Join dance the vote and remember, ‘midterms matter’

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On Saturday, Sept. 24 from 12:30-3 p.m., Dance the Vote STL will present “Midterms Matter, “a free, nonpartisan, family friendly, all-inclusive event in front of the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park to promote voter awareness in advance of the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

When DTV first performed for midterms at the museum in 2018, the group attracted over 1,000 attendees before pivoting to virtual performances during the pandemic. This is DTV’s first return large scale outdoor event.

A highlight will be taking Missouri’s “largest photo to promote the midterms” at 1 p.m., according to organizers. People of all ages and political affiliations are invited to participate in this nonpartisan photo. There will also be speakers, performances from local dance companies, voter registration, food trucks, and more fun for all ages.

U.S. Presidential elections are big news worldwide every four years. But what happens in the midterm elections can have just as big an impact on the direction of the country.

“At ‘Midterms Matter,’ we will energize attendees to participate in the midterms elections and exercise their precious right. Our event also honors National Disability Voter Registration Week and will feature an all-inclusive short community dance to be taught for people of all ages and abilities, including people with disabilities. Everyone is welcome,” said Joan Lipkin, producing artistic director of Dance the Vote.

Confirmed dance companies include St. Louis Academy of Dance, Ashleyliane Dance Company, Grupo Atlantico, Amara Arts, Skystone Dance Ensemble, Resilience Dance Company and others. Local singers including Carmen Garcia and Katie Dunne McGrath and Friends will perform. Speakers to be announced.

Choreographer and co-producer Ashley L. Tate explains, “We will begin with some familiar dances including the Electric Slide and the Wobble and then teach an original, short, inclusive and accessible community dance that can be enjoyed by everyone.  This dance is for all levels and abilities!”

Additional activities will include voter registration and education, information fair with local nonprofits and community groups, kids’ activities, the Bubble Lady, food trucks, and more.

The event is presented by Dance the Vote and co-sponsored by Paraquad, the League of Women Voters, Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice, the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council, the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, and Conversations for Political Change.