I can say honestly that I enjoyed the post a lot. It was just of the right length, and by the way video post is a great alternative to a written one,especially if you are busy. And actually, I didn't even know that PT had a blog platform. I think I am going to participate in it.
The concept of being present no matter what you do is brilliant. I first heard about it from the book of Eckhard Tolle,the Power of now. I started applying it, and promptly noticed that my life became a lot more interesting, and I felt more engaged.
Another example of being present is when you do yoga. I just had a class this morning. And the instructor really emphasized the importance of realizing how your body feels, and not just trying to hold the pose. The effect was stunning! Half way through the class I started crying! I thought "what the hell is going on with me?!" I have read before that sometimes when people do yoga they cry,because all the stress that they have been storing in their muscles gets released. So you can say I released something today. Honestly, it was amazing,nothing like that has happened to me before.
As far as dancing is concerned, I think being present and aware of your body movement is the way to develop good rhythm, learn to feel the music.
So, Jessica,you definitely have touched upon a really important subject. Dancing isn't just pretty moves, it comes from the inside.
My best regards,
larisa

contact improv!

My favorite 'in the moment' type of dance. I haven't been in a while but it is very fun.

I'm one of those people who listens to music for the lyrics. Can't help it, I'm a linguistic person.

But since hearing your advice, whenever a song plays, I can't help but count the beats and then move half-time, double-time, one-time, all the time!

I might be getting strange looks from the other folks in line at the grocery store, and I'm far from as smooth as you, but thanks for helping me find another dimension of the music to enjoy.

Excellent post. I really like dancing and find it most enjoyable when I 'get out of my head' and am able to focus on the music and let everything else go. I am also working on remaininig more present in my everyday life. Great suggestion re: dancing in half-time and double time. Would be interested in hearing other suggestions in terms of how to stay 'present' while dancing and/or everyday life. Looking forward to future postings!

Sweet double-time shoulder bounce. Haha.