Stepping out:I recently had the opportunity to learn traditional Irish dancing as part of the reality television programme, Celebrity Jigs 'n' Reels. To my surprise, it became one of the most joyful experiences I've had since coming to Ireland.
When thinking about how to achieve health and wellbeing for our minds and bodies, I've often written about movement. In this, I've advocated dance.
When we are stagnant (in body or mind), the experience seems to assault our basic inspiration. When we engage ourselves in movement - challenging minds and bodies and building flexibility and strength - we find a gateway to passion, energy, capability, momentum and potential within ourselves.
Not only do our lives move practically forward, but we secure our mental health.
Dance, in particular, brings together our minds, bodies and spirit in a creative, powerful and unique expression of ourselves.
Most of my dancing experiences thus far were limited to throwing myself around my living room to old but inspiring tunes on my stereo. Learning Irish dancing for Jigs 'n' Reels, however, introduced me to a whole new world of movement and expression. There is no doubt: if you can let yourself go, give up your inhibitions and treat yourself with love, dancing makes you happy. My new revelation is that Irish dancing, in particular, makes you particularly happy.
Notwithstanding the fact that this culture and people have been subjected to 800 years of forceful and brutal oppression - an oppression that assaulted their culture as much as their physical bodies - there is a spirit and humanity in Irishness that has not been lost.
The Irish language is full of warmth and connections. Irish music is built on the lively interaction and engagement of musicians with each other. The Irish dance is active and energetic, reflecting the spirit of the people and bringing together communities. Relationships, connections and spirit are central to indigenous Irish culture.
These are things I've discovered since participating in Celebrity Jigs 'n' Reels. When I first entered into this venture, I had no idea what it would be like. What surprised me most was discovering the type of dancing I'd be learning was a tap dance. Now, I'm sure all the other "celebs" as well as the viewing public took this for granted, but for me - an Indian girl, born and raised in western Canada - I genuinely had no idea.
The tapping in Irish dance added something completely new for me. In the first instance, it becomes something far more complex than I could have imagined - a truly intelligent dance involving more than just steps but a precision in technique to go with those steps. Secondly, it introduced a new dimension to dancing to me: the dancer does not just express the music, but adds to and is part of the music.
With Irish dancing, it wasn't just a matter of "put your foot here and stand like this". If you were going to put your foot down, you were going to have to be specific about it: ball of your foot or on your toe, stamped flat or clicked with your heel. Each step added a different sound to the composition of beats and rhythms, insisting that not only the body get involved, but the mind wake up and take notice.
One of the professional dancers explained it to me like this: Think of the bottom of your feet as drums, and use them to beat out sounds to the music. My own dance partner (to whom I am very grateful for his talent, friendship encouragement and inspiration) showed me a real love for rhythm and how it could be (at least with his skill) limitless in its ability to enhance and impact on any music.
I had no previous negative perceptions of Irish dance to hold me back. However, I had no positive ones. For example, I had no cultural reference for how the dancer stands or that you should turn your feet outwards.
What really allowed this experience to go deep into my heart was the fact that I approached it with a completely open mind and heart. This was not my dance. It was not the expression historically of my people. This reached me because I chose to submit myself to this history and people, and try to experience what was in their hearts.
I notice that Irish people feel separated from their culture. While I feel sad about this, there's little I can do about it. It's your journey to reclaim your culture and identity, and realise that it's not "stupid" but valuable to the world. My journey is to connect with humanity.
Perhaps I'll ask someone to teach me traditional Indian dancing and see what I discover there.
Finally, from my heart I want to thank those who voted for me and for my charity, Barnardos, and the many, many people - The Irish Times readers and all - who contacted me afterwards to express their delight with my contribution and their disappointment that I left the show.
As an ethnic minority and immigrant on these shores, it has been an indescribable experience to be so embraced and cared for at this time by the people of this country.