On Extremism and Dancing

I love dancing. Its one of those things that is both a natural part of being human (whether you do it or not) and a socially regulated thing.

I love politics. Its one of those things that is both a natural part of being human (whether you engage in it or not) and a socio-economically regulated thing.

In dancing there are extremes that I love. I love square dancing. I love slam dancing. I love them both. They are not mutually exclusive. We might even combine them in a fascinating fit of moderation.

Square dancing is the epitome of order and regimen. It is conservative. Do what you are told.

Slam dancing is the epitome of freedom and self- expression. It is liberal. Do what you feel like doing.

Both slam and square dancing require people to act in unison.

There are no physical casualties in square dancing, at least not anywhere I have ever heard of. It is probable that, incorrectly interpreting orders, folks have smashed into each other and endured injuries. It is mostly harmless in that we don't physically hurt one another. We do, however, blindly obey orders so everyone is doing the same thing and having a good time.

There are certain physical casualties in slam dancing, deduced in part from my personal experience though these were no worse than my college rugby daze. But we expect the injuries with the free-for-all that is unobstructed freedom. It is mostly harmless in that everyone is having a good time. We do, however, give ourselves up to the mercy of our fellow humans with no authority.

These extremes are not mutually exclusive, nor are they the only options to dance. Dancing is a rainbow of possibility. I am not particuarly good at either extremes though I appreciate them both. I love it all and love all who accept it all.

Dance and live. Live to dance. Or don't dance. Or dance in your own personal way.

Don't deny others their chance to dance.