Ms. Poppy Chiffon — the doyenne of dance, the baroness of ballroom etiquette, the sultana of Southern hospitality — is pleased to answer your dance-related questions. Here are a few queries that Poppy deigned to extract from her mailbag this week. If you have a question that you would like Poppy Chiffon to address, please e-mail her at askpoppy@dancestationusa.com. Ms. Chiffon regrets that she cannot respond individually to questions.
Dear Poppy,
I haven’t danced in years due to an injured back. Is dancing like riding a bike or will I have to learn everything all over again? Thank you for your tips. I look forward to using them and dancing again one day.
Dancer Again One Day
Dear Dancer Again,
Don’t worry your little head, Sugar. Of course, you’ll remember. Your muscles have memory. As you recover, you should try practicing some of the basic elements of dance (timing, foot work, and posture) just to remind your muscles. The basics are the foundation of all your dancing and the practice will slowly remind and strengthen those muscles you will need to begin dancing again. Dancing is healing with the joy of movement to music. You should use it as part of your recovery.
Dear Poppy,
I have a non-dancing husband and I haven’t danced in years. Am I too old to begin dancing again? Will I have to learn to follow all over again?
Old Dancer
Dear Old Dancer,
Get over it, Honey! Aging is a part of life and there is no turning back. People who love to dance will dance until they die. Don’t blame your husband if you haven’t been out dancing in years. There are plenty of ways to get out there and dance on your own. Just do it and reap the healthy benefits and the joy of dancing. You are never too old to dance!
