There’s no better time to celebrate the art of dance and physical fitness than today – it’s the third annual National Dance Day!  We have the Dizzy Feet Foundation to thank for the huge dance event planned for Grand Park in Los Angeles, which will feature exclusive Hip Hop and Zumba® Fitness routines, community dance classes, and special performances by Debbie Allen Dance Academy and more (see schedule). Local events include the Homeland Jam  which starts at 4PM at Long Beach’s Homeland Cultural Center and the Dance Flash Mob organized by KPA Dance Repertoire, YMCA and more at the SouthBay Pavilion Mall in Carson.

The first National Dance Day took place in 2010 and was created by Nigel Lythgoe of “So You Think You Can Dance” fame.  This initiative goes hand in hand with promoting active, healthy lifestyles and physical fitness throughout the U.S. as supported by first lady Michelle Obama‘s “Let’s Move” campaign. The beautiful and diverse city of Long Beach, CA supports the “Let’s Move” campaign with “Let’s Move LB” and the soon to be relaunched “Dancing with Long Beach“.

In other national news, thanks to the United States Postal Service, you can now purchase postage stamps in honor of National Dance Day.  These exclusive stamps feature four of the most innovative and significant choreographers: Katherine Dunham, Bob Fosse, Isadora Duncan and José Limón. Read more about the stamps.

*SolShock Tip – Dance is hot in April and May

April 26-May 4 2013 – National Dance Week

April 29 – International Dance Day

May 25 – National Tap Dance Day