On Saturday, February 11 at 4:30 p.m., we will once again join the world in shaking the earth, to bring awareness and stop the violence against women. 1 in 3 women across the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. That’s ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS. Every February, people rise – in hundreds of countries across the world – to show their local communities and the world what one billion looks like and shine a light on the rampant impunity and injustice that survivors most often face.  We rise through dance to express joy and community and and celebrate the fact that we have not been defeated by this violence.

If you’ve never been a part of a Flashmob, it’s a fun and empowering experience. Everyone is welcome to participate: men, women, old, and young! You don’t need any special skills, and you don’t have to be a good dancer. We are looking for people who want to have fun and support a good cause at the same time. To join us, simply gather on the South Lawn of the McKinney Performing Arts Center at 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney, 75069.

LEARN THE FLASHMOB DANCE

You have two options for learning the dance.  You can learn it online or join us for free lessons at Dancer Strong where you will be taught the dance and have a chance to practice it with other flashmob participants. It’s a great way to meet others who will be there, and it’s fun!

To learn the dance online, visit:  http://goo.gl/8dRXvW

To practice with other Hope Rising participants, meet at Dancer Strong Academy (192 Industrial Blvd Suite 103, McKinney, Texas 75069) on any of the following dates:

• Sunday, January 29:  3-5pm
• Saturday, February 4:  3-5pm
• Thursday, February 9:   7-9pm

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

We recommend wearing casual, comfortable clothing and shoes. If the weather is nice, tshirts and jeans with sneakers work well. If it’s cold, you may want to add extra layers. Many participants will wear their Hope Rising shirts to help raise awareness against domestic and sexual violence. If you would like to match us, you can purchase your shirt by clicking here.

You’ll also see a number of people wearing tutus.  If you would like to learn how to make the tutus we wear, we’d love to teach you! You can join us for a BYOB Tutu Making Party on Feb. 2 from 7-9pm at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Parish Hall (400 N. College St., McKinney, TX  75069).

Here is the list of supplies you will need to bring with you:

• 75 yards of tulle fabric on a 6-inch spool
• 2 yards of 3/4″ ribbon
• Masking tape
• Rubber bands
• 2 pieces of cardboard each at 25” x 12” (Half of the longest side of the cardboard will be the length of the skirt; for example, if your cardboard is 25 inches, your skirt length will be 12-1/2 inches.)

If you have questions or would like to RSVP for the Tutu Party, you can reach us via our contact form.