National Dance Week was formed in 1981 when a group of dance-related organizations began a strong “grass roots” movement to bring greater recognition to dance. National Dance Week Foundation was established as a non-profit institution in 2011. Over the years, the organization’s dedication to its founding mission has inspired thousands of events during the ten-day annual celebration of National Dance Week in April, from gatherings in major cities to local showcases at small-town malls. They reflect the unique and creative abilities of the individuals and organizations who participate, an array of events, including the annual Dance Mob and Kick for Kindness Campaign, NDWF’s poster and essay contests that help celebrate dance in unlimited ways throughout the year.
National Dance Week is just around the corner! We chatted with a few folks who shared how they’re celebrating to give you some ideas. We’d love to hear what you’re doing too!
Shut Up and Dance
Crank out a few dance moves, put it up on YouTube, and just shut up and dance!
Share Inspirational Photos on Social Media
Here’s one right from National Dance Week’s Facebook page:
Sneak Peek Performances
Cleveland City Dance celebrates with free performances on Saturday afternoon featuring excerpts from the upcoming annual Spring show including a story ballet and this year’s “Paquita” and other works.
Coast 2 Coast Dance
Kathy Blake Dance Studio is participating with a free Dance Across America Workshop. The tour consists of a one-hour master dance class that is free of charge to both the students and studios nationwide, but isn’t just about dance. The message is simple- “NEVER GIVE UP!” Not only do we dance and have fun, we also motivate and inspire students to follow their dreams and always be sure to pursue something they truly love.
Free Coloring Page
From DanceStudioOwner.com: Print this coloring page and have your students hang their completed page in your studio. Snap photos of your dancers’ pages and share them with on social media. Encourage your students to share a photo and tweet!
Creating Choreographers Salon
Malashock Dance is interested in providing a platform for creative individuals, regardless of their level of experience, to learn important tools and techniques for creating, articulating, and presenting dance. The Creating Choreographers Salon is beginning its second season February, 2015. This exciting opportunity extends an invitation to anyone in the community interested in participating in the choreographic process. Participants will work with experienced MD faculty member, Erica Buechner, to discover, develop, and workshop their own choreography. In only 11 weeks, participants will develop choreography from its inception to an informal public salon showing.
DanceFest
Isabelle’s Dance Time is participating for the 11th year in Inland Northwest Dance Association’s DanceFest. A wide variety of dance styles are performed by dancers of all cultures, ages, and abilities. Public and performer participation is encouraged in an assortment of DanceFest workshops. The DanceFest goal is to heighten the visibility of dance and the arts while building a sense of community. The festival attracts movement artists, aficionados, and tourists from Washington, Montana, Oregon, Canada, and Idaho.
Bring A Friend To Class
Dreams Dance Academy is allowing their dancers to bring a friend to one of their classes for National Dance Week. They’re hoping that this will spread the word about dance and why their students love taking classes at their studio. They are also opening up a Tot Hip Hop class to the public.
What are you doing for National Dance Week? Share in the comments!
