Some of you may have seen headlines slamming MPs for taking part in a dance initiative in Parliament alongside Angela Rippon and stars from Strictly Come Dancing to promote the “Let’s Dance” campaign.
I could not attend the event as I was giving a keynote speech to local authority chief executives and returning officers about the forthcoming elections, the Representation of the People Bill, and the threat to our democracy from foreign interference. However, the reaction to the story did make me reflect on something important: the value of dance and movement in our lives.
The Let’s Dance campaign was born out of a simple idea – dance has the power to transform lives. After reconnecting with dance on Strictly Come Dancing, Angela Rippon spoke about the physical, mental and social benefits that come from simply getting up and moving. The campaign aims to make dance joyful, accessible and inclusive for everyone, whether you are eight or 80, a seasoned performer or someone with two left feet.
Dance is something very close to my own heart. When my mum was young she did ballet and tap, and later in life she and my stepdad took up ballroom dancing. They absolutely loved it, not just for the dancing itself but for the social aspect too. Sadly, my own dancing career never quite materialised, although I did spend far too many nights enthusiastically demonstrating my “skills” on the dance floor of Blimpers nightclub in Chester.
Dance also has a remarkable place in our national story. From Morris dancing to Highland reels and Irish step dancing, traditional folk dances have helped preserve local customs and celebrate community life for generations. At the same time, Britain’s cities have helped shape modern dance culture, from ballet to hip-hop and contemporary styles.
Anyone who doubts dance’s popularity only needs to look at the continuing success of Strictly Come Dancing, which has entertained us for over twenty years. And despite the recent suggestion from Timothée Chalamet that ballet and opera might be “dying art forms”, I suspect the thousands of dancers and audiences across the world would politely disagree.
Dance is not just entertainment. It helps keep us fit, supports our mental health and tackles loneliness by bringing people together. So whether it’s ballroom, ballet, street dance or simply channelling your inner Dancing Queen in the kitchen, I would encourage everyone to give it a go.
And in the immortal words of the late, great Sir Bruce Forsyth… Keeeeeep dancing!