Dancing through life

I recently returned from a trip to Manila to visit my cousins. It was not just an ordinary visit to say hi, catch up, and reminisce about the months we hadn't seen each other. This visit was a solemn one --a chance to bid farewell to one of our elder cousins who had passed away from cancer. His remains were cremated and placed in a marble urn, a poignant reminder of the earthly life he once lived. When he was still with us, he had an infectious passion for dancing. He would dance anywhere, anytime, a joy that eventually led to a few television gigs alongside his close-knit group of friends that became his second family.

The phrase "dancing through life", from the hit musical “Wicked”, resonates deeply. Life, much like a song, unfolds in distinct parts. It begins slowly, builds to a crescendo, and eventually softens toward the end. Life mirrors this rhythm. We start at a cautious, tentative pace, learning the ropes, and figuring out how to navigate the world. As we grow, we encounter challenges. To survive, we must learn to embrace life's rhythm, moving through its ups and downs as if dancing through each era. The choreography changes with every season, and over time, we emerge as whole, transformed individuals.

Filipinos have a unique and enduring love for dance. While I am not much of a dancer myself, I can't help but tap my feet and sway my hips when I feel a surge of joy. Dance is often synonymous with celebration, a way to express happiness and gratitude. Next week, the streets of Cebu will come alive with an even grander celebration as people from across the country fly in for the Sinulog Festival. This vibrant event pays homage to the Santo Niño through a traditional dance inspired by the gentle flow of a stream. Choreographers often describe the movements as "two steps forward, one step back", a pattern that beautifully reflects the ebb and flow of life.

Dance is more than an art form; it is a language of the body, a way to communicate emotions and stories without words. Each movement carries a message, an expression of joy, sorrow, faith, or love. Cebu’s Sinulog Festival is far more than a showcase of skill or a competition between contingents. It is a profound offering of praise and gratitude to the Child Jesus, presented through the art of dance. The festival also serves as a bridge to our cultural heritage, preserving traditions that have been passed down for decades.

For every season we go through --whether marked by sorrow, pain, joy, or worship-- we can always choose to dance through it. Like the Sinulog’s flowing movements, we can learn to adapt and embrace the challenges that come our way. The fluidity of water teaches us to be flexible, to bend without breaking, and to move forward with grace. This, perhaps, is the greatest lesson dance offers: life is a canvas for creativity, a chance to express ourselves fully and beautifully.