Takoma Park 4th of July

One of the things I've really loved about coming to work at Dance Exchange has been getting to know Takoma Park, which is a beautiful neighborhood right outside of DC and is the home of the company. This year, many of us celebrated the 4th of July in part by attending the Takoma Park 4th of July parade! Takoma Park actually has one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations along the Atlantic Coast and this year was the 121st annual event.
Community spirit was high and we cheered on Dance Exchange partners Impact Silver Spring and Washington Adventist Hospital as they marched in the parade.

A group of young activists at Piney Branch Elementary School is trying to get a dishwasher in their school cafeteria so they don't have to use styrofoam trays. Their supporters had a large parade presence!

Marchers from a local dog training school.

The parade passes right in front of Dance Exchange. Takoma Park Council Member Josh Wright rode his bicycle in the parade.

Company members Ben Wegman and Shula Strassfeld (with Bashie) take in the Takoma Park 4th of July parade!

Social

Tonight, Ben, Emily, Ellen and I went out to the Dance/MetroDC year-end party at The Passenger just outside Gallery Place in DC. We got a chance to catch up with our friends in the dance world here, and learn about Dance/MetroDC's plans for the coming season. I'm excited for the "Should I Quit My Day Job?" Dance Offs in which D/MDC will pair professional choreographers with groups of non-dancers who'd like to try their hand at dancing and performing. The winning group will perform at the Dance Awards in October. Can't wait!

Company member Ben Wegman and Dance/MetroDC director (and former DXer) Peter DiMuro catch up

Peter and DX Projects Coordinator Ellen Chenoweth take in the scene

Headed out: Ellen, choreographer Kelly Bond, and Ben