Dancing in the Street is a Fine Way to Nourish Your Soul

I saw on the local social media site called nextdoor.com that people got a kick out of seeing some of their neighbors dancing in the street. Not only on the street, but some are also dancing on their patio or driveway. Additionally, others hucklebuck on the street’s cul de sac. Of course, they all wear face masks and practice social distancing. To be sure, dancing is a super way to feed your spirit.

Dancing in the street at home. — A couple uses their driveway during an afternoon dance party for relief from the stress of dealing with the coronavirus stay-at-home order.

My advice is to keep it kind of intimate.

To begin with, perhaps it’s best to see how it works with just you and your spouse or partner dancing. Simply slip on your sneakers and put on some music. Then go outside and dance. Don’t even bother feeling self-conscious about people watching. I promise you, they’re watching…and wishing they were doing the same thing.

Sooner or later, your neighbors will stop by to see what’s going on. Invite them to find a spot and join you. That’s all it takes to nourish your soul. Dancing and socializing again, what a treat!

There are a number of things to consider if you’re gonna be dancing in the street.

Even though it feels so good to be moving to the music, we’re still in the thick of a pandemic. Don’t get carried away and turn this into an event that’s open to lots of others outside of your community. However, if you do end up with more than a few dancers, here are some things for you to consider.

Start and End Time for Your Dancing in the Street Party

If you’re hosting an outdoor dance party, it’s important to let others know when you’ll begin and when you’re planning to wrap it up.

Music and Lighting

Check that your speakers are loud enough for the great outdoors. Also, you’ll want to be sure that the areas where you’ll be dancing and socializing are lit up.

Line Dance

Wouldn’t it be nice to prepare a line dance to allow singles and line dance aficionados to participate? I think so. How does one prepare, you ask?

Pick out a dance.
Find the music.
Practice.

Being able to show others what the steps are is thoughtful and a plus.

Things to think about if you’re dancing outdoors on your property with others. For example, if you’re on your patio or driveway:

Any refreshments should be individually packaged. For this reason, maybe put out a few cans of soda and some small bags of chips.
Hand sanitizers need to be at least 60% alcohol and used frequently. As a matter of fact, it’s recommended that hands should be rubbed together until dry.
Don’t forget the tissues.
Disinfectant sheets to wipe chairs, doorknobs, etc.
Foot-operated trash can for garbage.

Covid-19 Restrictions on Gatherings

Individual states have their own rules about the number of people permitted to gather together. It’s important to check your state to avoid surprises.

Here are the latest recommendations from the CDC (January 2021)

Lowest risk: Virtual-only activities, events, and gatherings.
More risk: Smaller outdoor and in-person gatherings in which individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart, wear masks, do not share objects, and come from the same local area (e.g., community, town, city, or county).

This is a small community get-together for you and your immediate neighbors only. It’s not necessary to open it to the public, nor do I think you have to allow people into your home to use the facilities. These fellow dancers are your closest neighbors – they can run home if necessary.

For some suggestions on other places to dance, check out this Dance Safari post, “You Should Be Dancing – But Where?“.

Afterward, take a moment to reflect on how good it feels to be able to enjoy the music and movement as you’re dancing in the street. This feeling will be just the thing you need to stay strong and do your part in staying well – both physically and spiritually. Enjoy!