Spring is here!
31/03/2017
The day is getting longer, the skies are becoming brighter and bluer, the air is getting warmer, and the clock has moved one hour forward. It can only mean one thing… Spring is finally here!
At last, after months of glooming dark cold weather, with rains and storms we can finally say goodbye to winter. At least for the next 7-8 months. Until then, going outside in lighter clothes, sipping coffee or habing a pleasant walk in the park as you watch the world go by. Personally, I could start being like Julie Walters and start singing “The hills are alive…” as you see all the greenery on trees and plants waking up to this new season.
In many cultures, dance has an important place in many rituals for the arrival of spring. In India and Nepel, Hindu’s (and increasing non-Hindu’s) celebrate Holi, otherwise known as “Festival of Love” or “Festival of Colours”. Holi is an annual celebration welcoming the arrival of spring. The highlight of the festival is people throwing colours at each other, and dancing in the streets throughout the day:
“…people smear each other with colours and drench each other. Water guns and water-filled balloons are also used to play and colour each other. Anyone and everyone is fair game, friend or stranger, rich or poor, man or woman, children and elders. The frolic and fight with colours occurs in the open streets, open parks, outside temples and buildings. Groups carry drums and other musical instruments, go from place to place, sing and dance.“ - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi
In Europe, the traditional folkloric ritual for the arrival in spring, especially in northern Europe, is the Maypole dance. A traditional that originates from ancient Germanic paganist tribes. While it varies today in Britain, Scandinavia, and Germany and Austria, the basic premise is still the same, where people dance around a tall wooden pole. Ok, so maybe, technically it usually occurs around May Day, but it’s included as the spirit is about celebrating spring.
Spring is also a good to shake off all that delicious fat we consumed to keep us that bit warmer. And what better way to start going to dance classes (or doing a bit more, if you already attend). It’s just so much more fun and interesting than going to the gym. And it’s a great workout. Zumba, Salsa or West Coast Swing with its fast paced music, burning the fat with its intensity. You will be dripping with sweat… in a good way of course.
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Tango is good really for challenging those brains, waking us up. Pretty much all dance has been proven to improve the brain and prevent or delay the outcome of certain diseases, such as Parkinson’s, in some studies.
Whatever dance you choose, just dance. And take the opportunity to dance outside. Berliners for example always dance by the river Spree. It’s not uncommon to see people dancing outside, as how often do we get the chance to that.
Special offer: Quote “Spring is Here” to receive a £20.00 discount per person when you book on our West Coast Swing 2017 holiday in Paphos, 30th April to 07th May.
