Primal Play: Dance
Though it’s an important aspect of the Primal Blueprint, the concept of play doesn’t get enough attention around here. I guess by virtue of its very nature this is to be expected. Play should be spontaneous and freeing, and the regimentation of our leisure time is what we’re trying to avoid! Still, given the time-sucking realities of adult responsibility, maybe we all need a few suggestions for new ways to play. I’m not talking about making play dates or anything, but a few concrete examples could really help. You know, something that’s free, that you can share with friends and family, and that’s fun. How about dancing?
Dancing? Bear with me, here.
Until now, almost everything I’ve suggested in the past as Primal play activities has had an overt physical fitness slant. Pickup basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, hikes, walks with the spouse, random play with dogs/kids/wilderness – these are all great, enjoyable activities, but it’s difficult for some people to separate them from the concept of exercise. Most people see a guy on a hike and think “workout.”
Dancing is different. It can be an awesome workout, sure, but people generally don’t hit up the gym, grab that hairy guy off the elliptical, head to the full length mirror, and bust out the Kid ‘n’ Play routine from “House Party.” I kind of wish that super hairy, extremely gregarious dude at my gym who can’t seem to ever find his pants in the locker room would, just for the comedy of it all. Maybe he’s even got a mean running man in him. I wouldn’t know.
Anyway: dancing is definitely different. It takes skill and athleticism, if you’re talking about advanced techniques or styles, but anyone can dance. Not everyone can be a professional or street performer, but anyone can enjoy dancing, and that’s the whole point of it, in the end. If you’re able to give yourself to it fully (“dance like nobody’s watching”), dancing can actually be extremely rewarding.
Dancing does no harm. Dancing is fun, it’s sexual, and, like singing and music, it is universal. Dance itself can be described as an exposition of human movement patterns; dancers explore the full range of human movements through three-dimensional space, by leaping, contorting, falling, twisting, rotating, spinning. Dance can be rigid and regimented, and it can also be free and fluid. Why not take a dip?
Well, for some people, dancing is a frightening prospect. It may not be quite so dire a situation as that small town in “Footloose,” where dancing was actually banned, but people are definitely somewhat restrained when it comes to dancing. It takes guts to let yourself go, I mean really go, and do so with a smile on your face. Dancing renders the dancer completely vulnerable, to outside criticism and prying eyes, but mostly to his or her own thoughts about what’s expected of a normal adult. Unless the alcohol is flowing, the lights are dimmed, and someone’s daughter is getting married, we’re not supposed to be dancing like wild men and women. We’re supposed to be composed, to – at the most – maintain a polite, inoffensive sway, preferably on beat, or at least adjacent to it. We’re rational, higher animals! We are above the frenzy of the ecstatic or the emotive… aren’t we?
Absolutely not. If we were, life would be incredibly boring and reptilian. Dancing itself is Primal – there’s certainly strong precedent for its inclusion in the human experience. Look at basically every traditional culture and you’ll find dance, along with music. In fact, the two are never really separated. You dance to music, after all. And since music is present in every culture, it’s a safe bet that Homo sapiens were banging on drums or singing chants since at least 50,000 years ago, which is roughly when the widespread dispersal of man out of Africa occurred. Some archaeologists even suggest dance has been around for over a 1.5 million years, perhaps manifesting as a literal “mating dance” between potential partners looking for the right mate. Anyone who’s ever been to a nightclub has seen this phenomenon in action – nothing really changes, huh? Regardless, a musical tradition had been established which spread as man spanned the world, and dance with it.
Even if dancing was useless and purely frivolous – that is, it conferred no concrete physiological benefits – it would still be worth doing, because frivolity is part of what makes us human. We do things for the hell of it. We’ll sing nonsensical songs, make strange noises when we’re alone, twiddle our thumbs, play with our hair, think of distant jokes and laugh all over again. Do we need a reason? No. We just do it to amuse ourselves and occupy our minds.
Dancing should serve the same purpose in our lives. Like other forms of play, it can reduce stress, get us moving, help us spend quality time with loved ones and friends, and improve our coordination, mobility, and flexibility. If you’re learning a particularly complex set of steps or moves, dancing requires concentration and memorization. If you’re dancing with a partner, your brain has to anticipate the other’s movements and respond accordingly. This all works out to exercise for your brain and your body. In potential dementia patients, dancing even reduced the incidence of dementia, better than other leisure activities. And hey, if you’re good enough, dancing can make you pretty damn attractive – talk about the conferment of an evolutionary advantage.
