She Just Wants to Dance

A few years ago I was invited perform and speak at a church in Naples, Florida. It was a thrill to experience the western coast of Florida during this working-vacation. The hotels, restaurants and shops in Naples had an Eurpean flair. The beaches were unlike any I have been to in the U.S. They were pristine! White sand, warm, bath-like water and seashells everywhere. There were so many sand dollars you would think you were a millionaire. My eight-year old daughter had the time of her life!

Our host for the weekend (Rev. Melanie) was a beautiful joy-filled woman (truly a Braveheart) with a hearty laugh and a HUGE zest for life. Once we got to town she invited us to a restaurant on the beach for dinner, drinks and dancing. Our party sat outside on the patio overlooking the ocean and watching the sun set. There was a band playing reggae music and it felt like a scene from a Hollywood movie. Being from Virginia, I had never seen the sun SET over the ocean before so it was a magical evening.

The band was trying to get the audience to dance and most of us were too comfortable in our seats, drinking beer and soaking up the breeze. That is when I noticed her. She was an African American women, in her mid-thirties, wearing very tight clothes--- white tee-shirt over ample cleavage, and tight shorts stretched over a glorious booty. When the band invited the crowd to dance, she did NOT wait for a second invitation. Up she went to the dance floor alone. I was struck by her beauty and her confidence. Her actions reminded me of a song by blues artist Keb' Mo

She's not looking for a lover
she's not looking for romance
She just wants to dance
She just wants to dance

Watching her move sensually, I remember thinking she was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. Here is the remarkable thing. She was (by popular culture's standards) plump and her face didn't look like that of a model. It was the joyful confidence and the self-love she exuded while she danced that made her extraordinarily beautiful. She danced and celebrated every curve of her body as the crowd looked on. She danced by herself on an empty dance floor because she wanted to.

Years later I am still thinking about her. Today I am thinking about body image and confidence and I wonder...

What is it about gaining 5-10 pounds that makes me feel I need to throw on a baggy jacket or hide?

My dancing brave-hearted sister demonstrated to me what beauty is about. One of my New Years intentions is to be more like her... to dance my dance regardless of my age, weight or partner. To exude confidence, joy and self-love on the dance floor of life. To express the brave hearted sensual beauty that I am.

love to all
Claudia Carawan
...positively soulful music and inspiration

www.claudiacarawan.com