“Before the west recognized movement as medicine, WE DANCED.” - Unapologetically Black Yoga
I can’t remember ever not knowing how to do the Electric Slide. My family loves doing ALL the slides at the family events. (I thought every Black person knew how to do the Mariah Carey slide, and come to find out, it’s a regional slide.)
*Short on time? Eyes exhausted from looking at screens all day? Scroll to bottom for the TL;DR.
This past spring I began going to line dancing class. It was led by a phenomenal instructor - Ms. Carolyn. She would break the steps down so clearly, have you laughing and smiling, and make you break a sweat.
Ms. Carolyn inspired me to finally offer a Black slides/line dance class. I had so much fun every class and loved this as part of my varied movement practices each week.
I’d been talking with friends (for years) about hosting a class since we were ALL struggling with the trigonometry in the Tamia slide. Ha!
Now that I know the Tamia slide, this means it’s time to lead a slides/line dancing class! And of course I had to ELEVATE it so we can nourish our endocannabinoid systems simultaneously.
Sweat Sesh With A Smile: Black slides/line dancing gets your heart rate up and your body moving. It's cardio with a smile!
Sharpen Your Skills (Dance and Brain!): Learning new slides keeps your brain on its toes, improving your memory and keeping you mentally sharp. Figuring out the trigonometry in the Tamia slide is a true motor skills exercise.
Stress? Shuffle it Away! Feeling overwhelmed? Move your body, melt away tension, and boost your mood with a healthy dose of happy hormones.
No Judgement Zone: Black slides/line dancing is for dancers and non-dancers alike. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, somebody gone invite you to the dance floor to have a good time.
Intergenerational Bonding: Wherever folks are gathered for Black slides/line dancing, you will inevitably find multiple generations. This is soul food.
Social Butterfly Blooms: Black slides/line dancing spaces is a super social activity, a perfect way to meet new friends. See no judgment zone above. Everyone feels safe on this dance floor.
No Fancy Equipment Required: You don't need any fancy equipment or expensive memberships. Just throw on your fave “line dance fashion” and get ready to step/slide/tap.
Most Importantly, It's FUN! Seriously, Black slides/line dancing is pure, unadulterated fun. It's a reminder that exercise doesn't have to be a chore – it can be a joyful celebration.
Cheers to the culture + radical rewilding!
Be dope. Be well.
💚Woods
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TL;DR
Black Slides/Line Dancing is Intergenerational Wellbeing
Woods had a phenomenal line dance instructor this spring named Carolyn. She inspired Woods to finally lead a line dancing class after years of talking about it.
Black slides/line dancing is cardio, stress relief, brain strengthening, safety, community, culture, social, fun, and food for the soul.
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