AEDC & the Dancing for Justice campaign presents: 

United in Motion 

 

We believe that we are humans first and dancers second, meaning that empathy and compassion inform our approach to choreography, performance, and life. Through movement, we are better able to understand ourselves, connect with others, and process difficult emotions and situations. Right now, we live in a country entrenched in white supremacy that does not actively value Black lives. We are devastated and outraged by the treatment of Black people in our country and realize that these issues of injustice extend to the dance community as well. 

 

As dancers, dance educators, and human beings, we are committed to creating a world where all people feel celebrated and comfortable to be who they are, as they are, right now. That is why we are creating this platform to raise awareness and funds for the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts. This organization uplifts Black artists through providing opportunities for arts education, performances, and community outreach. Especially during COVID-19, when many performance artists are unable to work, it is so important that we donate what we can. 

 

To help, we are calling all dancers and movers to join our cause. From August 29th through September 5th, we are asking that you set aside time to move your body. This can be any physical pursuit―dancing, swimming, walking, running, biking, playing a sport―that can be sustained for a period of time. You will keep track of your “Minutes Moved” and pledge to donate a dollar amount for every minute, or other designated period of time, that you move. You are in charge of your own donations, so create a pledge, with a dollar amount per period of time, that works best for you. We have examples of pledges below if you are looking for inspiration. Sponsors are also able to make pledges on behalf of a participant. 

 

If you would like to support this cause, please join our fundraising team on GoFundMe Charity. This page will keep track of who is participating and how much everyone has raised. If you are unable to set aside time to move but still want to donate to the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts, there is a direct donation button on our GoFundMe page. 

 

Thank you so much for dancing and moving with us! Through supporting and amplifying Black voices and art, we can help make the world a better place for everyone.

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More on CAAPA: 

The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. All donations to CAAPA will benefit Black youth, musicians, opera singers, and other performance artists.  Support their organization as they "bring color to the classics!" 

 

The CAAPA Cause:

 

Community Outreach

Arts Education

Audience Development

Performance Opportunities

Arts Partnership

 

Right now, CAAPA has a Coronavirus Artists Relief Fund to help support artists of color facing performance cancellations. Our donations will provide financial assistance for those who are directly affected by the pandemic.