7 Truths I learned from the Waltz

Drew Hoyt, a student from The Boston Conservatory , graciously gave a couple hours from his Christmas break to share some dancing techniques with our Adventure Group.  My favorite was the Waltz. (Thank you, Drew!)

7 Truths I learned from the Waltz:

1- Dancing is the world’s favorite metaphor;

Jesus is The Lord of The Dance.

2- It is helpful to start with good instructors.

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

God match me with a good dancer. – William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing

3- Allow the man to lead.

Facing each other, he moves forward with his right hand high on the woman’s left shoulder blade.  This position is to help steer her in the right direction.  The woman moves backwards and must trust the man completely to guide her.  She cannot see directly where she is going.  He must be trusted.

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. 1 Corinthians 11:3

4- Practice, Practice, Practice.

Practice even before starting the music.

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24

Side together, side together, 1, 2, 3

After you learn the basic steps, then you progress to travel around the room.

Practice yourself, for heaven’s sake, in little things; and thence proceed to greater. – Epictetus

5- Watch your feet as you learn.  However, the ultimate goal is to look up.

…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith… Hebrews 12:2

It is hardest when you first start dancing slow and gets easier as the tempo quickens.

6- Take baby steps.

The man, as the leader, mustn’t take giant steps or else risk stepping on toes.  His leading should be gradual and considerate.

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7

“And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,
They danced by the light of the moon.”  –Edward Lear, The Owl and the Pussycat

7- Just dance.

“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,
Love like you’ll never be hurt,
Sing like there’s nobody listening,
And live like it’s heaven on earth.”

— William W. Purkey

Dancing is the poetry of the foot.  ~John Dryden

What have you learned through dancing?