I was feeling quite lazy the other day and was hesitant about getting ready for my dance class. Then I realized that I was hearing the lyrics of David Bowie’s song, Let’s Dance. It was a subtle remainder that I needed to get shaking. He sang and told me to ‘put on my red shoes and dance the blues’ It was as if he was serenading me from the other side and saying, “You can do this!”

I got ready and to make a long story short, I made it to the dance class. I left feeling re-energized and rejuvenated. It was well worth the effort because it was a real pick-me-up. I later thought about the fact that I have always enjoyed dancing. I took tap lessons as a young child and during my partying years at the clubs, I danced up a few sweats just to forget my troubles, 

After giving it even further thought, I recalled that I have always found a dance class after I settled into whichever city I lived in at the time. I knew that if I could get moving to some beat, I would remain motivated and be better able to deal with whatever was going on in my life. Sometimes the classes varied  from modern dance to jazzercise to other available choices such as ballet, aerobics, African dance, polarity, stretch, step class, rap dance or Zumba. What’s in a name?

Whether I was in Chicago. Jackson, Memphis, Wheaton, Atlanta, Boston or here in Evanston, dance has been a constant staple throughout the years. The classes kept me moving and striving to stay in shape as I met a host of great teachers and classmates along the way. One teacher loved  reminding  us to, “Keep it moving!”

I’ve never considered myself to be a dancer, per se, but I have always found it to be therapeutic. It lifts my spirits. It challenges me as I attempt to follow the teacher’s directions. And most importantly, dancing keeps me in touch with my youth and brings a wide smile as I continue to work on being the best me!

Lynn M.
February 14, 2026