(Video) It's July 31, National Dance Day, a 'So You Think You Can Dance' Triumph

Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer of "So You Think You Can Dance" and "American Idol," came up with the idea of National Dance Day after hearing so much about the growing problem with obesity. He voiced his concerns and his idea for a National Dance Day -- to "generate awareness for dance" and to "encourage the nation, young and old, to move!" -- on the summer hit reality competition show "So You Think You Can Dance" earlier this year and, as he has been want to repeat over the last few weeks, watched it grow into a national phenomenon. With the help of his Dizzy Feet Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships for dancers, and Congressperson Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), who has introduced a Resolution in Congress to make July 31 National Dance Day, events are going on across the United States to, according to Nigel Lythgoe, "prove that the 'Power of Dance' can MOVE an entire Country!"

Leading up to National Dance Day, Lythgoe employed the services of Emmy-nominated Napoleon and Tabitha to choreograph a Dizzy Feet Foundation dance routine just for the national celebration. The choreographer duo created "NappyTabs," the video of which was immediately posted to the "So You Think You Can Dance" blog.

The response has been phenomenal. Each week, Nigel Lythgoe has provided America with a National Dance Day update. He talks over videos sent in from all around the nation of one or more people dancing, some really well and some not so well, the "NappyTabs" routine. The words "unprecedented," "amazing response," and "exciting" populate his updates.

What may have been even more exciting for Nigel Lythgoe and everyone connected with Dizzy Feet Foundation and "So You Think You Can Dance" was the embracing of the idea by Congressperson Eleanor Holmes Norton, who introduced the Resolution of the creation of a National Dance Day on July 31. The Resolution will promote dance education and exercise.

Holmes introduced her ownLI fitness legislation, the Lifelong Improvements Food and Exercise (LIFE) Act, which promotes exercise and healthy dietary changes, in January. The bill will direct the Centers for Disease Control to lead the fight against obesity and the unhealthy sedentary lifestyles.

Congresswoman Holmes will also get into the swing of National Dance Day, leading her own flash mob in Washington, D.C. July 31.

What about you? Feel like dancing?

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For events in your area, check out the "So You Think You Can Dance" blog.

If you've a mind to participate in the National Dance Day celebration, take a few minutes to learn the "NappyTabs" dance routine. The video for the choreography follows:

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Source:

Dance.blogs.fox.com