David Adashek’s Swing Dancing

If you stick around long enough, you’ll notice a lot of fads come back. Overalls. Madonna. Plaid. But one of the biggest old-timey traditions to return to the mainstream is swing dancing. Since the late 1990s, a revival has occurred, reviving raucous 1930s dance moves and bringing back swing musicians like Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. Swing classes and halls popped up all over the US, and Baltimore was no different:

“[My friend] brought me to Mobtown Ballroom in Baltimore,” David Adashek, PDG Mental Health Care Coordinator explained. “I had one of the best times of my life. The swing dancing community is one of the most accepting I have ever come across.”

David was always interested in helping others, originally intending to become a shock trauma surgeon. Mental health care called to him, though, and he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. “Mental health care was and is something that is sorely neglected in our society,” David says, “and I want to change that.”

It’s this community and feeling of connection that draws David to both mental health care and swing dancing. The dance requires partners – a lead and a follow – to jump in boisterous, energetic steps to fast-paced Big Band rhythms.

“One of the best aspects of swing dancing is how it brings people together. It gives you and your dance partner a chance to get to know each other through dancing, as well as talking during the dance… It’s a way of feeling connected to other people, in a completely positive way.”

Mistakes are laughed off and embarrassing moments are expected as new and old dancers come together to learn and teach. Physical movement and socializing – both extremely important for mental health – are combined in an open, friendly environment. The Mobtowns Ballroom’s Monday and Friday night classes are perfect for decompressing after a long day.

“Dancing is definitely one of my main ways to calm and find myself after a rough week,” David agreed. “It is wonderful to lose yourself in dancing… it’s a refreshing change of pace from the rest of the week when people have worries that follow them everywhere. If I didn’t dance, I would definitely have a lot harder time managing stress.”

Life can be very tough. The mind and body need a break! It’s important for everyone’s mental health to have self-care strategies and activities planned for “me” time.  David’s found his perfect balance in the Mobtown Swing Community. Check it out and see if it does the same for you.

As David says, “worries are left at the door at Mobtown.”