Now, I’m not suggesting that you necessarily incorporate bi-weekly dance sessions, but they can’t hurt. Just think of dance as a potential tool in your bag of tricks. Take your wife or husband to salsa lessons. Turn off the TV and blast some music one night, and just let loose. Gather some friends and do the bonfire/drum circle thing at the beach or in the woods somewhere. Pass around a bottle of wine, if you have to, and dance. It might even be enough to just bob your head when a favorite song comes on, or dance with your upperbody while at a stoplight. You may look silly, but who cares? You’ve got to get over that stuff, especially when it stands in the way of you truly enjoying life and all it has to offer. Recall the last person you saw rocking out behind the wheel; did you laugh at and pity him, or were you slightly envious of his obvious joy? Exactly.
Dance is many things, simple being foremost among all other characteristics. It doesn’t have to be deep or overly technical. Just dance for fun. It should come naturally, ideally. This last bit of advice might be the toughest to follow, but it’s also the most crucial.
What do you think about dance? Does it have a playful place in the Primal lifestyle? Do you let go every now and again? Share your thoughts in the comment board and Grok on!
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Posted By: Mark Sisson
I’ve been dancing for a long time, and I love it! My favourite form (and forte) is Irish dancing – while many see it as rigid, there is something very primal in the percussion of the footwork and leaping around is loads and loads of fun! Unfortunately the shoes are not exactly primal-friendly for the feet….
Totally primal rhythms! And once you learn a jig or a reel step, you can dance to pretty much anything. There’s also
Scottish country dancing and contradance, where you can learn and be part of a community. And get totally winded while enjoying yourself!
Love it!
I’m grateful for the diet guidelines, more of a reminder of things my body knew, yet I had not allowed to follow for whatever rtationalization.
Very grateful for the workout tips, and correcting me out of my chronic cardio ways.
But Dancing! is precisely how my body wants to express this incredible well being that has been unleashed.
Thank You!
I’ve been ballroom dancing for over 10 years, and can attest to EVERYTHING you’ve said about it! When I’m in “downtime” I often think about the movement of feet, rhythm, and can’t wait for my next dancing opportunity. Great work Mark!
Anyone who has ever been to a club knows that dancing can start the sweat flowing. And it certainly allows you to “let it go” within a crowd of people. Just another great example of how to incorporate the Primal way in your life.
I absolutely cannot dance.
You absolutely can!
I have zero rhythm. Dancing is not physically comfortable to me because my body goes one way while the music goes another and I get all discombobulated.
I also become discombobulated. I hate discombobulation.
Maybe you should visit this place:
http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/29452504.html
For those of you who think you can’t dance, you need to watch this video. Anyone can dance!
http://www.youtube.com/user/mattharding2718#p/u/5/zlfKdbWwruY
Hey Jason
Loadsa people think they ‘can’t dance’ simply because there are often unspoken ‘rules’ about what it means but ultimately it’s just about feeling music and letting your body respond to it. 4/4 rhythm is man made it’s not ‘primal’ you might do a different rhythm. The best way to get into dance and lose the belief that you ‘can’t do it’ is to try 5 Rhythms dancing an idea created by Gabrielle Roth. check it out on Google it’s amazing stuff. I’ve been doing it for about 15 years on and off and it’s incredibly liberating. Forget the night club dance floor ‘rules’ and just go with it.
discombobulation is good, so is the music going one way and your body the other – that’s YOUR dance. Heck who has the right to say it’s ‘wrong’?
I ALWAYS was the worst dancer (I was in a musical theater program…singing and acting, good…dancing took me FOREVER to learn and I never felt comfortable). Well, most musical theater stuff is on a 1 and 3 beat, meaning you would clap on the first beat and clap on the second, just like almost all pop music. My husband plays house and tribal music and took me clubbing for the first time while we were dating…the beats are totally different, the main pulse is on the second and fourth beat. It was like my body completely unlocked on that rhythm. I can still only “sway” on the damn 1,3 beat, get me some hip hop or world music…completely different. Try out Kodo on Pandora and see what it does.
I absolutly will not dance.
I was the EXACT same way a year ago. I was afraid of screwing up. I was afraid of what people might think of me. I was afraid of being made fun of.
Then, I threw all fears into the garbage… are you ready to do the same?
The truth is… 99% of the population has no idea how to dance. But, guess what? Many of them still dance and have a blast.
If you do not wish to dance, fine. But, saying you CAN’T is not fair to yourself.
Sorry if I sound angry… just never say CANT!
