Life-long dancer shares her passion on National Dance Day

Melissa Kerlik has been dancing for almost a quarter century and now she wants to share her passion with Smyrna-Vinings Patch on National Dance Day.

Kerlik is hosting a local National Dance Day event at Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature music and dances like the funky chicken and the cha-cha slide.

“The primary goal of this event is to promote dance as a daily part of life as well as raise community awareness on living a healthier lifestyle,” Kerlik said.

National Dance Day was started in 2010 by Nigel Lythgoe, a judge on the popular television show “So You Think You Can Dance?,” and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. The event is always held on the last Saturday in July. Participants are encouraged to learn one of three choreographed dance routines on the “So You Think Can Dance?” blog. 

Kerlik decided to hold a National Dance Day celebration in Smyrna. Kerlik, who is a pre-kindergarten teacher at Vinings Creative Learning Center, explained that dance always played a large role in her life.

“I started dancing when I was two,” she said. “I’m 26. I’ve taken all genres of dance: ballet, tap, kick-line, jazz, hip-hop. I’ve pretty much dabbled in all of them. My specialty that I’ve trained in most was in tap and kick-line. I’ve also taught dance and I’ve been on dance teams myself growing up.”

The National Dance Day celebration takes place at Vinings Creative Learning Center’s play field. Tents, tables and chairs will be set up for those who don’t think they can dance, but as Kerlik said, “Everybody can dance, just in their own way.”

In addition to dancing, children can play in the gated playground or make arts and crafts. Some local vendors will also have tables showing their goods and services. Healthy snacks like fruit and water will be available for a small fee.

There will also be a raffle for both children and adults. Some of the raffle packages include a Pampered Chef gift basket, a back to school gift basket with supplies for all ages, a movie-themed basket with movie tickets and popcorn as well as a “Last Blast of Summer” basket full of summertime games. Raffle tickets are 25 cents for the children’s prizes and $1 for adult prizes.

The proceeds of the raffle and snack sales benefit Student Athlete Life Enhancement Program, an Atlanta-based non-profit that aims to provide services that promote the academic, athletic and personal development of student athletes. 

Admission to the event is free. Parking is also available.