The Dare to Dance Convention is the newest endeavor of Christy Lane Enterprises.  The Convention extends the work she does at school assemblies, family gatherings, and events by providing a fun and safe environment for all ages and ability levels. The goal is to promote fitness and wellness through dance with an emphasis on decreasing child obesity and enhancing the local community spirit.

    Imagine a place where a community comes together and shares dance as an art form.  A place where there is no competition, just the joy of moving together to music.  A "family" environment where Grandma can Line Dance in one room while her Granddaughter can Hip Hop dance in the other room.  A place where  22 different styles of dance and 65 classes for all ages and ability levels are under one roof. A place where both attendees and instructors feel "safe" in a fun filled environment listening to different music rhythms and moving in new ways indicative of different dance cultures. Finally, a place where young and old can feel good about themselves; physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. And at the end of day, anyone who desires, can take the stage and express themselves like a true artist. That is the dream of the Dare to Dance Convention.

    The first Dare to Dance Convention was held May 5, 2013 in Palm Desert, CA and it was "magical".  Everyone was feeling so much joy and there were many "wow" stories that were shared.  Dance instruction consisted of recreational style dances such as Ballroom, Line Dancing, Hawaiian, Disco and Multicultural as well as performing art dances such as Jazz, Hip Hop, and Lyrical. The 50 volunteers managing the convention consisted of mostly current and retired school teachers.

    "It was such a wonderful success from the quality of instruction to the spirit of the attendees" says Christy Lane. "Dance is an art form. I feel passionate about what dance can do for everyone.  Today dance is seen in the media as competitions where people are constantly judged.  It is time to change that. Let's celebrate movement and reconnect people through dance instead of competiton."

    In order for this event to continue, funds are needed to assist with costs. Now having a realistic budget for 2014, there would either need to be an increase in attendance or increase in admission price.  The increase in attendance would require more marketing funds and  would be sad if anyone was left out due to financial concerns. (Wouldn't it be great to offer "Dance Art Scholarships?). Dare to Dance Convention 2014 is now tentatively scheduled for January 25 at the Phoenix Convention Center if funds are reached.

    "In a world where we are losing our fitness due to the sedentary lifestyles, an arena where people are being "internet" social, rather than touching hands in a waltz step: and a platform of "fear" rather than confidence in expressing one's feelings, we need this day of dance. Won't you help me make this world a beter place especially for our youth?  Let's get eveyone off the walls and into a light of fun, friendliness, and creativity through movement."

    For years, nationally acclaimed dance instructor Christy Lane has taken her message of “Dance, not Drugs” to elementary, middle and high schools across the nation. Her immensely popular Dare to Dance school assemblies have excited, engaged and energized over two million students. By promoting self-esteem, coordination and social skills, Christy convinces students what an important part dance plays in their physical, mental and emotional well-being. As one student recently wrote to Christy, “I like what you said about whenever I am sad I can just close the door and dance, and it will make me feel better.”

 Here is one of the many quotes received after the 2013 event:

"Christy,

You did an amazing job on the “Dare To Dance Convention”! Honestly, the event was heartfelt and made a difference in so many different individual's lives. It made a difference in my life! I loved being a part of the event! Thank you for inviting me to participate in such a successful, well planned event. It was super organized and well thought out down to the last detail. The message was very clear that you truly care about the attendees experience and were in it to give back to the profession.

You handpicked the instructors and did a fantastic job. I can’t believe I liked every single instructor and their class! The team you built to run the event was incredible and completely devoted to the cause. The messages from the instructors were so powerful and meaningful for the youth in attendance. It doesn’t get more personal than that.

I would like to thank you for a wonderful experience, I was proud to be a part of such a meaningful and FUN event. You ROCKED it and get an “A+++++++”!
In gratitude,
Michele Bats"

Christy Lane's passion for dance has led to the creation and expansion of Christy Lane Enterprises for the past 22 years. Her customer base is largely in the United States with 75% consisting of the school market.  Christy Lane and Dare to Dance are federal trademarks established in 1995, and she owns copyrights on over 60 DVD's, CD's and books. With her hard work she established relationships with vendors to create her products, which she sells retail through internet sites and exhibitor trade show booths. Her company also wholesales with numerous distributors on an ongoing basis.  With average profit margins of only $10-$15, there are many transactions taking place on a daily basis to meet budgets.  She has a "virtual office" in California and hires independent contractors for various projects. Christy Lane is dance educator, workshop presentor and director of various projects and events throughout the U.S. She has produced community shows such as the Washington State Centennial Games Opening Ceremony, Metropolitan's Anniversary Show, Bloomsday Nike Show, and the Crystal Cathedral's  4th of July Celebration. Her full resume is listed at  www.christylane.com  in "About Christy". She has joint ventured with companies such as Human Kinetics Publishing Company and SPARK Physical Education Resource Company to create products for the educational school market.

As a company, I am able to hire and support many types of artists;  dancers, choreographers, videographers, graphic designers, etc. for our projects. As a philosphy, our company goal is to create a supportive community spirit within a business environment as opposed to the competitive environment the today's world supports.  My mission is to encourage dancing in this world not only as an art form (where people feel free to express themselves in a safe and nurturing environment), but to promote wellness with an emphasis on fitness and decreasing child obesity.