All human beings have the urge to dance. Think about it; dance is a universal cultural entity, developed in every civilization around the world. Our societies may conflict over religion, culture, land and other issues, but we all dance to see and feel the beauty in its movement.
Some people feel the urge more strongly than others, and it is those people who make dance their career path. A dancer lives and breathes movement, artistry and athleticism in every moment of his or her day. Most of us only see these impressive displays of beauty and power when they are performing (forgive my love of dance seeping through my words), but a true dancer never leaves the art form behind.
In this series of pictures called “Dancers Among Us” by New York City-based photographer Jordan Matter, Matter captured professional dancers literally “jumping for joy” in public settings. The expressions on bystanders’ faces speak volumes: We need to bring art back to the public and remind everyone of the universal happiness that is dancing.
Photo courtesy of Jordan Matter.