Jan 28, 2020
While at an outdoor festival a few months ago, I saw a group of women dancing with such joy, passion, and badassery that I knew I needed to know more about them. Upon further investigation, I connected with their founder and Executive Director, Janet Reineck who founded World Dance for Humanity as a way to combine her love of dancing, humanitarian aid, and a way to bring hope and help to people in need. Janet and I talk about how she created this organization and found her community of dancers and helpers in Santa Barbara, how World Dance for Humanity is structured, and a few of their biggest wins in Rwanda and beyond.
What You Will Hear in This Episode:
- World Dance for Humanity has so far helped 11,500 people in 28 cooperatives. Every penny that comes in through a class or event is designated for a local or international charity.
- Janet followed a note on a piece of paper to fall in love with Kosovo, and was moved by their culture and hospitality.
- Create a life where you put what you love, and what you are good at together.
- World Dance for Humanity is inclusive for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. It is a supportive experience that highlights music from all around the world and bridges together even music from countries at war.
- Janet’s time in under developed countries showed her fragility of life, and created a deep appreciation for things like a bed and clean water that we often take for granted.
- Many women in Rwanda are bad asses, and have stepped up to run businesses in conjunction with World Dance such as a bakery, craft store, and fish farm.
Quotes:
- “I am so happy when I see other women put together what they are good at, and what they love.”
- “That’s all I care about, is what in the world can I do to make a difference.”
- “Our classes connect us to the world.”
- “Dance is a way to be the music in your body.”
- “Two of the most important things - having our health and having passion.”
Mentioned: