Day 129: National Dance Day

National Dance Day, a grassroots initiative that encourages the nation, young and old, to move!  Individuals, families, organizations and communities from across the nation come together through their creative expression in dance.  Any style of dance is welcome and imagination is recommended in order to get the most out of this celebratory day. To continue to generate national awareness for dance, a medium of expression and storytelling which, through shows like So You Think You Can Dance and the Dizzy Feet Foundation, has proven its value in bringing individuals from all walks of life together through a positive platform that has no boundaries and cultivates imagination and passion. Most importantly, the day is intended to promote health and wellness nationwide through the art form of dance.

National Dance Day has groups across the country planning dance events, flash mobs, videos, and even charity benefits. The goal is to inspire every one, from top-notch dancers to those with two left feet to get up and move!

 National Dance Day was officially recognized by congress thanks to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. “More than 30 percent of Americans are obese and childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years,” said Norton in a press release. “Television shows such as So You Think You Can Dance are not only entertaining but are also encouraging people to live a physically active lifestyle. Holding a National Dance Day in the nation’s capital is a terrific way to promote fitness and fight obesity.”

National Dance Day does not belong to any single corporation, television show or charity. It belongs to the people. It will be up to the individuals, corporations and charities of this country to come up with ways to take part, wherever they may be and whatever their motivation: whether it’s to lose weight, raise money for a nonprofit or just have fun.

Dizzy Feet Foundation was founded in 2009 by Nigel Lythgoe, Adam Shankman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Katie Holmes to support, improve, and increase access to dance education in the United States. Guided by a board consisting of some of the most illustrious names in the American dance community, the foundation's mission is threefold: (1) to provide scholarships to talented students studying at accredited dance schools, studios, or institutions; (2) to establish national standards for dance education and an accreditation program for dance schools in all of the major styles of dance; and (3) to develop, provide, and/or support dance education programs for disadvantaged children through and with local community organizations.

Dizzy Feet Foundation  also aims to increase and standardize the quality of dance instruction throughout the United States by offering accreditation and/or certification to dance schools and studios in most styles of dance, including ballroom, contemporary, ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop.

Donation $5

To support Dizzy Feet Foundation, please visit: http://www.dizzyfeetfoundation.org/