In the 1984 film, Footloose, the main character Wren quotes some bible verses about dancing to prove a point. One of the verses he includes is Ecclesiastes 3:4, which says, there is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;”. In this episode we're sharing tales, poems, and songs, about times when dancing seems like the right thing to do.

Nutcracker by Kevin Kling (2:29)

When Kevin Kling was asked to be in a production of the Nutcracker. Not having a lot of dance training early in his life, a child in the cast gives him some advice when he’s met with criticism. Learn more about Kevin Kling, an author, playwright, storyteller, and occasional dancer, by visiting: www.kevinkling.com

Max by Jay O'Callahan (8:13)

Max is inhibited from dancing due to a leg condition but that doesn’t prevent him from stepping into the magic of a Gene Kelly dance scene when the occasion presents itself. Learn more about Jay O'Callahan, who often runs writing workshops from his home, by visiting: ocallahan.com

Elaina's Birthday Dance by Sheila Arnold (20:04)

Elaina has a hard time keeping her love of dance contained to “appropriate times”. For her, all the time is a “time to dance” and though she’s met with some some time constraints every so often, like school or taking care of her baby brother, on her birthday she’s allowed to dance all day long thanks to a special gift from her mother. Learn more about Sheila Arnold, who is the CEO and Lead Performer of History's Alive!, by visiting: www.mssheila.org

De Critters Dance by Oni Lasana (40:12)

A poem about how dancing isn’t only for humans - it’s for every creature. Learn more about Oni Lasana, who is a performer and a performance poet, by visiting: www.onilasana.com

Belle of the Ball by Waddie Mitchell (44:10)

A poem about the trouble that can come with taking the prettiest girl to the dance. Learn more about Waddie Mitchell, a renowned cowboy poet, by visiting: www.somagency.com/waddie-mitchell

Skeleton Dance by Anne Rutherford (47:19)

A song about skeleton's dancing. Learn more about Anne Rutherford, a three-time first place winner at the NW Folklore Festival Liar's Contest, by visiting: www.annerutherford.com

The Dancing Lass of Anglesey by Heather Forest (50:56)

A musical tale of a time when battles were fought and won by the skill of a dancer rather than by the amount of blood spilt. Learn more about Heather Forest, who is an author of seven children's books based on folktales, by visiting: www.heatherforest.com