(MENAFN- PR Urgent) COVID-19 created an instant BLACKOUT for theaters, dance schools, concerts, festivals, tours, movies, and television -- all the venues of work for the dance world – and impacting the financial security of thousands of dancers and performance industry professionals. According to Kathryn Barger, the Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, there are 'eight hundred and ninety thousand film and entertainment employees, many of whom may not be working.' In response to the pandemic, the dance community continues to shine on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, proving their inimitable spirits won't be conquered by a virus. 'We are gypsies who will dance practically anywhere for a hot meal and per diem," says Debbie Allen.
Inspired by the fundraiser Rosie O'Donnell Hosted, Debbie Allen conceptualized the idea of a dance-a-thon that could bring money and visibility to the state of the dance world. She presented her idea to Dance Media, several dozens of choreographers, foundation representatives, dance studio and convention owners on a conference call. Choreographer JaQuel Knight then reached out to partner with Debbie Allen as he had already been working tirelessly to that effort.
Debbie Allen and JaQuel Knight are stepping up for the dance community with the help of The Annenberg Foundation, Dance Media, Aids Healthcare Foundation and their fabulous friends to keep the dance community alive amidst this crisis with #DanceToTheMusic for 12 hours of great dancing, testimonials, music, and fun. The #DanceToTheMusic livestream will raise money to keep dance teachers, dancers, and choreographers supported during COVID-19. Viewers wil?l be able to stream #DanceToTheMusic? on Saturday, June 13th from 12pm - 12am (midnight PST) on Debbie Allen's Instagram and Fa?cebook. Debbie, JaQuel, Ellen Pompeo, Misty Copeland, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Billy Porter, Chita Rivera, Shonda Rhimes, Sergio Trujillo, Jesse Williams, Dolly Parton, D-Nice, Savion Glover, Jason Samuels Smith, Tiler Peck, Ms. Pat, Tommy Davidson, Jenifer Lewis, Syncopated Ladies, Jean-Victor, Shiamak Davar, Dance Theater of Harlem, Phylicia Rashad, Condola Rashad, Marguerite Derricks, Bebe Neuwirth, Nigel Lythgoe, Loretta Divine, Marty Kudelka, and Mandy Moore are just some of the featured guests. Performances and dance classes from the top choreographers will also take place.
Funds raised through #DanceToTheMusic will go to The Actor's Fund, Career Transition for Dancers, The International Association of Blacks In Dance, International Association for Dance Medicine & Science, Dance Resource Center, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, The JaQuel Knight Foundation's Dancer Relief Fund, National Dance Education Organization, Dance USA, The NYC Dancer Relief Fund, and other non-profit organizations. The goal of this live stream event is to uplift humanity, motivate unity beyond the battle against COVID-19, raise awareness of the many virtual dance and movement programs available online, and raise funds to bring relief to dancers, choreographers, dance instructors and their counterparts who have been affected by the pandemic?.
View the Dance To The Music deck here - https://bit.ly/DTTM2020
For more information about #DanceToTheMusic, please contact Maureé Sullivan at (248) 467-1939 or email at Mauree 
msdigital.agency.
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