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September 20 is National Dance Day! This groovy day was created to help encourage Americans to enjoy the art of movement, as a creative outlet to promote a healthy lifestyle. Hitting the dance floor is not only an artistic outlet, but helps to improve muscle tone, bone density, balance, flexibility, and strength. It was officially launched in 2010, by national dance fans — both politicos and dance extraordinaires. Up until 2019, the day was observed in July; however, since 2020, it has been officially observed on the third Saturday in September.
Nigel Lythgoe, co-creator of “So You Think You Can Dance” and the co-founder of American Dance Movement, partnered with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton to start this holiday. Congresswoman Norton introduced National Dance Day as a resolution, with the goal of promoting artistic expression and exercise.
Dance is also a great way to improve both emotional and mental health as well. Staying active on a consistent basis is a great way to release tension, stress, build muscle, and be in an all-around better mood. Every aspect of our health is interconnected. Health is wealth, and we all need that currency.
This fun-filled day of movement was moved from July to September because of an essential collaboration with the American Heart Association. The Association approached the National Dance Day team because they sought new dance material and video content for their kids’ health initiative, the Kids’ Heart Challenge. Given in part because of the school-affiliated nature of the partnership, the date for National Dance Day moved from the summer months to early fall during the academic year in 2019.
Do you want to dance at Joslyn Center? We've got you covered. You can tap your troubles away with José twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays for Tap Dance Lessons. After that, slip your boots on and learn some new Line Dancing for Beginners with Colleen on Tuesdays. After a long week, slow things down and get your hips moving with Belly Dancing with Ameera. November will bring the start of a new International Folk Dancing class with Helen & Shelley. Keep your eyes on this newsletter or flyers in the lobby for information.
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