Through joint efforts by Nigel Lythgoe, the executive producer and judge of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, a bill has been introduced into the House of Representatives officially naming July 31 National Dance Day.

In celebration of the day, members of Congress have organized a dancing flash mob—where a large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual and pointless act (or in this case a dance routine) for a brief time, then disperse—at Malcolm X-Meridian Park, and Lythgoe will  be featured.

The initiative is to encourage people to move and be active by promoting health, wellness and physical activity. Individuals, families, organizations and communities from across the nation are to being encouraged to come together through the expression of all styles of dance and according to Lythgoe, “to prove that the power of dance can move an entire country.”



“More than 30 percent of Americans are obese and childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years,” said Norton. “Television shows such as ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ are not only entertaining but are also encouraging people to live a physically active lifestyle.  Holding a National Dance Day in the nation’s capital is a terrific way to promote fitness and fight obesity.”