I’ve got a big decision to make. With 2019 and all things wedding and honeymoon that came with it nearly done, and the new year on the horizon, what exactly is in store for me in 2020? I’ve been busy readying my fitness and steadying my kit for the next challenge – but should I continue my dance across America or press pause on that and continuing my dance around the world with Europe first?
I’m really not sure, so it’d be great to have your help. Please read the arguments for each option and then vote in the poll at the bottom – thank you!
To Stick: the case for the USA
1. I’ve begun and it’s been a successful challenge so far! I’ve danced over 700 miles following Route 66 through California and Arizona, shimmying through the Mojave desert in the peak of summer and up to heights of over 4,000 feet – and raised over £6,600 doing so.
2. Dance America is beginning to build. For example, I’ve just begun to get some great media coverage and this will help in generating more interest and support for the challenge if I was to return in 2020. I could send out the CNN film in advance of my arrival to potential hosts and dance groups/clubs/people who might want to dance with me and that way generate way more momentum for the challenge. If I started from Europe I’d have to start from scratch a bit more.
3. A clear route. Following Route 66 means I have a recognised route to follow which has a tourist infrastructure and fanbase all of it’s own which I can continue to tap into… and as I make more progress and get closer to Chicago the prospect of me actually making it (and therefore support for the challenge) will likely only increase. Plus I’ve done a lot of the hard work researching the exact roads/tracks I’ll follow through each State.
4. Friends, contacts and help. I’ve already made some great friends on the 700 miles of the challenge so far – and they’ve helped me a massive amount over the two legs I’ve completed. Plus I have some media contacts which can help with the next legs too. On both fronts I’d be starting from scratch more in Europe. And obviously the US also has less of a language barrier and I’m much more certain about how everything works now after the two 2018 legs.
5. I’ve started so I’ll finish. If you know me well you’ll know I don’t like letting things lie unfinished. If there’s a challenge out there to complete, I’ll do all I can to get it done. So there’s something fundamentally frustrating and niggly about switching away from Dance America now.
To Twist: the case for Europe
1. Environmental impact. I’ve long tried to live in ways which reduce my negative impacts on the planet – starting long ago at primary school when I led a fundraising appeal to preserve Belizean rainforest, and through my life have never driven/owned a car, have cycled (and pranced) pretty much everywhere and have been a vegetarian since I was 18. So the fact that Dance America and me having to do it part time necessitates 2-4 flights out to the US each year really does bother me. I can offset but I’m not sure that fully compensates for the impact – plus the message isn’t a good one. Surely I can help people and planet, and be prepared to amend/change plans if those plans conflict? Beginning my dance around the world from London and heading off through Europe means I can travel back and forth using trains and boats exclusively.
2. I like Europe. Given what’s happening in the UK at the moment, it’s quite a good time to do something which will show just how great and supportive the continent and it’s people are. I’d look forward to flying the flag of Europe on my travels.
3. Dance USA would be paused, not panned. Dancing through Europe would be the next leg in my ultimate dance around the world. All being well I’d slowly prance forth from Europe through the middle east, Asia, Australasia and then, one day, to the Americas where I’d pick up the baton where I left it in New Mexico – continuing on to New York before arriving back in my final destination of London.
4. Flexibility & cost. The relative closeness of Europe means that I can travel to start/finish points to pick up my prancing challenge wherever I’d last left it quickly and relatively easily… so instead of having to do one or two big chunks of dancing in the year during my holidays from my day job, I’d be better able to hop over more regularly, for longer, and get more dancing distance done. Plus it’s obviously cheaper to travel each time I need to pick up from where I left off.
5. It’s an excuse for a party. If this would well and truly kick off a dance around the world, then London would be my starting point and what better location than to begin with a dance out of the capital with all my friends and family invited? Plus I’d be much closer by if anyone from the UK fancied joining me over the channel for a bit of prancing freedom.
So bascially… I hope from the above that it’s clear the answer isn’t clear. And because of this I’m putting it to you to help me out and vote for the option you think I should go for in 2020. Please add your thoughts to this post by commenting below, and then vote for your choice. I’ll go with the one with most votes by midnight on 31st December 2019. Thanks in advance for your advice and votes!
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Good luck with your prancing challenge. I hope you get to complete all 7 continents
Thank you Heidi! OMG all seven! I’ll freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze! 😉 🙂 X
Hello Pho Htaung. With the school climate strikes and failure to make much climate progress in the COP talks last year I think a change of tack to greener plans makes a lot of sense. Big Round Moon xxx
Indeed, thanks B! 🙂 XX
Heart over head any day.. from the reading only.. I think your heart wants to be as close to home and loved ones as you can be.
Good Luck!
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 Thanks Joy!
Good Luck Ben. Follow what your heart tells you.
Thanks so much Sadhia, really hope all is good! 🙂
Hey Beb, as much as it seems a shame to stall the momentum you’ve made stateside; it seems like a good idea to hit Europe at the moment. Look forward to keeping up with the dance wherever it may be xx
Great stuff, many thanks Tom. And ditto with me and your amazing photography! 🙂 Hope all’s good
Thought decision. Finishing the US is certainly excelent given how much you have already in place. While pracing Europe will surelly have an extra twist given the current UK moment. In any case I’ve casted my vote, but whatever you decide, I’m sure you’ll do it great. All the best.
Benneth! I can try to get you help with accommodation in Geneva, the Netherlands, Düsseldorf, the Outer Hebrides, Ayr, and northern England!
Amazing Lucy! Thanks so much for reaching out…if Europe it is, I could be in much need! Many thanks and I hope all is well! X
Hello Ben, it’s amazing to see what you’ve been up to. While I enjoyed hosting you in California// learning about the magnanimous way you raise awareness of global problems, I understand the greater significance of what you could do in Europe… for yourself, your family, your community, and your continent.
Either way, I wish you well!
Arthur! So great to hear from you! I remember back to the night you hosted me with great fondness (and mega appreciation of all that food!). Really appreciate your thoughts on this. Many thanks and let’s stay in touch 🙂
Happy New Year Ben
I think you should finish what you started Ben -especially if you intend to complete USA at some time….
That said, you can stay in my flat in Paris is you decide to go that way…….
Thanks Lesley…much appreciated! It’s looking like Europe though so prepare that flat! 😉
Hi Ben – so glad you’re still dancing. While I totally agree about limiting your air miles if possible, if you intend to get back to the US sooner or later anyway it makes sense to use the momentum you’ve already built up there. How about dancing across on a ship?
Love what you’re doing. More power and a brilliant 2020 to your legs, elbow, and all the rest of you
And I’m sorry, I just can’t vote either way!
Thanks so much Sally! Lovely to hear from you and to have your best wishes for whatever’s next. You’ve been such a great support to me in this interconnected online world! Take care, Ben
I I may be able to help with accommodation in Athens
Hi Ben
I think Europe is a great idea. Environmentally it makes a more positive choice. I think it’s a shame not to finish what you’ve started but if you can cope with that, then do Europe! I found this email too late and missed the vote.
Congratulations on getting married
Happy New Year
All the best for 2020 and look forward to hearing more about prancing adventures
Laura x
SO great to hear from you Laura, and thanks a million for your advice too 🙂 It looks like Europe it is, so here’s to a new adventure closer to home! We must rendez-vous soon… hope all’s well with you and the kids! X