Walking on Air

By Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew

When my partner Emily teaches traditional circle dance to a group of newbies, they go through a predictable progression.

First, they stride easily into the class, unaware of their grace.

Next, Emily teaches a few steps. She’s patient, and the movements themselves are simple and repetitive. But students nonetheless trip over their feet, giggle to draw attention away from their awkwardness, scowl or apologize and sometimes give up. The circle jolts and falte...