Dance walking. It’s as crazy as it sounds and oh so simple to do. DJ Felix will spin the tunes — all that’s needed is for you to get to Botanical Gardens and join the crowds.

Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art and AOK Fitness Fundraising are hosting the charity event at Botanical Gardens on Sunday, April 26. Their hope is to raise money to help make art education accessible to more of the Island’s kids. Helen Dudley, director of Masterworks’ AOK Fitness Fundraising spoke with Lifestyle in advance of what she promises will be a “fabulous” event.

What is dance walking?

Dance walking is a fun fitness craze sweeping North America. Participants are encouraged to express themselves through dance — to let their creativity flow and to let go of inhibitions and fears. Dance walking is self-expression, an art form that communicates freedom and joy. Costumes and silliness are encouraged! Dance walking is non-judgemental and welcoming to all. Masterworks and AOK Fitness Fundraising are proud to be the first to introduce this fabulous charity event to Bermuda. It’s been generously sponsored by EY, who have additionally donated all the T-shirts and fun sunglasses for the goody bags.

What’s the aim of the event?

To bring attention to AOK Fitness Fundraising, a new charity initiative by Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. AOK stands for art outreach for kids. Monies raised by AOK Fitness Fundraising will go directly to an art education fund at Masterworks.

The mission of AOK is to provide all children in Bermuda access to hands-on art education programmes. This year our initiatives will fund bursaries for children to attend Masterworks after school classes and summer camps; a weekly art outreach and music programme at Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, additional “Super Saturday” programming at Masterworks and finally, we intend to hire an art therapist to offer after school classes for children with dyslexia.

Why not hold something traditionally done to raise money/awareness — a walk or run or silent auction or something similar?

With so many standard charity walks on the Island we thought it would be fun to do something different. Dance walking is sure to appeal to this community’s love of dance, rhythm and music. Bermudians are full of life and this event will allow them to showcase their fantastic spirit. The event is about being courageous and free, and inspiring others to shine and express themselves freely as well.

Everyone just dances the two-kilometre route?

Participants dance their way though a two-kilometre route in the Botanical Gardens, following DJ Felix who will spin our favourite “dance walking” tunes from the back of the DJ mobile. Dance troupes from around the Island will help to animate the crowds with their fun dance moves, encouraging participants to be dynamic and free in their movements.

AOK referees will also animate and observe the crowd, singling out potential prize-winners by handing out coloured cards. When we return exhausted to Masterworks, refreshments — ice cream, snow cones and healthy BBQ options — will be available for purchase. Art tables will be set up for the kids. DJ Felix will energise the crowd and the dance party and cash bar will continue on in the courtyard at Masterworks. Organisers will award prizes to the best dancers, the best costumes, and give the grand prize draw: a two-night staycation at the Fairmont Southampton.

About how long should it take to complete the route?

Since dancing is obviously the key component of a dance walk, and it takes longer to dance two kilometres then to walk it, we expect that it should take 45 minutes to an hour to complete. This is much more than a simple walk in the park. The fun kicks off at 1.30pm when participants are invited to visit the TK hair styling booth for a complimentary crazy hairdo from the TK styling team.

At 2.30pm the warm-up begins with fun dance routines to get the crowd loosened up. The dance walk officially kicks off at 3pm and we will continue the dance party and BBQ until 7pm. So it’s an entire afternoon of fun for all!

What are the best tunes for it?

Anything that gets you moving! Feel-good and uplifting music is best. We all have that one magical song that just calls you to dance.

We are asking participants to go to the AOK Fitness Fundraising Facebook page to vote for their all-time favourite dance tunes.

We want to hear from the community and experience the music that inspires you the most.

What ages are best suited to the event?

All ages are welcome. This is a family-friendly event.

Have you been practising?

We have been practising in our fitness classes but in reality there is no need to practice. Many of us wish we were better dancers but feel inhibited ... this is the chance to let go of self-judgment and to spread happiness! It’s a great workout and so much fun!

What happens if it rains?

The rain date will be the following weekend.

How do people sign up for the event?

Please go to racedayworld.com to sign up. Tickets are $30 for individuals, or $25 per person in family groups of four.

BSoA student art competition, Page 13