One Billion Hearts Rising

Today on Fair Vanity I'm celebrating Valentine's Day a little differently by participating in the  One Billion Rising campaign by Eve Ensler. I love the idea behind it because to me, dance is one of the most freeing forms of self-expression. It is powerful, sensual, and physical, yet non-violent. What better way to rise up in solidarity with the one billion women and girls who will experience physical violence in their lifetimes? What better way to send them our collective love?

In solidarity with Eve Ensler's movement, I'm sharing this video of the pre-professional members of my dance company, Capitol Movement, dancing their hearts out in one of our repertory pieces: Movement of the People. The theme of an exodus seems appropriate as we attempt to move from a violent world to a more collaborative, equitable world.

One billion rising began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than one billion women and girls. One billion daughters, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, lovers and friends.

Today is V-Day’s 15^th anniversary, so Fair Vanity is joining women and men across the world to demand change, strike, dance, and rise in defiance of the injustices women suffer.

What I love most about this campaign is that you can participate, too. All you have to do is dance, and if someone asks you why, tell them you're dancing because you are #1billionrising. Video yourself, tweet about it, or use that new-fangled Vine app!

If you'd like to contribute directly towards breaking the cycle of worldwide violence towards women and girls, check out CARE. They fight the root causes of poverty in 84 countries around the world with a focus on breaking down the disproportionate barriers to health, safety, education and economic access faced by 51% of the world's population: women and girls.

Lastly, I want to leave you with this image of the lovely Malala Yousafzai, a young, powerful, brave woman who spoke out very recently for her right to an education in the face of extraordinary adversity and personal danger to herself. Can you think of a woman or girl who inspires you?

Happy Valentine's Day from Fair Vanity :)

xo