Together we can Dance Around The World
I’m Vanessa Gilbert and Dance The World is a project born out of a promise I made to life at a time when my mobility was seriously compromised – my dance career was over and the future looked bleak.
I promised that if I could ever dance again, I would dance around the world (25,000 miles) and raise money for spinal care and other worthwhile causes – so this is my quest! Will you join me?
How we'll do it...
I realised that to travel and dance around the world would be a costly adventure, so I had to think of a way of doing it, without the challenge itself costing money.
The plan is to dance the miles in as many environments and events as possible – all 25,000 of them!
Alone, this will take years, so in the meantime, I am inviting anyone and everyone to dance a mile, dance part of a mile or simply sponsor a mile with me to help cover the distance. Each mile will have a value and the funds raised will go to life changing charities.
Who are we dancing for?
Whilst spreading the fun and joy of dancing we can raise funds for 3 great causes that impact on so many lives. These fantastic charities raise awareness and provide support to change lives and help people be the best they can be. You can choose to support one or more of these causes on my JustGiving page.
BackCare
12 Million or more days are lost from work every year because of back pain – it is an astonishing number and doesn’t include careers that are lost to back problems or the people that just keep going in pain with their quality of life compromised. The body and mind are intrinsically linked, and mental health inevitably suffers.
Mental Health UK
17.5 Million days a year are lost to mental health issues, and these are just the people we know about.
The Royal Marines Charity (RMA)
Having been fortunate to visit a couple of the RM training centres and meet these amazing men and women who train and go to extraordinary lengths to protect us and our country, I was deeply humbled by their selflessness. They are there for all of us, and really are silent heroes. It is easy to think of them as superhuman but in reality, they are all someone’s sons and daughters who put their lives at risk and never ask for attention. I visited their rehabilitation centre where they work hard to repair broken bodies and minds, some never making it back to their chosen career. The RMA provide support for wounded and injured Marines, as well as support, advice and friendship for serving Marines and their families.
What type of dance qualifies?
Any style of dance, including Dad dancing and wriggle walking is acceptable! I’m inviting schools, including professional dance schools and clubs, to join in. I’m approaching businesses, health clubs, sports teams, retirement homes, the Forces, as well as individuals who want join the dance. Groups can run their own events with my support or join in one of my organised events.
I also welcome groups with disabilities to get involved and be included – there are some wonderful wheelchair dance groups that would be an inspiration.
Racking up the dance miles
Register your interest and keep up to date with events.
The invitation is to dance a mile but you can either get sponsorship for your mile or buy a mile, as long as the value of the mile is reached.
For those who want to join in the dance, but are not able to cover a whole mile yourself, there is the option to share your mile. Remember, this is not an endurance test but a joyful quest – as long as the value of the mile is reached, it can be shared.
