Contagious

Think back to the last time you were at a wedding, class reunion, school dance. Now remember that one crazy friend or cousin, there is always one in every bunch, that starts dancing like they’ve had way too much to drink, but you know it’s too early in the night for them to blame it on the boos. They are shaking it like no one is there to judge them. After a few minutes, a few more free spirits catch the dancing bug. Then a few more brave it out on the floor. Finally a song comes on that infects everyone. No one can sit still. Everyone, even the quiet reserved one, is dancing. Everyone is free, alive, united.

The first time I saw this video, I had no idea what was going on. I was so confused, but so happy. I didn’t know why, but I started to cry. I started thinking of how powerful music and dance can be, and how they bring people together. I remembered why I love dancing.

I started to think of other things.

The first thing I thought of was Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia. When there are over 60,000 people doing the Hokie Pokie, it is impossible not to smile and shake it all about. When you are in the middle of it, you can not avoid being part of something that is so big.

I thought of how infectious attitudes can be. If you are rocking out to a positive beat, the people around you are going to reciprocate that energy. You have the power to set the tone of your life. You have the power to make others smile, and even wiggle a little.

I also thought that if more than 20,000 people can come together to celebrate music and dance, then 20,000 people can come together to feed the hungry, to build houses, to fight for education, to make change happen.

Community events like this are what bring us together. When you participate in or watch something like this, it makes you feel like you are part of something bigger. It makes you want to serve each other and work together to make this life what it is.

It all starts with the first person on the dance floor.

No one is immune to it. There is no vaccination. In fact, it’s chronic.

Prev Post -> Falling in and out for Fall Next Post -> Gratitude 10.27.09