Wednesday, August 12, 2026

What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

ConnectionUpworthy

An old man and woman dance to pop music in a Roman piazza, not a tip jar in sight

In an age where viral moments and social media performances often overshadow genuine human experiences, a simple, joyful dance by two seniors in a Roman piazza emerges as a refreshing reminder of life's intrinsic pleasures. Without a tip jar or an audience in mind, Pasquale and his partner took to the cobblestones of Piazza Testaccio, moving in sync to the beats of Michael Jackson. Their spontaneous performance, shared by The Tour Guy on Instagram, has resonated with millions, not for its spectacle but for its authenticity. The video captures not just a dance, but an embodiment of living joyfully in the present, free from the trappings of digital validation.

The setting of their dance—Piazza Testaccio—is itself a character in this story. Known for its vibrant sense of community, it is one of the few places in Rome where children still play freely and locals gather in the evenings. This backdrop provides a poignant reminder of the importance of communal spaces in fostering genuine human connections. The pair's dance, devoid of any commercial intent, serves as a testament to the vitality and fulfillment that can be found in simple acts of joy, encouraging us to cherish the moments not captured for likes but for the sheer pleasure they bring.

Constructive analysis

The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.

The problem
In a world increasingly driven by social media validation, genuine human interactions are overshadowed.
The actions
Pasquale and his partner engage in spontaneous, public dancing purely for enjoyment, without seeking attention or tips.
Evidence of progress
The video shared by The Tour Guy has garnered over five million views, indicating widespread resonance with the authenticity of the moment.
What we can learn
Others can learn to embrace moments of joy without seeking external validation, fostering genuine community experiences.
PERMA wellbeing profile of this story

Seligman's five pillars of wellbeing, as expressed in this story.

Positive Emotion
9
Engagement
8
Relationships
7
Meaning
8
Accomplishment
6
PERMA

Character strengths in play

Top VIA strengths this story embodies.

  • Gratitude

    Pasquale appeared in the comments to thank everyone for the kind words and affection shown.

  • Courage

    The duo danced without any expectation of audience, virality, or recognition.

  • Love

    They’re clearly living their best life doing what they enjoy.

Try this today

Take a moment today to engage in an activity purely for your own enjoyment, without sharing it online. Whether it's dancing in your living room or drawing in a park, relish the experience for what it brings to you personally.