National Dance Week was formed in 1981 when a group of dance-related organizations began a strong grassroots movement to bring greater recognition to dance in the United States. National Dance Week celebrations occur annually the last week in April throughout the nation to increase public awareness and appreciation of various forms of dance.
This year the City of Eugene’s Cultural Services will hold its annual event featuring more than 25 vibrant dance activities that will enliven spaces in and around downtown for movers and shakers of all ages. These functions will run until Sunday, May 1st and include dance classes, innovative performances, movie screenings, and virtual content, like dance videos from local creators. Other activities include morning Tai Chi workshops and weekday lunchtime performances at Kesey Square as well as “Healthy Moves Workshops” at the Park Blocks, all for FREE.
In collaboration with NDW and the Springfield Public Library’s Children’s Day, West African Cultural Arts Institute will be offering a performance on Saturday, April 30from 10-10:45 am with an audience participation dance jam towards the end of that time slot. Come stop by, get a free children’s book, and celebrate National Dance Week to the sound of live drumming!
Also, this week in honor of National Dance Week we will be posting various dance videos on our Facebook and Instagram pages for you to enjoy! These videos will show the variety of ways WACAI interacts with dance and movement from kids’ after school programs to public performances here in Eugene to folkloric gatherings, family get togethers, dance classes, and community functions in Guinea. Posts will go live around 7 pm daily from Monday, April 25-Saturday, April 30on Facebook at West African Cultural Arts Institute and on Instagram at WACAIOregon. Please check them out, like, comment, and share with your virtual communities!