How to Recreate Toya Johnson and Jashae’s Dance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Connection and Celebration

This guide will help you learn a simple yet meaningful dance similar to the one shared by Toya Johnson and her late brother Josh's daughter, Jashae. The beauty of their dance lies not in its complexity, but in its expression of love, remembrance, and connection. This guide aims to empower you to create a similar moment with someone you cherish, fostering a bond through shared movement and music.

Prerequisites:

  • A Partner: This dance is designed for two people. Choose someone you have a special connection with – a family member, close friend, or loved one.

  • Positive Attitude: Openness, willingness to connect, and a spirit of fun are crucial. This isn't about perfect technique; it's about creating a meaningful experience.

  • Modest Physical Fitness: The dance involves gentle swaying, stepping, and arm movements. If you have physical limitations, adapt the moves to suit your abilities. Consult a doctor if you have concerns.

  • Appropriate Attire: Comfortable clothing and shoes that allow for easy movement are recommended.

    • Tools:

  • Music: Choose a song that is meaningful to you and your partner, or a song that reflects the sentiment of remembrance and love. Consider a song with a moderate tempo and a positive message. Examples could include a gospel song, a feel-good R&B track, or a pop song with a heartfelt theme. Services like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music can be used to stream the music.

  • Space: Find a clear, open space where you and your partner can move freely without obstructions. A living room, backyard, or even a park can work. Ensure the surface is safe and stable.

  • Optional: Mirror: A mirror can be helpful for visual feedback, especially when learning new steps. However, focusing on feeling the connection with your partner is more important than perfect form.

  • Smartphone or Tablet: For playing the music and potentially recording your dance.

    • Numbered Steps:

    1. Choose Your Music: This is the most important step! Select a song that resonates with both you and your partner. Consider the emotional context you want to create. Do you want to celebrate a life, remember a loved one, or simply express joy and connection? Preview the song together to ensure you both enjoy it and that it feels right.

    2. Set the Atmosphere: Prepare your space. Dim the lights if desired, light a candle (safely!), and make sure the environment is comfortable and conducive to connection. Explain to your partner the purpose of the dance and the emotions you hope to express. This helps set the intention and creates a shared understanding.

    3. Start with a Gentle Sway: Stand facing your partner, holding hands or with your arms gently around each other's shoulders. Begin to sway gently to the rhythm of the music. This is a simple but powerful way to synchronize your movements and establish a connection. Focus on feeling the music together and letting your bodies move naturally.

    4. Introduce Basic Stepping: As you sway, begin to incorporate small, simple steps. Step to the side, forward, or backward, keeping the movements slow and deliberate. Don't overthink it; let your feet follow the rhythm of the music. Mirror each other's movements or create your own variations. The goal is to move together in a coordinated way.

    5. Incorporate Arm Movements: Add arm movements to enhance the expression of the dance. Extend your arms outwards, raise them overhead, or gently swing them back and forth. You can also use your arms to embrace your partner or make gentle gestures of affection. Let the music guide your movements and allow your arms to express the emotions you are feeling.

    6. Focus on Eye Contact and Connection: Throughout the dance, maintain eye contact with your partner. This is crucial for building a deeper connection and conveying your emotions. Smile, laugh, and share meaningful glances. Remember, this dance is about more than just the steps; it's about the connection you create with your partner.

    7. Add Personal Touches: Once you feel comfortable with the basic steps, add your own personal touches. This could include incorporating specific movements that are meaningful to you and your partner, or simply improvising and allowing your creativity to flow. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun!

    8. Embrace the Imperfection: This is not a professional dance performance. Embrace the imperfections and focus on the experience. Laugh if you stumble, adjust your steps as needed, and remember that the most important thing is to connect with your partner and express your emotions.

    9. End with an Embrace: As the song comes to an end, bring your partner in for a warm embrace. Take a moment to appreciate the connection you have created and the emotions you have shared.

    10. Reflect and Remember: After the dance, take some time to reflect on the experience. Talk to your partner about how you felt and what you learned. Consider making this a regular practice to strengthen your bond and create lasting memories.

    Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Difficulty with Coordination: If you're struggling with coordination, slow down the music and focus on mastering the basic steps before adding more complex movements.

  • Feeling Self-Conscious: It's normal to feel self-conscious at first. Remind yourself that this is not a performance and that the goal is to connect with your partner. Focus on the music and the emotions you want to express.

  • Lack of Inspiration: If you're feeling uninspired, try watching videos of similar dances for inspiration. Don't copy them exactly, but use them as a starting point for creating your own unique dance.

  • Partner Not Engaged: If your partner is not fully engaged, communicate openly and honestly with them. Explain the purpose of the dance and encourage them to participate actively.

Short Summary:

Recreating a dance like Toya Johnson and Jashae's is about fostering connection and celebrating relationships through movement and music. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to creating a similar experience, focusing on choosing meaningful music, establishing a comfortable atmosphere, learning basic steps, and most importantly, prioritizing eye contact and emotional connection. Remember, the beauty of the dance lies not in its technical perfection, but in the shared experience and the expression of love and remembrance. Embrace the imperfections, personalize the movements, and enjoy the journey of creating a meaningful moment with someone you cherish.