Global Dance Circle for Social Change Part 8 at Youtube Premiere

Mark DeGarmo Dance Releases Global Dance Circle for Social Change, Part 8 on December 21, 2023 

To celebrate the winter solstice and dance and movement practitioners from around the world contributing to social change through dance arts, Mark DeGarmo Dance will premiere its Global Dance Circle for Social Change, Part 8 on December 21, 2023.  MDD included people dancing from 4 countries, 4 U.S. states, and 4 time zones, including over 127 adults and children. The spirit of celebration is reflected in 10-second movement contributions performed in diverse environments. Global Dance Circle for Social Change, Part 8 is available free-of-charge on MDD’s Youtube channel and website.

MDD’s open-access short video features professional, recreational, and non-dancer dancers and creative movers from around the world, including Canada, India, and Korea as well as Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Ohio. The 13 contributors to Global Dance Circle for Social Change Part 8 include: Jee Ahn (Seoul, Korea); ShaeLynn Bordyschuk (Lethridge, Alberta, Canada); Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet (Brooklyn, NY); Erin Grant (New York, NY); Janet Kahn School of Integrated Arts (Albuquerque, NM); May Kesler (Chevy Chase, MD);  Marija Krtolica (Brooklyn, NY); Natalie Long (Brooklyn, NY); Dominique Nieves (New York, NY); Sriradha Paul (Kolkata, West Bengal, India); Tamie Rietenbach (Columbus, OH); Aika Takeshima (New York, NY); and Eva Tortora (New York, NY). 

Since its launch in 2020 to mitigate the effects of the global pandemic on human health and well-being by connecting a global community of dancing people, MDD’s Global Dance Circle for Social Changes has in 8 broadcasts included the participation of over 411 dancers from 34 countries, 29 US states, and 22 time zones. In 2024, Mark DeGarmo Dance will celebrate its 37th anniversary as a leading New York City nonprofit dance organization promoting education, performance, and intercultural community. President Barack Obama commended DeGarmo and MDD for “your service to your community and the nation.” The National Endowment for the Arts deemed MDD’s NYC dance education program for under-resourced public elementary children of color “a national model.”

This program is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and The Harkness Foundation for Dance.