Press Release: Hamilton National Dance Day Launch on Capitol Hill

On Thursday, February 27, 2014, Hamilton National Dance Day was launched on Capitol Hill. Representatives from the embassies of Nepal, the Philippines and Tanzania were in attendance.

Launch of Hamilton National Dance on on Capitol Hill

Washington D.C. 2/27/2014 - Terica Adams, Executive Director, presided over the evening program. Great emphasis was placed on dance as a method of cultural communication and a bridge to increase understanding, awareness, and genuine connections amongst individuals. Research was presented on dance’s ability to improve employee productivity on behalf of Danielle Iwata, executive leadership member studying overseas in London: “Dance shows great promise in enhancing communication skills through understanding nonverbal cues; bettering problem solving because of amplified creativity; and improving teamwork through enhanced understanding of group affect.”

Embassy representatives from the Philippines, Nepal and Tanzania shared the history and motivations for dance in their respective communities. Common themes in the presentations were dance as a method of cultural storytelling, a celebration of life and culture, a way to connect to friends, family, and other members of the community, and a conduit for religious celebration. Emphasis was placed on the evolution of dance by youth in their cultures. 

Hamilton National Dance Day is a celebration of culture under the theme Bridging Gaps, Fostering Relationships and Transforming through Dance. It will be held on July 25-26, 2014 in Hamilton, New York. For additional information on Hamilton National Dance Day, please contact hamiltondances@gmail.com or visit www.hamiltondances.com.