Swinging into National Dance Day

Dancers are promoting health and self-esteem through the art form of dance Saturday.

It's National Dance Day, said Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer and co-creator of the Fox series "So You Think You Can Dance" and founder of the Dizzy Feet Foundation.

"The goal is to prove that the power of dance can move an entire country," Lythgoe said.

Former Plano resident and acclaimed dance instructor Eric Romero has been moved by dance since he was 4 years old. He is celebrating this national day of dance in conjunction with his return to the city from California.

Romero is partnering with Oksana Cobb, owner of DanceSport Studio in Plano, to host a party in his honor, where the pair will be teaching the public a few ballroom dances at 7 p.m. Saturday at 6324 Custer Road, Suite 103.

"I'll be teaching three Latin dances: the rhumba, cha cha, and the salsa. I will probably be teaching the swing also. These are fun dances, and people like to do them," Romero said. "Then we are taking the party to Sambuca 360 Grill at the Shops at Legacy, so the couples can show off what they've learned.

"We are supporting National Dance Day because we want to continue to increase awareness for dance, a medium of expression and storytelling, which shows like 'So You Think You Can Dance' and 'Dancing with the Stars' have proven to bring value to people's lives," Romero said. "We feel a sense of togetherness because of shows like these. We also want to promote health and wellness through National Dance Day."

This unofficial day has drawn the attention of Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), a longtime proponent of healthy lifestyles - and it might just gain the attention of President Obama.

Norton will introduce an NDD resolution at a press conference Saturday in Washington, D.C., to promote dance education and physical fitness across the United States.

Her fight for good health in the nation stems back to January, when she introduced the Lifelong Improvements in Food and Exercise Act to promote exercise and diet changes. Norton's LIFE bill directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be a lead agency in combating obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

"More than 30 percent of Americans are obese, and childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years," said Norton. "Television shows such as 'So You Think You Can Dance' are not only entertaining but are also encouraging people to live a physically active lifestyle. Holding a National Dance Day in the nation's capitol is a terrific way to promote fitness and fight obesity."

Norton plans to host an NDD flash mob from 1 to 5 p.m. on the National Mall between 3rd St. and 4th St. SW featuring local dance enthusiasts, representatives from dance schools and organizations and former "So You Think You Can Dance" finalists.

"National Dance Day does not 'belong' to any single corporation, television show or charity," said Lythgoe. "It belongs to the people. It will be up to the individuals, corporations and charities of this country to come up with ways to take part - wherever they may be and whatever their motivation: whether it's to lose weight, raise money for a nonprofit or just have fun. It is my hope that countless exciting dance ideas will come to fruition on National Dance Day, like the world's longest conga line in Miami or the world's longest kick line in front of Radio City Music Hall or scores of breakdancers taking over the Venice boardwalk. The sky is the limit."

In addition to the party hosted by Romero and Cobb at DanceSport, there are other events in Plano the public can participate in as well. From 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., the Arthur Murray Dance Studio at 3001 W. Spring Creek Parkway will be holding a mystery group class for its students. This event is open to the public.

Motion Center for Dance at 6221 Chapel Hill Blvd. is also celebrating NDD at the studio.

"We are offering a free day of dance to anyone who is interested," said Mandi Bryan. "Our goal is to get people excited about dance who have never danced before, along with celebrating with those who have. All ages and all levels are welcome. Classes will be separated by age."

The public can call 972-403-7500 for details and times.

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