Dance Moves

It was I994, the Channel Tunnel had been opened, Forrest Gump was on at the cinemas, and I was standing in front of 100 plus people ready to bust-out my dance moves. It was not quite “run Forrest, run!”, but rather “dance Stuart, dance!” Many options presented themselves in the moment and untested moves came to the forefront of my 16-year-old mind.

Firstly, should I just start man-sobbing with my bottom lip protruding and run into the corner rocking backwards and forwards? No, I suppose I was too old for that. Should I copy my Dad’s classic dad-moves, with his thumbs boldly up and arms thrusting outwards alternating with the opposite foot? Or should I confidently step into the moment, slide across the dance floor like Fred Astaire, to then flow seamlessly into a perfect ‘running-man’, followed by MC Hammer’s ‘can’t touch this’ leg shuffle? 

This could have been a disaster, but one important factor made all the difference: I was with family.  Grandparents, uncles, cousins, second cousins once removed with a side of relish, and everyone smiling, laughing and enjoying the beauty of being together. I can still see my Uncle Conrad as he swept his hand across his hair with peace-signs in John Travolta-esk style like he was in the middle of ‘Saturday night fever’.

There is nothing as freeing as the safety that acceptance and belonging brings. Our school, with its amazing staff and community, endeavours to establish such an environment for children to investigate and learn in. At school, students may stumble, but they are guided and encouraged in the context of a community to which they belong. They then can find their own rhythm and confidence to be creative... and maybe even do the odd dance move or two

“Those who have a strong sense of love and belonging have the courage to be imperfect.” Brene Brown

Mr Stuart Clark
Assistant Head of Primary