24 Comments
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Kathy Karn's avatar

So magical Margaret! I think the Irish have a special understanding on how to dance between two worlds of reality and mystery.

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Margaret O'Brien's avatar

Thanks Kathy, although I'm not sure we have a monopoly on that! But I love a bit of magic ;-)

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Kathy Karn's avatar

Yes, I won't grant the Irish a monopoly but the love of magic seems to be deeply rooted in the culture :)

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Margaret O'Brien's avatar

You just have to know where to look 😉

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Patricia Ann Bender's avatar

I can feel the joy and excitement. The mystery as delicious as the dancing. ❤️

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Margaret O'Brien's avatar

Thank you Patricia!

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Janis Farmer's avatar

magnificent, Margaret. from your delicious descriptions, i can imagine being there.

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Margaret O'Brien's avatar

Thank you Janis!

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Karena's avatar

Loved this!

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Margaret O'Brien's avatar

Thanks Karena.

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Tash's avatar

'The 1935 Dance Hall Act is still an active law in Ireland today...' Sorry, what?? Absolutely incredible. Wikipedia says the law was introduced in response to 'juvenile sex crimes' (which I will interpret as teen sex). But other effects of the law were that it (still wikipedia): 'disadvantaged many traditional Irish musical activities, such as private house dances and crossroad dances, forcing spontaneous and social music and dance into a controlled and commercialized environment.' Honestly!

(A beautiful piece, Margaret.)

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Margaret O'Brien's avatar

Thank you Tash! And yes, isn't it bizarre - that urge to control and erase the small pleasures and joys.

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Tash's avatar

Very bizarre!

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3musesmerge's avatar

Your story captivated me Margaret! Thank you for sharing your experience along with a bit of history. 💜

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Margaret O'Brien's avatar

Thank you Gail!

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Joann's avatar

What a beautiful, mysterious, and joyful experience to dance among worlds. You dared to jump at the chance and ride with the waves. How wonderful to defy any law against dancing and joy!

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Margaret O'Brien's avatar

Thank you Joann! 💚

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

I learned so much from your post, Margaret. Thank you. Dance and Joy! :)

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Margaret O'Brien's avatar

Thank you Julie, and let's have more of both!

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Yes! :)

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Slipstream Thinking's avatar

According to Dr. Peter Attia for aging well and long into the years...

'For many of his patients, he said, sex, dancing, and living independently are often high on the list. “To be able to dance is actually a very complicated physical and cognitive task as you age,” Dr. Attia said.'

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/07/well/aging-longevity-peter-attia.html?searchResultPosition=1

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Margaret O'Brien's avatar

Here's to all of that Lisa!

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Cindy Villanueva's avatar

I confess I am insanely jealous of the Irish magic. We are far too dour, technical, and ambitious here in the States. We miss out on so much!

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Margaret O'Brien's avatar

Cindy, I am so looking forward to sharing time with you here in a couple of weeks time!

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