National Dance Day

Celebrated on 09/19/2026

Quick Fact

National Dance Day was established in 2010 by Nigel Lythgoe, co-creator of "So You Think You Can Dance," to promote dance as a form of exercise and artistic expression. It is celebrated on the third Saturday of September each year, with official events often held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The day encourages people of all ages and abilities to participate in dance, whether through organized flash mobs, classes, or simply dancing at home.

Origins and Establishment of National Dance Day

National Dance Day was founded in 2010 by Nigel Lythgoe, a British television producer and former professional dancer best known for co-creating the reality competition series "So You Think You Can Dance." Lythgoe conceived the holiday as a way to combat the rising obesity epidemic in the United States by promoting dance as a fun, accessible form of physical activity. He partnered with the Dizzy Feet Foundation, a nonprofit organization he co-founded, to officially launch the event. The first National Dance Day was celebrated on July 31, 2010, with a series of events and flash mobs across the country, including a flagship celebration at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the years, National Dance Day has evolved from a single day of events into a broader movement that includes educational initiatives, community outreach, and online participation. In 2012, the holiday was moved to the third Saturday of September to align with the start of the school year and to allow for greater participation by dance studios and schools. The Dizzy Feet Foundation continues to coordinate official activities, including free dance classes, choreographed routines shared online, and partnerships with organizations like the American Dance Therapy Association. Today, National Dance Day is celebrated not only in the United States but also in other countries, with participants taking to social media using the hashtag #NationalDanceDay to share videos and photos of their dancing.

Facts & General Observations

• According to a 2018 study by the University of California, Berkeley, dancing can improve cognitive function and memory, reducing the risk of dementia by up to 76%.
• National Dance Day has inspired over 10,000 registered events worldwide since its inception, with participation estimated in the millions.
• In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dizzy Feet Foundation shifted the celebration to a virtual format, featuring live-streamed dance classes and a global dance challenge that trended on Twitter.

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