Mark your calendars, Pluggers, because National Dance Day is just a few weeks away! On July 28th, people all around the country will be coming together to celebrate our favorite art form. National Dance Day was established in 2010 by Nigel Lythgoe, who, in addition to his work on So You Think You Can Dance, is also the co-founder of the Dizzy Feet Foundation (DFF). The foundation " believes that participation in dance connects the mind and body, promotes health and wellbeing, connects us with others and enables us to find joy through dance and movement." National Dance Day is a way for them to not only spread awareness of the importance of dance, but raise money to help support their mission of bringing dance to underserved communities around the U.S. through grants to dance education programs and individuals.
Every year on the last Saturday in July, DFF hosts events in two major cities. This year, Orange County, California's Segerstrom Center and Washington D.C.'s Kennedy center will offer free performances, classes, and events during the day. If you're not near either of those, don't fear - there are lots of other events happening around the country (search their online calendar to find something fun near you). Or tune into their livestream event, straight from Kennedy Center!
They also release an online instructional video with a short dance for people to learn and share. This year's was choreographed by Mandy Moore, and features dancers like Kida Burns, Britt Stewart, and Chelsie Hill. Want to show off your skills? Film a video of yourself performing the routine and use the hashtag #DanceMadeMeDoIt. Tag us too - we love seeing our Pluggers strut their stuff!