Norton Introduces 14th National Dance Day Resolution Ahead of Celebration, Saturday
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced a resolution supporting the designation of Saturday, September 16, 2023, as National Dance Day. In 2010, Norton partnered with "So You Think You Can Dance" co-creator Nigel Lythgoe to launch the first National Dance Day with inaugural celebrations on the National Mall and in Los Angeles.
The event, originally held in July, was moved to September to encourage schools and students to participate in expressing themselves through dance.
“I am pleased to join the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the American Dance Movement again this year to enjoy and celebrate our nation's rich artistic, regional, ethnic, and racial diversity in honor of National Dance Day,” Norton said. “This year, we will be focusing on Hip Hop in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop as a genre. I look forward to being dazzled once again by this year’s talented dance troupes.”
Norton's resolution follows.
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for dance as a form of valuable exercise and of artistic expression, and for the designation of September 16, 2023, as “National Dance Day”.
Whereas Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer and cocreator of the dance-themed television show ‘‘So You Think You Can Dance’’, in association with the American Dance Movement, has encouraged the creation of National Dance Day celebrations across the country, beginning
with the first National Dance Day on the National Mall in 2010;
Whereas the American Dance Movement and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in conjunction with the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, will celebrate National Dance Day on September 16, 2023, in the District of Columbia, through events hosted
by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts;
Whereas National Dance Day has captured the imagination of people throughout the Nation and around the world, and has helped popularize dance as an art form, as a form of exercise, and as a way of having fun;
Whereas States, the District of Columbia, territories, and cities across the country have been encouraged to celebrate National Dance Day with events;
Whereas National Dance Day will be celebrated this year with events cohosted by the American Dance Movement and the—
(1) John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the District of Columbia; and
(2) Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California;
Whereas National Dance Day encourages many forms of dance expression, representing the Nation’s rich artistic, regional, ethnic, and racial diversity;
Whereas National Dance Day features the full spectrum of dance, from classical, to popular, to line and partner dances;
Whereas, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop as a genre, National Dance Day will be focusing on Hip Hop dance and expression in its many forms;
Whereas dance helps improve heart health, burn calories, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility for people of all ages;
Whereas health officials have repeatedly documented an overweight and obesity epidemic in the United States;
Whereas dance, in all its variations, is a popular form of exercise;
Whereas this year at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, organizations and individuals will entertain and encourage dance, with interactive classes and performances for the whole family;
Whereas, in advance of National Dance Day, instructional videos are available on the American Dance Movement YouTube channel featuring the official dance routine, translatable for all abilities and skill levels, to be performed by audiences on National Dance Day; and
Whereas National Dance Day has been celebrated annually for the past 13 years: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) supports the designation of ‘‘National Dance Day’’ to celebrate and encourage a national commitment to dance and dance education;
(2) acknowledges that dance is making an important contribution to health by encouraging physical fitness and reducing overweight and obesity;
(3) commends Nigel Lythgoe for his leadership in promoting dance and National Dance Day; and
(4) thanks the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and American Dance Movement for their continuing efforts to spread awareness of National Dance Day and the many benefits of dance.
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