Monday, March 13, 2006

We're here for a good time, not a long time...

Recently, I attended a dance put on by a local community group. It was held near the end of February, beginning of March, which around here means the time that everyone gets fed up with winter. And, as such was a complete sell-out. Pretty much the entire town attended – which is yet another reason I'm happy I gave up the city.

The dance featured a country band, which is not my first choice for music, but what the hell... The thing is, this was yet another example of what we lose when we lose community.

Here was a party that was attended by people aged nineteen through seventy – and everyone was having fun. At one point, on the dance floor, there were at least three generations of dancing happening; each with their own style. The coolest ones were the eldest ones. They had this waltzing sort of thing happening around the perimeter. About six couples all doing exactly the same dance in exact synchronization. What was really special was that the other generations watched close, several trying to follow along.

I guess what I found here is that a small community tends to include everyone. Its easier and almost necessary. There's more chance to stay connected to everyone and every age. Somehow, we need to be bring this back to all communities.