I Hope You Dance

A collection of smooth moves (and some clunky ones) from around the world

May 02, 2026

Dear Cherished Reader:

I promised last time that I would post something lighthearterd, and so here ‘tis. It was a toss-up between the piece on aliens I am writing (the little green kind) or something about dance.

Guess which one won?

Here’s a hint.

This is a great work of art by my friend Dan Campbell, featuring one of the most talented entertainers of all time: Michael Jackson. Mr. Jackson was a fabulous dancer. Few of us can match his skill, although his nephew, who plays MJ in the film “Michael,” did a damn fine job.

But it doesn’t matter how you dance! However you wiggle, kick up your feet, dust the rug, do the hand jive, or trip the light fantastic, like a pro or, like me, a spastic octopus, just get up and do your thing!

You’ll see a bit of everything in this video compilation of dancers I filmed over the years, set to the joyous tune of “Magic in the Air” by Magic System, featuring Chawki.

I hope you have as much fun watching the video as I did making it. And don’t we need more fun and less fighting? Or, as I saw on a bumper sticker once:

More wagging. Less barking.

Need more inspiration?

Take another moment to listen to the song that made Lee Ann Womack famous, “I Hope You Dance.” The song’s message is simply wonderful, and she does a splendid job performing it. Here it is, along with a few of the lyrics:

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin’ might mean takin’ chances but they’re worth takin’,
Lovin’ might be a mistake but it’s worth makin’,
Don’t let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to sellin’ out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.