A comment after the first one in September, 2010
Perfect post earthquake therapy. I had the best night's sleep afterwards.
A few comments after the Feb, '11 shake
We ran a social night on the 5th of March just to get people together and celebrate life,
we wanted to focus on something positive to give us strength and recharge our soul
to deal with what had happened just over a week earlier.
People, Music and Movement in the form of a partner dance is an ideal food for body, mind and spirit.
I did have a blast at the Dance Party on Saturday night. I smiled and laughed a lot.
Driving home I realised I hadn't thought about the earthquake and destruction for a few hours!
It was wonderful to do something "normal" and take a break
For me personally coming to dance offered me the occassion to break the isolation I was feeling ....
It was also nice to go somewhere and have a shower and get dressed up in glad rags and not feel so dust weary ....
As we had lost ( and another shakes us... ;( !!!!!) power, water and sewage....
I had a wonderful friend deliver me butter and marg on his bike because I had none... and I in turn have been able to help others too...
I lost a dear friend and his funeral was on Thurday, he loved music, not so much to dance mostly for listening enjoyment.
I will miss him.
I am grateful for the joy I feel knowing my children and the people who are precious to me have come though this earthquake and
that together we can continue to live each day as best we can... with sprinklings of laughter, dancing and music......;)
Coming to the dance on Saturday night gave me the opportunity to smile a new smile and receive one in return
with each person I looked at because I felt so glad to see them there and know they were alright
I think the benefits of dancing as therapy are still to be truly recognised.
Quite apart from the positive aspects of getting out and being with a group of like-minded and supportive people,
I would challenge anyone to dwell on anything bleak whilst dancing. Even a short break is great
but it can have a lasting effect as well and I reckon it can also be the first step
in really getting back into a good space.
There may be other reasons why I'm feeling so much better this week,
but I'm going to let dancing take the credit :-)
I would have to say thankyou for giving us a chance to relax and have some fun.
I had a great night and was pleased I went and the lady that is staying with me cause her house is trashed
was so stressed but she enjoyed her night so much she is coming to the beginners class with me on wed.
"There are not many shortcuts to happiness but dancing is one of them"
Please send my regards to everyone who dances at Ceroc Christchurch. My love to you all.
I am praying for you all in Christchurch. - from a former dancer now back in China