There was a dance club after school today. We could watch it through the window that divides the hall and the reception area. The 10 and 11 year olds were learning a routine to "We're all in this together," from High School Musical, and they were loving it. Several of the parents commented that they wished there was a dance club they could go to.

It is very infectious, watching something like that; a few weeks ago I watched a ballet with friends. When we left the Opera House we were very tempted to pirouette across the road. It was wonderful.

As a child, of course, I adored dancing and, fortunately, my body was extremely cooperative. As an adult, my joyful experiences of dance have been at 5 Rhythms sessions and Barefoot Boogies. Clubbing, though I tried it a few times, is spoiled by alcohol. Freedom of spirit through movement, I find easier to attain when my brain is clear.

If I need an emotional lift I often find dancing is really effective. With the right music, eyes closed, letting myself attune to the sounds and move freely is so therapeutic. Any frustrations can be shaken free, and a real sense of happiness, of letting go, occurs.

A favourite song of mine is Sting's "They Dance Alone."http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_jDiDya5j4 which describes dancing as a protest.

Fortunately, we have the freedom to dance; no matter what lifehas in store, we can dance, we can lift ourselves or, as performers,lift others.

How lucky we are.balletballet2