What a great post! I am a primal newbie, but have already been doing dancing as my preferred form of basic workout. Since my husband is definitely one of those only-when-drunk-at-a-wedding dancers, I just put on the ipod, crank up the volume, and rock around the house all on my happy little own. It is such a fabulous all gain, no pain experience, and I always finish up blissed out and ready for more. Thanks for bringing this wonderful option to everyone’s attention!
I do Jazzercise (I’m not a shill for it and I have no skin in the game, I just like it) and it’s the closest thing I found to exercising with a dance spin to it. But it’s not just the workout that I like. It’s the social aspect as well. One other benefit is that even though I’m almost 48, I’m kept current with today’s music because of Jazzercise, and my 12 year old doesn’t think I’m a total square.
I’m a Jazzerciser also!! Have been for over 30 years, and at age 60+ still love the music and the moves. Am amazed how they have kept up with the times in terms of the moves, but still keep it fun. I even do mine in my five finger vibrams and have some others thinking of doing the same. I focus on really lifting off the jumps and use bigger weights for the weight routines. Love it when we do push ups to the max.
And talk about using the brain when the new routines are introduced. We always laugh about how much smarter we are after a particularly difficult set.
I agree about the music aspect and your kids. My 24 year old and 5 grands can’t believe my playlists.
And socially, some of my best friends I have met in class.
Living in the Pacific Northwest, it is not always possible to be outside (too wet, muddy, and cold) as much as I like, but Jazzercise gives me that wonderful energized feeling.
Glad to meet a fellow Jazzercise enthusiast.
Wow, this is an awesome post! Me and my sister have been talking about getting some videos to try and learn some sweet dance moves LOL, just for fun! I think dancing is great exercize, as well as a wonderful stress reliever.
I giggled when I noticed Mark mentioned “upper body” dancing at the stoplights…I totally do that!!
Not to get to off topic here, but along with song, dance, and music another universal form of “play” is wrestling or grappling. Nearly every culture has their own form of this. From the Amazonian Indians to the Tibetans to the Nuba of the Sudan to modern Brazilians practicing a version of an original Japanese Art (Jiu Jitsu). This form of play that was a guide to survival and sometimes combat.
This is rooted deeply in our developmental past and I am sure when you look at modern grapplers (Not the juiced WWF guys)you can see a physique that is clearly functional and would do great at hunting/gathering.
Perfectly timed post Mark!
I have randomly danced in my bedroom while listening to music and I sing a lot in my car…
But, last night as I was listening to music… I, well… really started to dance – big time! And, guess what?
I had the time of my life.
Yes, I was alone… but I was listening to Train and was just having a great time.
Then, this morning… I did it again! And I have never been more happy, ever!
This world would be 1 zillion times less stressed if everyone could just let loose once in a while and dance! There is nothing like moving to your favorite music and not giving a shit what other people think about you!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlmLZRCjrMY
LOL! Todd is an (cough cough)
awesome-ish dancer!
HAHAHAHA!
That video was awesome!
That guy has NO IDEA how to properly dance. But, guess what? He is in good spirits having the time of his life. That made my day.
That dude will attract happy people into his life if he can keep them spirits up most of the time
Isn’t this what we want?
Sometimes I find happy people off-putting.
For me, dancing = primal embarrassment!
Dancing has got to be the best thing for the spirit. My love and I completely lose ourselves when we are dancing. We have a BLAST (and maybe we look silly but that’s even more fun).
I had a dance party this morning while ironing and getting ready for work! It’s really uplifting to break out the moves. Sometimes when I’m at my boring, stuffy law firm job, I just want to make everyone stand up and dance around the office to pump a little life into the place. I’ve never really thought of it in the context of the Primal Blueprint, but it makes total sense…interesting post. I think we need an official MDA/Primal Blueprint dance!
I know exactly what you mean. I wish sometimes I lived in a musical so we could all sing and dance together. It’d be entertaining, that’s for sure.
ahaa! i like the picture, “walk like an egyptian”
i used to go rocknroll dancing with my dad, and ballet lessons. its great fun and a great workout. i suck at that nightclub dancing stuff though, so i dont bother.
I also take ballet lessons (ok. ballet is very non-primal). i also do a little modern & jazz.
i think dancers have the greatest bodies. i’m biased, of course. haha
but then a lot of my partners seem to live on sugary food during intsensive rehearsals (e.g., low fat granola bars, fruit juice or juice drink.)
they seem seem pretty shocked by what i eat when we eat out. well, i try my best to bring the message out without being preachy.
I have totally busted out the Kid ‘n Play routine before. And I dance all the time. I rock out and play air guitar while running. I dance in my living room. I can be a one woman dance party in a bar, or in line at the bank. Doesn’t matter. If a good song comes on, I’m dancing.
