Swing for Japan: a relief Swing Dance in Shoreline benefits Japanese Red Cross

Photo courtesy Dance It!

Swing for Japan, 8:00pm-12:30am, Dale Turner Family YMCA, 19290 Aurora Ave North, Shoreline, WA, Saturday, June 11

The Dale Turner Family YMCA, Dance It, and Edmonds-Woodway Swing Club are partnering together to host a large, community-wide Swing and Lindy Hop relief dance to raise awareness about the current state of turmoil and disaster in Japan from the earthquake in May of 2011. All proceeds from the dance go directly to the Japanese Red Cross Association.

"We strongly believe in providing support for the families in Japan in this time of need," says Jose Tello of the EW Swing Club. Through the combined efforts of three organizations, they are reaching out to a wide variety of audiences; ranging from high school students, dance organizations, individuals, and ballrooms such as Eastside Stomp and Century Ballroom in the greater Seattle area.

The dance on Saturday, June 11 will consist of an unforgettable night of swing dancing at all levels, entertaining dance performances, live and DJ music, refreshments, and a beginner's dance lesson provided by Dance It instructors.

"We encourage everyone of all ages to attend, as this is a public event," says Lise Baadh of Dance It. Admission is only $5. The organizers gratefully accept donations of any kind (monetary donations, raffle items, etc.) to benefit their cause and the YMCA will graciously accept monetary donations through their Japanese Red Cross donation page.

Tello states that "with sponsors from three non-profit organizations that specialize in dance and youth fitness, we are confident in hosting a successful event." The disaster in Japan may have occurred two months ago and disappeared from the news and media, but the efforts to aid and provide relief rigorously continue.

The Dale Turner Family YMCA, Edmonds-Woodway Swing Club, and Dance It are all Non-Profit organizations. The Dale Turner Family YMCA is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility. Edmonds-Woodway High School (EWHS) Swing Club is a student-led club that focuses on teaching Swing dancing to students and promoting Swing dancing throughout the school and community. Dance It is a Seattle-based organization which provides free dance instruction (such as Swing, Salsa, and Tango) to local high school youth, and whose goal is to improve overall fitness, enhance social skills, and build confidence in teens through dance.