It might seem pretty obvious that we here at Fred Astaire Dance Studios think dancing is a great way to exercise and get fit, but we are definitely not the only ones. National Dance Day was officially recognized by the United States back in 2010! The idea behind it is a simple one: to encourage “Americans to embrace dance as a fun and positive way to maintain good health and combat obesity.”
National Dance Day was started by the Dizzy Feet Foundation, which was co-founded by Nigel Lythgoe of “So You Think You Can Dance” and “American Idol” fame. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we often talk up the multiple benefits of dancing and that’s exactly what the Dizzy Feet Foundation is all about. We have a shared belief that participation in dance connects the mind and body, promotes health and well-being, connects us with others and enables us to find joy through dance and movement.
Mission NOT Impossible
As part of the lead-up to the actual National Dance Day on July 28, the Foundation produces and distributes an instructional video featuring a dance routine choreographed just for National Dance Day.
This year’s routine video provides step-by-step instructions and is touted as accessible to everyone at every ability level. The idea is to get people on their feet and moving! Maybe you haven’t danced in awhile. Once you learn this simple routine and feel the rhythm of the music, you just might re-discover the joy dancing brings and the energy it creates.
A Look Back
Last year’s routine was a hit! People and groups performed the routine across the country.
This performance by the staff at The Kennedy Center in NYC is a great example of what you can do if you’ve got a lot of time on your hands. The Kennedy Center partners with the Foundation to put on a huge event so they really get into it! But remember, it doesn’t have to be fancy — just move!
These two young ladies show you that you don’t have to have any fancy camera work to have fun. They used their backyard and places around town to celebrate their love for dancing and their commitment to get moving.
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
To add to the fun, they’ve added a dance “challenge” to the mix this year.
Each year, they ask the public to learn the routine and then share a video of themselves doing the National Dance Day routine. This year, there’s a twist. In this social media age, the foundation decided to add the “Dance Made Me Do It” challenge.
(#DanceMadeMeDoIt) They’ve already got their first video challenge… and wouldn’t you know it, it comes from the world of ballroom dancing!
Dancers Britt Stewart (“Dancing With the Stars”) and Nick Garcia (So You Think You Can Dance”) took the routine and put a ballroom spin on it. Afterwards, they threw down a challenge to fellow dancer Yanis Marshall (“Dancing With the Stars”). The idea is very simple: learn the dance routine, video yourself doing it, share it on social media, and challenge someone else to do the same.
Dancing For Fun And Fitness
At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, our students decide to walk in our door for lessons for a variety of reasons: to meet new friends, to reconnect with their partner, to learn a wedding dance, or for fitness. No matter what their reason is, they all leave with the same thing — a stronger connection to the joy dancing can bring to your life. If you’re ready to feel the connection, make that step and walk in to your local Fred Astaire Dance Studios.