As long as air guitar and head banging can be included.
“We’re rational, higher animals!”
Ha, ha. I co-edited a book on a comparative analysis of rationality (“http://www.keio-up.co.jp/kup/eng/bio/16150.html). Regrettably, we didn’t cover dance or music.
My family often spend the evening in our playroom dancing to 80s new wave disco (usually Erasure or Pet Shop Boys). It’s so much fun!
I remember observing my older daughter swaying to music at only 6 months old. I was impressed by how early behavioral responsiveness to music develops and thought it must be a human-universal trait. But don’t forget the dancing cockatoos and other parrots that move (and even sing!) to the music!
I watched a little boy, probably about 5 or 6, tapping his foot right in tune to some live music at the farmers’ market this weekend. It was eye-opening to watch. He seemed totally unaware that he was doing it
I love dancing with wild abandon. I’m very flattered when 20-something year olds tell me how much they love my dancing. From age 40-42, I used to go to clubs and dance to live music all the time. I don’t do it so much anymore. I enjoy “DJ” night at home. Thanks for reminding me that it’s time to do this again.
For you naysayers, and uncoordinated, you don’t need any special skills here. Draw your blinds, crank up some tunes, and let your body go in any direction. It’s not only fun, it’s liberating. Do it!
This post was a low blow Mark. Now I’m gonna to have steer my wife away from reading MDA for at least a week until this one drops off the home page.
Just dance with her instead!
Um…..yeah….er…Hey look, what’s that over there?
Hey look – a cat!
Oh just let loose, be goofy and have a bit of fun!
Grab yer partner! I bet s/he’d crack a smile at the very least!
I’m actually a good dancer, I was just having a little fun with stereotypes. I was born with an unfortunate case of “natural rhythm”.
Great Timing on this one. I was definitely was one of those “I would rather die than dance types.” To fix that I decided to go against all of my self conscious instincts and join a ballet class. I caught a bit of flack for this from some of my primal brethren, but now look who’s laughing…
Just in time for all you attending PrimalCon 2010. Isn’t there a dance-off Mark?
as the Celtic aphorism has it ‘Never give a sword to a man who won’t dance’
Dance, Dance, Dance….you will be in the moment and out of your head. Try
NIA and step into your day
Agree!! When you dance you are totally living in that moment and the stress just falls off.
So exciting!!! Dance is my main form of exercise, and it was what got me into the best shape of my life two separate times in my life, early twenties, and early-mid thirties. It’s also the only form of exercise I can do that doesn’t at some point bore the life out of me!
When i started I was 19… and it took a while to feel like I had some coordination. (Sometimes I still don’t!) But I enjoy it, and when I’m done I’m sweaty and I can feel every muscle in my body. Totally rocks!
Right now I’m taking jazz, and this summer it looks like Hip Hop is in my schedule. But I’ve taken ballet, modern, tap, ballroom, and afro-haitian (talk about primal!) There are all types of styles out there… jazz and hip hop are my faves.
I think everybody has their fave exercise that they just love to do and look forward to. It’s nice to see dance included…
“I think everybody has their fave exercise that they just love to do and look forward to. It’s nice to see dance included…”
If all the men tried dancing and all the women tried sledgehammering, we’d achieve full Primal parity.
I never hesitate to use a sledgehammer, but I still can’t get my partner to dance with me! It’s frustrating!
You’re using the sledgehammer wrong!
I think I speak for a lot of us when I say that we NEED a video of Mark dancing as if no one is watching.
BTW- I LOVE dancing. My husband and I met ballroom dancing.
“I think I speak for a lot of us when I say that we NEED a video of Mark dancing as if no one is watching.”
Hahaha what a great idea!
Mark?
My wife and I have been dancing hula for over 13 years. There is an olelo no’eau, “a wise saying”, in hula that says,”Dance as if no one is watching.”
Dancing is awesome. Being a ballet dancer has helped me get a sense of what the body can do besides deadlift 400 lbs. Dancing promotes function if that’s what you are interested in. more pathways to the muscle are being used. It’s an easy way to experience something new as well. it’s time to groove.
I am a terrible dancer, but most of my exercise is dance – because I love it! Ballet once a week is great for weight bearing exercise (although i also weight train) and zumba twice a week is great low level cardio.
I couldn’t love a form of exercise more…
My kids and I just love to turn on the music loud and boogie. We have no training or skill, but we do have lots of fun!
Yay! So glad to hear it. I <3 Zumba!!!