Everybody Dance Now!

why it's important:

Since 2005, Everybody Dance Now! (EDN!) has offered free, weekly dance classes to over 1,000 children and teens in Santa Barbara, CA who could otherwise not afford access. Since being featured on the popular TV show, America's Best Dance Crew, in 2010 - thanks to Do Something - we have mobilized and equipped young people in 11 cities to start EDN! chapters in their own communities! We are a youth-run organization, run mainly by high school and college students. We demonstrate that young people aren't just the world's "future leaders" or "next generation"; we can create positive change today.

We at Everybody Dance Now! believe that dance is powerful creative force that can transform individuals and communities, and bring joy and positive benefits to many people's lives. We strive to help students C*R*E*A*T*E*:
*Cultivate self-esteem and self-value
*Respect their bodies and establish healthy lifestyles
*Express themselves and channel energy through creative alternatives
*Achieve goals perseveringly and maintain a positive attitude through challenges
*Take part in consistent programming that promotes friendship and a sense of belonging
*Expand their perspectives through community service and cultural learning

EDN! chapters offer:
• Consistent, free, WEEKLY DANCE CLASSES at after-school programs, low-income housing complexes, homeless shelters, and more! We mobilize qualified dance instructors who bring the gift of dance to many children and teens.
• A free, PRE-PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE DANCE TROUPE for our 20 most dedicated, talented, and passionate students. They perform in the community 1-3 times per month, hone their skills through technique classes and choreography, and are part of a supportive and diverse group that helps them grow into who they are.
• SERVICE LEARNING through quarterly OUTREACH PERFORMANCES at retirement homes, non-profit fundraisers, and various community events.
• POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES to violence and drugs. For example, in May 2008, we encouraged 120 youth and 200 people total through two master classes with Tommy the Hip-Hop Clown, a former convict who became the legendary pioneer of the inspirational dance movement and worldwide phenomenon known as “krumping.” We also brought Buck World One, a group of teenaged African-American krump dancers, to teach and inspire 40 of our students in Nov., 2007.
• GLOBAL DIVERSITY, expanding young people’s worldviews through frequent educational cultural dance classes in styles including Latin, Brazilian, West African, Indian (Bollywood), Tahitian hula, swing dance, and even yoga!
• A COMMUNITY BREAKDANCE PROGRAM modeled off an NGO in Uganda, which brings together diverse people from throughout the community, and emphasizes that "everyone is a teacher; everyone is a student."

EDN! NATIONAL was founded in April, 2010 specifically to help young people lead EDN! chapters in their own communities. Today, we offer training, chapter support networks, one-on-one mentorship, and additional resources to help young people create and sustain successful EDN! chapters bringing transformational dance programs to many more youth.

Our three-pronged vision is to ensure that:
* Everybody has access to creative, healthy and productive outlets such as dance.
* Dancers have tangible means to channel their passion into social change.
* Young leaders realize their full potential as social change agents now!

the plan of action:

We are working to empower many more young people to start EDN! chapters where they live. We continually welcome applications for new chapters, and we run training programs for chapter leaders every 3-6 months.

We are also working to establish EDN! National as a sustainable, long-lasting, and far-reaching organization that can provide quality support to young people who wish to create and sustain their own EDN! chapters. We welcome any help, support, and feedback from you on how we can do this!

how you can get involved:

Email movement@everybodydancenow.org for an application to start an EDN! chapter in your community.

You can also support EDN! by holding a fundraiser to support our programs!

Contact us if you are interested in donating or offering support in other ways! Examples include:
-nonprofit strategy mentorship serving on our National Advisory Board
-legal advice
-press & publicity
-multimedia support
-increase awareness about EDN! or help raise funds from your community
-and many more possibilities!

Or visit our website and our "Get Involved" page to learn more.

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