National Dance Week Foundation announces ‘A Chance to Dance’ initiative

The National Dance Week Foundation has announced its new initiative “A Chance to Dance” ahead of this year’s National Dance Week (NDW) on April 22 – May 1, 2016. The organization, which was formed in 1981 as a grassroots movement, is picking up the torch to advocate for special needs dance classes, declaring that everyone “deserves a chance to dance.”

“The goal is to unite the dance community to create awareness about the need for special needs dance programs,” wrote Executive Director Cathy Graziano in her announcement. “Many times both young and old are denied the chance to take part because of lack of opportunities and classes.”

During NDW 2016, the Foundation hopes to raise funds to offer scholarships to dance teachers and instructors for certification.

“This will give the teachers the training and confidence to create more classes and have the ability to facilitate inclusion of special needs students into existing classes,” explained Graziano.

The Foundation has partnered with the Wingman Program and Tricia Gomez of Rhythm Works Integrative Dance to make this happen. Gomez, founder of Dance – In a Box, created her Rhythm Works program specifically for those diagnosed with autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD and sensory integration disorder. With neuroplasticity in mind, the curriculum aims to provide a “purposeful hip-hop dance program for a multi-sensory experience.”

To apply for a scholarship to attend the Rhythm Works Teacher Certification Workshop along with the Wingman Program, click here.

To support NDW’s mission of providing teacher and dancer scholarships, you can purchase the NDW event t-shirt. A portion of the purchase price will go toward the scholarships. If you want your whole studio/school to get involved, have everyone purchase the t-shirt and organize a “wear-your-NDW-shirt day.”

Individual dancers or whole studios can also learn the Dance Mob routine. This year there are two versions, one that’s more advanced and another that’s introductory. Then they can perform their chosen routine (preferably wearing their NDW t-shirt) at local events, malls, preschools, assisted living centers and sports games. The Foundation requests that routines be videoed, uploaded and shared to the NDW website.

To learn about other ways to get involved in NDW, visit http://nationaldanceweek.org. Remember, NDW is for everyone, not just trained dancers! Spread the word!

Learn more about special needs dance classes in this Dance Informa Magazine article from May 2013: https://www.danceinforma.com/2013/05/03/studios-offering-more-inclusive-dance-classes/

Photo: Dancers perform at St. Louis Salute to Dance in Missouri in 2014, a NDW event. Photo courtesy of NDW.