{"id":1923,"date":"2025-07-09T18:40:47","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T16:40:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beautyforabetterworld.org\/?p=1923"},"modified":"2025-07-09T18:40:47","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T16:40:47","slug":"dork-dancing-for-a-better-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beautyforabetterworld.org\/?p=1923","title":{"rendered":"Dork Dancing for a Better World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Last year I found out about Dork Dancing in Da Nang (Vietnam) and I loved the concept so much that I asked organiser Ethan Levy to send me more information about it- and we’re now even thinking about setting up a Dork Dancing chapter in Antwerp- which would be the first in Europe! Would you join?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Dork Dancing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dork Dancing is a joyful, judgment-free dance movement designed to celebrate mental health, connection and self-expression. It\u2019s not about how good you look\u2014it\u2019s about how good you\u00a0feel<\/em>. We gather in public spaces, put on some uplifting music and dance freely like no one\u2019s watching. No choreography. No experience needed. Just movement, music and meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Did Evan Start It?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Personal Reckoning & Mental Health<\/strong>
    My journey began in 2016 when, struggling with bipolar disorder, I rediscovered the simple joy of dancing alone in my room. From middle school onward, I\u2019d suppressed dance due to social anxiety\u2014but dancing with a roommate felt freeing, fun and healing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Turning Trauma Into Purpose<\/strong>
    Hospitalized four times for mania and psychosis, I realized my story and healing journey could help others. During Vietnam\u2019s COVID lockdown, I decided to get vulnerable\u2014sharing stories of psychiatric hospitalizations and my passion for mental\u2011health advocacy. In that moment, I realized that Dork Dancing could be my tool for connection and care.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Public Invitation<\/strong>
    On June 14, 2020, I danced on Da Nang\u2019s beach at 5\u202fPM, publicly inviting anyone to join. My first post received ~350 likes and ~100 supportive comments, igniting what we call a\u00a0\u201cjudgment\u2011free dance movement & mental\u2011health advocacy campaign\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Where Is It Happening?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Dork Dancing began in Vietnam but has since spread to places like Denver, CO, Portland, OR, and St. Louis, MO, where we host regular dances in public parks. We’ve also danced with students, seniors and even deaf communities\u2014proving that joy is a language everyone understands. Whether you\u2019re moving through pain, seeking connection, or just want to have fun\u2014you’re invited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We hope to start a new chapter in Antwerp, Belgium \u2014 making it the first Dork Dancing location in Europe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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