4 minute read
WHAT CAN DANCING DO FOR YOUR FAMILY?
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS SUZI ROSE
Sixteen years ago, I arrived on the Bozeman scene from a small town in southwest Colorado. Recently married, I was done with the college bar scene and wanted a social evening activity for my new husband and me. Back home, we had multiple family dances throughout the year – after rodeos, as fundraisers and general community get-togethers. After asking around, I found that this world didn’t exist in Bozeman anymore. So, I stopped dancing.
Luckily that is not the case today. Two kids, one divorce and 10 pairs of cowboy boots later I am the proud owner of Western Roots Country Dancing. Along with a crew of dedicated instructors, I focus on using dancing to bring the people of Montana together. Dancers in Gallatin Valley now can choose from multiple country dance options: classes through the City of Bozeman Parks and Recreation, dance classes at Prime Performance & Physio, Country Nights at The Jump, Bourbon BBQ, River House, Tips Up and many more.
As instructors, we’re witnesses to the positive effects on the community when people start dancing. We see a mixing of age groups, connection between different cultures, casual mentoring both on and off the dance floor as well as a physical activity for the long Montana winters.
As parents, one of the greatest lifelong gifts we can give our children is the ability to dance. Among many other things, dancing creates an opportunity for connection in a structured environment. The communication lines that open during a dance lesson and the self-confidence that grows in each dancer is a beautiful thing to witness.
Families that dance together experience:
Improved communication
Dancing together requires communication and cooperation. As parents we hold roles in our children’s lives and, as they grow, our role shifts and changes. These changes can be exhausting, and we may find ourselves longing for the early days when it was so clear when we were needed. Dancing provides a safe space to breathe. On the dance floor the roles stay the same. One person is the lead, and one is the follow. To successfully fill each role, the partners need to hold space for each other by committing to their own position on the dance floor. Conflict arises when we try to share the role. Communication skills we learn on the dance floor can easily be applied to daily life.
Stress relief
Dancing is a beautiful mix of structure and creativity. The clear structure of a dance paired with music is incredibly relaxing as there is no one judging and no time limit.
Sparks of Creativity
Under the safety of the structure of a dance, watch creativity bloom and learn something new about how your children express themselves. Once the basics are down, you will be surprised how quickly you will be inspired to create something more with your dance. Allowing your child to be a part of this process opens an opportunity for a bond to form.
Trust Building
Partner dancing requires trust. Your leading partner must be able to trust that their follow is willing to follow, and the following partner needs to be able to trust that their lead is not only capable of leading the movements but has the partnership’s best interest in mind. The ultimate form of teamwork, partner dancing can be a first step in building a deeper level of trust in your family.
Fun!
No competition, no judging, just you and the ones you love moving to the music.
I hope to see you on the dance floor soon! Western Roots is hosting parent/child dance classes this winter and group private lessons with your family or friends is always a great way to go.
Suzi Rose is the mother of two kids, ages 11 and 14. Living in Bozeman for the past 16 years she is the owner/founder of Western Roots Country Dancing through which she teaches two-step, line dancing, country swing and waltz. You can usually find her anywhere there is good music, dancing and eating tacos. Learn more about country dancing at www.mtcountrydance.com.
