When dancers gather at The School of Performing Arts in Naperville tonight, they will be joining dancers worldwide united to end violence against women.
Artful Impact, an outreach program of the school, wants children, teens, women and men to join them for the annual “Break the Chain” dance event from 6 to 7 p.m. at the performing arts studio, 200 E. Fifth Ave.
Whether one is a dancer or not, Artful Impact hopes that participants clap and move to the music while spreading a hopeful message, said Sharon Thompson, director of development for Artful Impact.
“No one is required to be a good dancer,” she said. “Anyone with a passion to move can show their support.”
“Break the Chain” is part of the One Billion Rising movement, refers to a statistic that estimates one in three women worldwide will become a victim of abuse or rape in her lifetime, adding up to about one billion women and girls.
The One Billion Rising campaign focuses on issues facing women worldwide, including violence, abuse, rape, human trafficking, poverty and maternity care. The movement was launched on Valentine’s Day 2012, and throughout the world, “Break the Chain” dance events will occur.
“We are supporting victims of violence and celebrating those who have found help,” Thompson said. “It fits well with our mission of making people stronger through the arts. It’s an issue that deserves support.”
The event is free, but the performing arts school is accepting donations to benefit the WAR Chest Boutique of Naperville. The 4 E. Jefferson Ave. store is a nonprofit business operated by Women At Risk (WAR) International that sells jewelry and other gift items made by rescued and at-risk women.
Dance participants on Friday can also make valentines for abused women.
“The event is about hope and strength,” Thompson said. “We are excited to be a part of it locally and have an impact.”
This is the second year that Artful Impact and the WAR Chest Boutique of Naperville has taken part in the “Break the Chain” event.
Thompson said they are hoping about 40 people join them, and participants can learn the traditional “Break the Chain” dance movements, created by choreographer Debbie Allen, in advance through videos posted on www.onebillionrising.org.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
