The rhythmic clash of the kartal, a copper instrument, marked the beginning of our Sunday dance extravaganza. “Chak De India” pulsed through the air, a Bollywood anthem that ignited our spirits. Didi, a kartal maestro, kept the beat steady, a rhythm that mirrored the pounding of my heart as I twirled and leaped, lost in the joy of dance.

In a small town where everyone knew each other’s stories, dance was my mother’s gift to me. From Diwali celebrations under the radiance of lit candles to Vietnamese New Year feasts with a war veteran and Thanksgiving prayers with neighbors, dance was my bridge to a world beyond our front door. Years later, under the vibrant Costa Rican sun, I danced with a global crowd to the infectious rhythm of “Danza Kuduro.” 

From traditional tribal drums to the modern cacophony of hospital halls, dance has been my universal language. It has not only preserved the precious tapestry of my own culture but has also woven me into the vibrant fabric of others. Dance has taught me that across borders, languages and life experiences, there is a shared rhythm that unites us all.

This year, I met a tiny dynamo. Two years old and battling a rare disease that most do not survive past age 4. Pearson Syndrome, it is called—a mitochondrial condition that wreaks havoc on the bone marrow and pancreas. He scaled the clinic sofa like a mountain climber, his laughter a symphony against the backdrop of his fragile health. I joined his impromptu performance, and his smile, a radiant sun, lit up the room. At that moment, the world stood still. The weight of his diagnosis seemed to lift, replaced by the sheer lightness of being. It was a reminder that even in the darkest corners of life, there is always room for dance. 

Most recently, from the zapateado of flamenco to the ginga of capoeira, I have danced my way out of my comfort zone. Inspired by the spirit of Patch Adams since I first watched the movie in 2016, I hope to bring these joyful movements into my patients’ lives, a dance of healing that extends far beyond the examination room. 

“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” -Hippocrates

Featured Image courtesy of Raghuram Reddy.