April 16-18
By Deborah Searle.
In its ninth year, Project Dance once again brought dance to the streets of New York City, and excitement to the hearts of dancers from across the world. A dance conference with a difference, Project Dance allows dancers of all styles to perform on stage in the middle of Times Square with an all day dance performance dedicated to the city of New York.
A movement that started in the months after the terror attacks of 9-11, Project Dance brings happiness and healing to the city. The conference draws together dancers who seek to positively impact culture through artistic integrity.
As the music blares down the streets off Broadway, Times Square, the dancers perform from 9am to 8pm, entertaining and touching the tourists and locals passing by. Some dance in the streets with the performers and others watch in awe, or even shed a tear.
Every hour, on the hour, the dancers of Project Dance run onto the streets to present a fun and uplifting group dance. The dancers, and passersby in Times Square, enjoy the exuberance.
But Project Dance isn’t just about using dance to touch others, it also aims to nurture each dancer that attends, helping them to reach their own potential. With a dance expo, live music concert, inspirational and informative talks, auditions, and a full day of dance classes, the weekend is packed with everything a dancer could want.
The Sunday classes from 10am to 3pm give the attendees a chance to take every style from Hip Hop to Ballet, and even African Fusion. With faculty like Desmond Richardson of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Chet Walker and Jared Grimes, this year, the students enjoyed a feast of high quality dance tuition, and left the event tired, but inspired and full of joy.
Project Dance is not just confined to New York. This year alone the convention has or will travel to Houston, Toronto, Manila (Philippines), Atlanta and Sydney (Australia), with plans for London and Brisbane (Australia) next year.
Why not join the movement? For more information visit www.projectdance.com
Photo: By Gary Murakami, courtesy of Project Dance
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