So let's say... Let's say you and some pals are working on a dance routine. You're going to make up a Stomp style musical number and work on performing it at a local community centre. Everyone's really excited. One guy is getting a bunch of garbage can lids to bang on. Someone else is filling a bunch of pop bottles with varying amounts of liquid to create different sounds. Another person is going to use their wheel chair as an instrument, banging on it and spinning around. This is going to be so cool!

The enthusiasm is great but when it comes to rehearsals suddenly people can't make it. The excuses are flowing thick and fast. Someone has to help their dad build a garage. Someone else swears they have to baby sit a gorilla. Okay, so some setbacks sound fishy, but others make sense. When they keep happening though, the dance team is falling apart. Suddenly a light bulb goes off in your head and you think, "That's it! Communication!"

You get your dance partners together and discuss ways to pull this off as a team. Together you work on solutions to scheduling obstacles like chores, golf lessons, or part-time jobs. You admit that this whole dance thing is a bit tougher than you thought and decide to keep the routine simple. And if they don't show up next time, you might even decide to work in a smaller group. Say, just you and the gorilla.

Footnotes on Fancy Footwork

Cooperation means learning to interact positively with others through the ups and downs mentioned above. It means that you're working on

• Communication
• Fair Play
• Leadership
• Teamwork

Each of these is an important outcome of exploring dance activities. In fact, as you've noticed in the other dimensions, these are important to practice when doing any physical activity.

page 1 of 2

back to top

activities | health benefits | cooperation | do it daily for life