Dork Dancing is for All
One of the most intriguing aspects of dork dancing is the diversity of people it attracts. Thus far, we have held 41 events on the beach and throughout that time, many different “types” of people, from many different walks of life, have joined.
Because Dork Dancing was started within the expat community, it makes sense that our group is very international. That’s one of the first things a newcomer might notice: our diversity in nationality.
You have people joining us in Da Nang who are originally from Vietnam (sensibly), the United States, Spain, South Africa, Mexico, Scotland & England (United Kingdom), Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Hong Kong, Australia, Israel, Brazil, India, Netherlands, Ireland, Canada, Italy, Korea, among others!
Because people are from all parts of the world, Dork Dancing has served as a kind of cultural exchange too, comparing similarities & differences between where people grew up. We learn most about one another after dancing, when we share conversation over some food or drinks.
One of the most noticeable & fun differences is in age. Babies join us, as well as grandparents, and most any age in between. A number of families have joined us too, a perfect opportunity for kids and parents to bond having fun together. Sometimes the kids can teach the parents how to dance and sometimes the parents can teach the kids how to dance, depending on who is more dance shy.
Social learning moves in multiple directions, and kids more often than not have so much to teach us. Many adults feel that dancing is good for their kids, but never them. They want their kids to dance, but no, not them. If there’s an opportunity in teaching older people how to dance, kids will be a big part in leading this dork dancing movement.
Admittedly, some of our baby guests are too young to walk and some grandparents too old to dance, and STILL, dork dancing invites these people in as well. The uplifting energy isn’t limited to those who are dancing, but extended to the curiously intrigued viewers too. If you aren’t dancing, you are watching. And if you are watching and able, you may decide to join.
Many strangers, who were only watching at first, have decided to dork dance with us outside. That adds to the unpredictability, fun & diverse spirit of dancing out in public; the invitation is open. Anyone is welcome, and truly, we would love for you to join. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you identify with, so long as you have a willingness to accept others and be accepted in this circle.
Those who join us spontaneously most always have a lot of fun. For them it was something unexpected, a decision they made in the moment. It gives them a kind of high: a jolt of energy from the music & laughing strangers. And so they carry with them a nice, small memory; an experience that will last.
One of the beauties of dance is it’s potential for being an inclusive space. But that happens only if we make it so. As Dork Dancing grows, we have a commitment to diversity & inclusion, inviting people from diverse backgrounds, regardless of age, nationality, language, religion, sexuality, ableism, or color.
The greater the diversity, the more we can grow & learn from each others’ experiences. Show up as you are, because it’s that uniqueness that adds to the community’s perspective, vibrance & richness.
Issues in mental health affect everyone. If you are human you face MENTAL struggles. And so, Dork Dancing does not exclude anyone. Everyone is deserving of mental health support.
Dork Dancing depends entirely on charitable giving. We hope you may consider supporting. We offer some fun rewards too.