Swing Dancing To a Plant-Based Beat

  In a world that often feels divided and isolated, the power of community has never been more essential. Over the past few years, I've had the privilege of witnessing this power firsthand through the creation of the Colonial Heights Swing Dance Club, the Colonial Heights Pickleball Club, and the Colonial Heights Community Garden Park. Yes, I played a role in organizing and initiating these groups. But let's be clear: the true magic lies not in the "me," but in the "we." I've watched as strangers became friends on the dance floor, as spirited rivalries blossomed into camaraderie on the pickleball court, and am hoping to see neighbors sharing laughter and harvests in the community garden. These spaces are more than just clubs or parks; they're living, breathing examples of what happens when we come together. David Brooks, in his recent presentation, spoke about the fragmentation of society and the erosion of social capital. He highlighted the need for...

My wife and I started dancing together as a way to enjoy each other's company and have some fun. We quickly found that dance was much more than that for us. It became our place of refuge, recreation, and an escape from the troubles of life. We have faced many challenges in our lives, but dance has always been there for us. When my father was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, we found that dance was a way to cope with the stress and grief. We would dance together in the evenings after a long day of caregiving, and it would help us to relax and forget about our troubles for a while. After my father passed away, we continued to dance as a way to heal. Dance helped us to process our grief and to find joy in life again. We also began to teach dance, which gave us a sense of purpose and helped us to connect with other people. In 2022, we decided to focus on the Carolina Shag. We joined the Competitive Shaggers Association and began to learn from some of the best Carolina Shag dancers in...