When Did Dancing Become a Crime?

Source: Photo by Chalo Garcia on Unsplash

If you haven't heard of Sanna Marin, you're missing out. She was elected as Finland's prime minister at age 34, making her one of the youngest state leaders in the world. Two years on and she is literally rocking the world. With dance.

Roughly a week ago, a video was leaked of her at a party dancing with her friends. Because of this, the world is tearing her apart. Her political opposition in Finland asked her to take a drug test which she voluntarily did to quieten any untrue rumours about drug use (by the way, the result was negative). The Finnish and international media have gone as far as to accuse her of being irresponsible and unfit to lead a country. Because she was dancing. With her friends. At a party.

I’m sorry but did I miss the memo when dancing became a crime?

Naturally, her position, just like the position of any leader, is a little different from many. She needs to be ready to make decisions for her country at any time of any day. But does that really mean that she, or any other leader, is never allowed to switch off, to be themselves, or, let’s face it, to be human? I hope not. And dancing is one of the most human things you can do.

Why dancing is good for you

Dance has been a part of human history since its earliest origins, with historical records showing the origins of dance in cave paintings dated to about 8000 BCE. It has played a role culturally, religiously, and socially. Today, it is seen as an art form, as a way to exercise, and as a way to have fun.

So, what is the problem? There are three. First, this energy being wasted on taking Sanna down could be better used to solve a real problem. Second, her youthful dancing seems to be her biggest crime, yet we’ve seen old male leaders do a lot worse things whilst facing a lot less scrutiny (such as private parties during COVID lockdowns, committing financial fraud, and paying porn stars for sex, just to name a few).

Third, dancing is actually really good for you. Maybe, just maybe, if more of the world leaders danced a little more, they’d make more humane decisions too. Here is why:

1. Dancing is good for your mental health.

Dancing, just like many types of exercise, releases feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine into your body. It not only makes you happier in yourself and in your environment, but it also aids healing, strengthens resilience, and cultivates empathy.

2. Dancing is good for your physical health.

Dancing improves your cardiovascular health, strengthens the stability of your core, makes your muscles supple, and aids with both your mental and physical flexibility. It even builds your brain by oxygenating it and by reinforcing its neural connections, making you more creative and your thoughts clearer.

3. Dancing is a bonding experience.

Dancing bonds you to those you dance with, making you feel connected and that you belong. Even watching someone dance bonds you to them, forging healthy social connections across countries, cultures, and all of humankind.

I don’t know about you but I’m definitely putting "Boogie Wonderland" on tonight. I’m going to dance to the rhythm of the music and let it guide me in dancing to the rhythms of life.

"We should consider every day that we have not danced at least once... a lost day."—Friedrich Nietzsche