owned by the author and shall not be used or duplicated without express and written permission.
If You Like What You See
Some people have inquired if there’s a place to donate on my blog. This is for those who would like to offer extra support for my work and I thank you for this.
A bigger thank you to all my readers who offer ongoing support simply by stopping by for a visit. I enjoy writing and interacting with you.
About me
J.G. Chayko is a writer, actress, and international arthritis advocate who’s been involved in theatre for more than 30 years and has published poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction.
Your writing has a wonderful cadence to it. So eloquently written. What’s the expression, dance like no one is watching.
Yes, dance like know one is watching…I love that expression, and I often do. Thank you for your lovely words. Hope all is well with you.
I love this so much.
I thought you would…I seem to recall that dance is also one your passions 🙂
You recalled correctly. 😀
I beg to differ. You are not dancing solo. We are with you. Every step of the way. In spirit and in thought. In stilted movement and in flowing grace.
Wonderful. I will hold that lovely image of you all dancing with me. Thank you 🙂 Hope all is well with you.