“Love conquers all, that good outweighs evil in the just balances of the universe”
Week 10 3-4-22 “Love conquers all, that good outweighs evil in the just balances of the universe”
Changing Lives through Dancing by David Woodbury
“We cheerfully assume that in some mystic way love conquers all, that good outweighs evil in the just balances of the universe and that at the eleventh hour something gloriously triumphant will prevent the worst before it happens.”
– Brooks Atkinson (1894 – 1984)
American theatre critic
I think we’ve been at the 11th hour for quite a while now. Someone said in a Facebook post that they did not just going through a global pandemic in order to then enter into a war. It seems that we went from the frying pan into the fire and I wish that there had not been a pandemic and I pray the fighting ceases today. I am praying for Ukraine daily.
In the midst of all of the turmoil in the world, the virus, government division and now the war in Ukraine, I must always hold in my heart that there is and 11th hour. That there is a light at the end of the tunnel. That we have hope as we have prayed for over the past years with covid.
“One must have the adventurous daring to accept oneself as a bundle of possibilities and undertake the most interesting game in the world — making the most of one’s best.”
– Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878 – 1969)
American Protestant Minister
As the last couple of years has unfolded, I have seen Arthur Murray reinvent itself. There are many Arthur Murray School that have already made a full recovery in many parts of the nation. (They were not in LA County for sure!). During the darkest days, the ingenuity and creativity of Arthur Murray was amazing. We turned to all lessons on Zoom, private, group and party. Then, dance competitions were virtual. Arthur Murray stepped up and became the leader in online dancing. Then, we went to some in person and virtual and now we are returning to almost all in person dancing. Arthur Murray is a world of possibilities and re-made itself the best, again!
“The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for.”
– Joseph Addison (1672 – 1719)
English Writer and Statesman
With Arthur Murray, all these apply to me. It has been my something to do for almost 46 years, and I was a student before that. From the moment I took my first step, I have loved dancing and competing and performing. As for the hope, planning the next routine, the next performance and show has always filled my mind and heart with hope and joy. When I lecture, I always begin with “I have not worked a day in the past 45 years and I’m the luckiest guy in the world. I love what I do!”
“Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, ‘This is the real me,’ and when you have found that attitude, follow it.”
– William James (1842 – 1910)
American Philosopher and Psychologist
When I walked into my first Arthur Murray Dance Center in Nashville, TN in 1975 at the age of 18, I was hooked. I was first a student. Then, the manager came to me and said, you can no longer be a student. I asked why. He said, “You’re already co-teaching all my group classes and running our Friday parties. You must become a pro!” And I did just that! I heard that still small voice telling me to make Arthur Murray my lifestyle and I followed those voices and I have never quit or given up!
I hope you love reading quotes as much as I do. They are like finding diamonds and I feel so inspired to study them and drink in their meanings and magic. As my mom, J. Clair Woodbury, always said “Keep a little song in your heart”. I hope some of this inspiration gives you a new song in your lives.
Thanks for reading. Keep on Dancing. Don’t give up. It will get better.
David Woodbury – Arthur Murray Santa Monica, CA
Love you all,
David Woodbury