Hey everyone,
I just came across a story that’s been circulating—Chicago Reader’s piece on dancing against war. It’s one of those moments where art and activism collide in the most human way possible, and honestly, it hit me right in the feels.
We’ve all seen the headlines. Conflict, violence, political tension—it feels like the world is constantly on edge. It’s easy to feel powerless, to scroll through the news and wonder what any of us can really do. But then there’s this: people gathering, moving, using their bodies to shout what words sometimes can’t. Dance has always been a language of emotion, of resistance, of unity. And in places like Chicago, where grassroots movements have deep roots, it’s no surprise to see dance floors turning into platforms for peace.
There’s something incredibly powerful about reclaiming space—and joy—in the face of fear. Dancing isn’t just an escape; it’s a statement. It says, "We refuse to be defined by violence. We choose rhythm over rhetoric, community over conflict."
I’ve always believed that art is where hope lives when politics fail us. Whether it’s a flash mob in the city center or an organized event in a local park, these movements remind us that resistance doesn’t always have to be loud and angry. Sometimes, it’s graceful. Sometimes, it’s a beat that pulls people together when everything else is trying to tear them apart.
So here’s to the dancers, the artists, the activists who are moving—literally—for change. Maybe the way to fight war isn’t just with arguments, but with expression. Maybe peace starts with a single step.
Keep dancing, keep believing.
- DanceWami
