There were all kinds of articles and notices to promote Earth Day, but I didn’t see much about the fact that today was also the first day of National Dance Week (NDW).  Last year, there was quite a bit of hype about National Dance Day (NDD) which was held July 31, 2010. That’s because it was publicized on the FOX TV show So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD).

But, why is NDW in April and NDD in July?  It could be that each one is promoted by a different group.  NDW is promoted by the United Dance Merchants Association (UMDA) and the event has been around since 1991. NDD was declared in 2010 by Nigel Lythgoe, the executive producer of SYTYCD.

So, there are two separate grassroots movements that are trying to promote dance. It seems like the two should coordinate the dates and their efforts so that they become more effective.

I’m not sure if there is a NDD this year. Maybe we will know more once the new season of SYTYCD begins.