Creaky bones and couch-softened derrieres rose to their feet in 2023 and danced like it was 2019, 1999 or any year before the pandemic’s fearful descent in 2020.
Three years later, emboldened Merrimack Valley studios have survived the social distancing, six feet of separation and silent rooms.
Dance schools, community centers and troupes have regained their rightful place on the floor and through the air in classes and performances.
Look around in grocery store aisles and elevators, at bus stops, restaurants and banks and, on occasion, see people do a little two-step or twirl or, if you are lucky, a tap and slide.
The Eagle-Tribune celebrated the return to movement in 2023 with its 10-part series Valley Dance.
Its reporter and photographers explored, discovered and shared the region’s rich and enduring dance heritage as well as its venturing into new forms and means of expression.
The stories celebrated Bachata, Street, Square, Indian, Tap, Swing, Team, Rhythmic and Ballet dancing as well as a dancer’s entrepreneurial vision to support the art in heels.
In the year ahead we hope to continue the exploration by profiling other styles in the world of dance underfoot in the Valley.