Formation Dancing

by Gene Russo, San Francisco

Today in our world, there is an increasing need for people to learn to work and and live together cooperatively. With overcrowding and shortages of housing, parking and energy, it is essential to develop better teamwork and cooperation skills.

"Let us permit nature to have her way. She understands her business better than we do."

Beijing, China

How can Formation Dancing help? I have discovered some interesting facts recently. Everyone is familiar with the "V" formation that geese use when migrating during the spring and fall of every year. Scientists have found that there are good reasons for these flying habits. These principles may apply whether we are migrating geese or human beings trying to work together towards a common goal.

Geese also share leadership. When the lead goose tires, he or she rotates back into the "V" and another goes forward to take the lead. When geese fly in formation they can fly about 70% farther than when they fly alone.

There is a lot to be learned from lessons found in nature and from Formation  Dancing too. It also presents an alternative to competition dancing as a performing opportunity or to increasing dancing skills. When there is an emphasis on winning and losing, people can be left in the sidelines with a sense of failure and incompetence.

Formations promote a sense of teamwork and cooperation that reaches well beyond the dance floor, as they share the "gift of dance." By their performances for groups and organizations they are extending the benefits to the community at  large. If you have never experienced the joys, fun and rewards of formation dancing, I invite you all to join us.   *  *  *  *

Pub's Side Note: Perhaps the Rail is something worth the billions and billions of dollars that are projected. I just receive an email informing me that the Rail will be able to transport 28000 passengers per hour. That is mind boggling, and just about the most amazing thing I have ever heard. And I believe these number crunchers. They don't know any better. For us, now we know, that we can evacuate the entire Waianae Coast together with city of Kapolei, in a little over an hour. How about that? Aren't you relieved? Wow!