What is this nutty enterprise? Dance Walk is simply an outdoor workout–-an improvised form of walking, with music, doing whatever movement comes naturally. It’s walking and moving your arms. Or skipping, skitching, low-stepping, sideways running. It’s responding to the rhythm, attitude, or story of the music you’re hearing. In short, it’s having a dance party in your living room, while walking through the park.
Some people listen to music and go for a run. When I listen to music, I start to dance—I literally can’t help it! Dancing is an automatic physical response to hearing a good beat, the body just takes over. Music is the fuel on Dance Walk, so tunes are key! Everybody listens to their own music on Dance Walk. Here’s why: a) Different jams for different folks—we all get our rocks off to different kinds of music. But also b) It’s important to connect with yo’self, as you simultaneously connect to a group.
Dance Walk is for folks who are inspired to dance to music and enjoy being outside in friendly company. "Dance" encompasses a wide range of physical movement on the Dance Walk--you don't have to "be a dancer" to do this. It's not a performance or meant to be exhibitionistic! It's for your own fun & exercise.
A word to the shy, self-conscious, and judgy: You will have the MOST fun of all. Once you’re warm and hit a musical flow, negative mental static falls away. Movement comes easily and music fuels the motion. Take it from a deeply self-conscious person, Dance Walk is a profoundly joyful liberation.
Joanne Nerenberg was a professional dancer in San Francisco and NYC. From 2005-2011, she taught Rhythm & Motion dance workout class at Mark Morris Dance Group in Brooklyn, NY. Finding physical expression outside the theater--from flash mobs and kids spontaneously jamming in the street, to kinetic ideas in the workplace and physical activities in public space—is a constant source of inspiration.
