SITE – CHOREOGRAPHY
Do I have to be near or next to a body of water to participate?
No, you don’t. We encourage people to find locations near water, including urban fountains but it is not a requirement to be near water. However, there are many ways to reference water in your water dance and be inspired by experiences with bodies of water.
Can I still participate if I didn’t submit a movement phrase?
Absolutely, it is not necessary to submit a movement phrase to participate.
Are we supposed to include all movements shared in the Extended Movement Phrase?
No. Everyone is asked to begin with the Opening Shared Movement Phrase and end with the Closing Shared Movement Phrase. These two phrases are the movement threads that unite all the participants into one national quilt. It is the foundation for the “movement choir”. The Extended Movement Phrase is an offering to use as you wish and to enjoy the diversity of the participants who shared their work with us.
Will I be provided with music?
No. Everyone works with their own choice of music or sound accompaniment.
What if my class can’t perform on Saturday, is Friday okay?
The strength of National Water Dance is built on the simultaneity of the event across the country. However, we know that some schools do not offer the possibility for students to perform on Saturday. In that case, we still celebrate your participation, while encouraging you to follow all the instructions for videotaping your dance and sending the edits to us to be included in the final compilation video. There will be instructions shared on how to do that at a later date.
What if I can’t perform exactly at 4pm EDT on the day of the event?
The answer is the same as for the above question.
Do I need a permit to perform at my site?
Every location is different. You will have to investigate that for yourself. The earlier you find out the better to avoid the stress that can come with bureaucratic delays.
VIDEO – STREAMING
Where are the instructions for Live Streaming my event?
This year, we are offering a new approach to live streaming. Because many sites lack adequate internet access, we have decided to request a complete video of your event, similar to a live stream (more details to come), which you will send to us immediately following the performance. This video will be posted on National Water Dance’s website, in a similar format to the live stream, the following day. The Sunday Brunch Watch Party with National Water Dance is an opportunity for all of us, and those who couldn’t attend a live event, to come together and view the work of participants across the country.
What is the Final Compilation Video?
We encourage all participants to submit clips of their event to be included in the Final Compilation National Water Dance 2026 Video that will document all participating sites across the country. Please refer to Video/Photos Instructions on the Participant Page. This is a separate video request from the Sunday Brunch Watch Party, details for which will come at a later date.