NDEO declares March 1 - March 7, 2020 'Dance A Difference Week'
Photo by Lynn Willis, courtesy of Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance - "From Here I Saw What Happened and I Cried" choreographed by Juliet Irving
What is it about the first of the month that gives someone a boost of energy to reach a new goal or to find new ways to help the next person?
As we begin March 2020, discover a way to serve in your community or for the person that's probably sitting right next to you. The National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) has acknowledged Mar. 1, 2020 - Mar. 7, 2020 Dance A Difference Week; inviting all chapters of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) to participate during a week dedicated to dance-based service in their local communities.
Every now and then, no matter what day, week or month we're living in, we should always set some time aside to give back to those who are in need of getting help with taking that one step ahead. Truthfully, that's every single one of us, right?
Here's the good news: you don't have to be a member of a NHSDA chapter to join NDEO for Dance A Difference Week. Anyone with a heart and who's willing to make a difference through dance is invited to serve throughout this week.
The NDEO has suggested four ways for anyone to get involved in Dance A Difference Week:
Share the joy of dance through performance
Plan a community performance during Dance A Difference Week. You can performance at a local school or daycare, put on a small show at a local retirement home, or prepare a performance for patients at a hospital.
Teach a dance class to members of your community You can teach a workshop to a specific group in need such as those with disabilities or youth in an underprivileged area, or just open up your studio to host an all-inclusive free dance workshop for community members.
Fund raise money or collect donations You can raise money for a local charity, a national dance organization, or any group in your community you think deserves the help. You might raise money through classes, workshops, or even ticket sales of a special Dance A Difference Week performance!
Complete a chapter service project in your community Visit a local soup kitchen, make blankets or assemble hygiene kits for those in need, or find any local organization who needs volunteers. Need ideas? Visit nationalservice.gov/serve-your-community.
Be creative in your own way! These are only four ideas provided by NDEO. Let's remember to go beyond serving the first week in March 2020. Be creative in your own way, and be creative in your own time.
