Year 2 of Waltzdays!

written by Hearth Ember, Matthew Reese

I love waltzing. It is a dance form that is easy to learn, because of its simple structure, but is interesting because of the freedom to improvise within that structure. Much as I like “looser” forms of dance, the starting steps of waltzing make it more accessible for dancers of differing skill levels to have fun together, playing off whatever movements the other suggests. An additional treat has been discovering various genres of music for our events. We’ve had folk, classical, jazzier tunes, and can expect a lot of blues in 2017, all of which demonstrate the diversity of style that can be brought to waltzing, all unified by the pulsing, 1-2-3, 1-2-3…

The most unexpected joy has been finding that other people feel the same way about waltzing and I do, and have thus become regulars in our community because of dancing. The Hearth is a community that is rapidly growing, especially as we begin looking for land for the Tiny House Community Art Hotel, and to establish a permanent home. As we build towards this vision, we are more importantly building towards the a community that makes art and creativity “affordable, accessible, and approachable.” Dancing plays an integral role in the life of a community through these values. Whereas dancing itself is not the life of a community, it brings people together to share and enjoy the creativity of music and our feet!

Laughter and rhythm are key components to the health of any people and place. Hopefully, that’s what we are doing at Waltzdays. It seems to be working, so we’ll see you January 22. Can’t wait to dance with you.