A man stood next to me

A man stood next to me last night in the midsts of a dance - we were in truth using the hand basins in the lavatories at a London dance venue. I shall call him Dave.

"How long have you been dancing?"

"6 years I think" I replied

"Me too, great innit"

"Yes, I..."

He interrupts

"Saved my life, was gonna top myself, this stopped me, turned me round"

I turn to face him, he continued

"Was ready to put a gun in mouth, really down"

"Remarkable" I said

"Dancin' saved my life"

He carried on..I listened intently as this complete stranger told me the bare bones of his story. I told him mine, an inadequate quid pro quo but his point resonants not with mine but with a sentiment I hold dear that there's something about music and moving to that music which short circuits the minds of troubled people. It is a direct attack on the brain's neurochemistry in which so many people find relief. It is a drug of mystical powers.

"What's your name?"

"Stephen"

"Dave, I'll chat to you later"

"Very nice to meet you"

A chance encounter and a powerful story - one of many I've heard - one of many I''d like to collect. His is fierce testimony to the power of this balm. It is offered as therapy in some places, it should be in our schools, hospitals and care centres. It is and remains to me, as near to magic as I can go.

Would REALLY appreciate comments on this entry - so that others can see stories of dance.

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