Day 7 - A Familiar Dance

For many here in Iraq, this is their first deployment. Many are young, many are low ranking, and many have missed out on a favorite past time enjoyed back home – dancing. That too, much like the holiday season, has found a way to come to Iraq these brisk days, brining smiles and happiness to the faces of many.

The morale tent houses a large recreation room for a host of events during the day. At night, it is turned over to the military, both young and old. Complete with a speaker system and assorted colored lights flashing, we bring life to the night. Each day of the week there is a different genre of music, a different crowd to take part. Salsa, Reggae, Hip Hop and R&B, Country, Old School. There is music to suit the tastes of just about anyone and everyone who enjoys a good tune.

The first hours are typically dedicated to instruction. Learning the basic steps to a complicated Latin dance, the finesse that goes with the moves in a Temptations song, or the beat that accompanies a large line dance, many are quick to take part. We partner up in many cases, providing us a chance to meet people from all walks of life, people living on the opposite side of camp, from all career fields. For now, the lights are on and uniform tops are removed, providing a comfortable and inviting learning environment.

Once the lights are turned off and the music starts playing is when the true spirit comes out of the crowd. For the next four hours of the night, we are free to revert back to life at a lounge, club, or bar. There is no alcohol involved as it is banned in-country but its aid is not needed to promote such a lively environment. As cameras flash and video cameras roll, many document the festivities to remember the good times. While green and red lights flash behind us, illuminating the dancing area, masses migrate to the floor to the rhythm of a familiar tune.

On this December night, it is Salsa night. The instruction has passed, the lights have dimmed, and music has been turned up. The pounding of the bass provided by a floor-mounted subwoofer can be felt. The music draws two towards the floor, then two more. In minutes, everyone is on their feet. Whether taking part of watching from the sidelines, everyone is sure to have a good time. Here, you can dance with anyone without having to worry about rejection. As Marines dance with Army, Air Force dances with Marines, the Navy dance with the Air Force, and a host of other mixes, the songs continue to play, providing a link to life at home. As the next song begins to spin, partners are switched as people break off for water, only to return for hours of more fun.

The most amazing part is not the fact that we have dance nights here in Iraq. It is that in addition to the military taking part in these events, Iraqis and foreign national contractors enjoy the nightlife provided as well. People we once despised for acts against our nation several years ago now dance amongst us, and with us, for evenings of enjoyment, learning traditional dances of the different cultures we have to offer. Coming in groups, they watch in awe and marvel as dancers perform synchronized and often complex moves. Not only are they excited to watch but anxious for their chance to try out their newly acquired moves.

During these nights, they too show us dances of their culture. As American music is played, we get a taste of what dancing means to them. Speaking in broken but improving English, they guide us through the steps and movements. Laughing together at mistakes, we pause to regain ourselves before getting back into the swing of things. Not only do we learn make honest attempts to learn the moves, we unknowingly learn their language as they name the steps and count the beats in their native tongue.

The holidays have always been known for bringing cheer. For us who are deployed, they have done that as well as brought us closer to those once viewed as an enemy. Dancing, laughing, and singing together, negative preconceptions we previously held have begun to diminish. Ties are being made, friendships built. Through close interactions and movements we have forgotten our differences and embraced a culture which many still look down on.

This night, this holiday season has proven to be one to remember. Not only have the brave men and women of the military been given the opportunity to freely express themselves through the art of dance, but we have learned valuable lessons. As we dance our nights away here in Iraq, we remember life back home. For the moment, with the aid of lively music and the positive attitudes of people of this country, this is our home. This will be a dance that will not soon be forgotten.