Dork dancing is a sober free dance movement engaging people of all ages in communities around the world. It is fun, good exercise, and a great way to spend time with others. But more than that, it is a new kind of dance therapy. Most broadly, dork dancing is a mental health advocacy campaign where celebration and activism meet for a happier and healthier world.

Anthropologists and sociologists tell us that dancing has always been important in human societies. Not only can everyone dance, but everyone can enjoy dancing! Even so, too many people don’t dance. Why? They say that they “can’t dance,” but often it is because they are self-conscious and feel socially awkward, anxious, and uncomfortable. Using language we might find on a playground, these people are scared that they might look like a dork.

Dork dancing turns all of this around. Instead of avoiding “looking like a dork” when dancing, here we embrace the idea to give people permission to dance freely. This creates an inclusive, fun and lighthearted dance space for absolutely everyone. Because dance is something within us, it’s human and universal. Our dance encourages everyone to embrace our inner “dork” to let it out.

By calling ourselves “Dorks” and our dance “Dork Dancing,” we replace judgment with acceptance. When acceptance is shared and celebrated, what once felt heavy and stressful becomes light and fun. We hope you understand the logic and spirit behind the name! Maybe it’s time to lighten our sensitivities and not take life too seriously? It helps.

Dork Dancing works as a self-care practice because the body, mind, and spirit are connected. Our ability to move our body freely directly reflects the openness of our minds. Dance is an incredible force for healing, expression, and connection that can shift belief systems & bring people closer to themselves and others. Fundamentally, Dork Dancing is a practice of love over fear — which has huge mental health implications. Learn more about the benefits of dance here.

Dork Dancing is for anyone who wants to feel better and to inspire others to feel better as well. We invite everyone to join us who shares our values. Dork Dancers understand and accept that everyone faces mental health challenges. We may not feel comfortable with these challenges, but we are committed to actively improving our health and happiness through shared acceptance and understanding. Dork dancers are committed to a process of mutual support.

If you can move, you can dance; there is no style of dork dancing: any movement counts! Dork Dancing cannot be identified on the outside. It’s not about what the expression looks like, it’s about what the expression feels like.

No, one does not need to look like a dork to participate and experience dork dancing. Of course it’s OK to dance in your way, that’s what it’s about! Simply be mindful and welcoming of other people and their movements, keeping the atmosphere as inclusive, safe and encouraging as possible for people across differences (including age!). Dorks dance for the wellbeing not only of themselves but their communities too. The most characteristic thing one notices is that dork dancers tend to smile–an outward expression of the liberation and joy the dancer feels.

Check out our application process! Any other questions? Contact Ethan.