Key Of Grey

Photo courtesy of Clearly Ambiguous

September 21st, 2008 – I like to dance. It’s a hobby I picked up only within the last couple of years. I bring up this tidbit about myself because I believe it’s an important skill for anyone interested in songwriting or creating music. Before you proclaim, “Real pimps don’t dance”, hear me out.

In all cultures, music goes along with dance. Think of any ethnic style and imagine it without people dancing to it. It is only recently (within the last few centuries) that dance has been removed from its relationship to music. From 17th century audiences sitting quietly while listening to an opera, to modern day club-goers who are too cool to do more than pose while nursing a Corona; we are unnaturally fighting the fundamental reason behind music.

Many animals dance, and yet don’t use music. Elaborate courtship dances, or dances that explain where the best pollen-rich flowers are. At its core, I would posit that music serves dance. Ponder for a moment the last time you enjoyed a piece of music. It doesn’t matter if it was some Clash or Kanye West, if you like the music you will inevitably nod your head or tap your feet. This is your genetically programmed response to music you identify with.

I dance because it is a way to invest more of myself into music. It is a way to understand music and the way it moves you. If you want others to like your music, you have to understand what will move them at their most basic. The common denominator between all musical styles is its ability to make you dance whether it be moshing or break dancing.

Go a little bit crazy, let your body do what it wants to do anyways. You don’t have to be a good dancer, just let the music know that you appreciate it.