Connect with Your Unscripted Groove: Where Every Move Tells a Story
At "Drop Everything And Dance," we believe in the transformative power of dance—not just as an art form but as a vital tool for connection and personal expression. Our journey is about creating spaces where anyone can step in and dance out, embracing the unexpected and discovering the joy of movement in a supportive community.
The Roots of Our Rhythm
Our story began during founder Valerie Beck’s grad school days in NYC, where she first encountered the Shuffle Dance Challenge by Brad MacDonald. Held in a basement of a sushi bar in St. Mark’s Place, this unique show captivated her from the start. Each performance was an adventure, a leap into the unknown that was both exhilarating and hilarious, binding performers and audience in a shared experience of joy and discovery.
Her connection to this challenge was profound—it was a release, a way to escape the confines of her thoughts and dive into a pool of rhythmic spontaneity. It connected her to a community of like-minded souls, many of whom remain dear friends. When she moved to LA, she carried the spirit of the Shuffle Dance Challenge with her, hosting several Shuffle shows for the Los Angeles dance community.
Today, Valerie is thrilled to revive this beloved challenge with a fresh mission: to ignite personal transformation and foster community connections through the power of dance. By embracing spontaneity and the joy of movement, Drop Everything And Dance strives to provide a space for individuals of all skill levels to explore their creativity, celebrate their bodies, and experience the therapeutic benefits of dance.
As we continue to grow and bring "Drop Everything And Dance" to new communities and venues, we invite you to join us. Whether as a participant, audience member, or partner, become part of a movement that celebrates life, embraces the unexpected, and heals through dance.
Our Founder: Valerie Beck
Hey there! I’m Valerie, and dance is my first love and forever passion.
My earliest memory of dancing was on a stage of piled couch cushions for my parents in our living room. From a young age I’ve always loved spontaneous explorations of music and rhythm, moving to whatever tune played. This spirit of improvisation has not just shaped my dance style but my life’s journey.
My love for dance has taken me around the world, from the busy streets of New York to the vibrant studios of Japan, collaborating with an incredible variety of dancers. Each of these experiences has taught me something profound about how dance can transcend language and cultural barriers, creating a shared space of understanding and expression.
My first taste of raw dance improv with my friend Brad’s Shuffle Dance Challenge had me instantly hooked. Imagine stepping on stage, the music starts, and you don’t know what’s going to play next. It’s exhilarating! It was in these moments of pure, unanticipated dance that I realized how freeing it could be to just let go.
That's what I want to bring to you with "Drop Everything And Dance." It's more than a performance, it’s a stage where we can all let loose, face our fears, share some laughs and perhaps even some tears. Whether you’ve danced all your life or just want to shake it out, there’s a spot on our dance floor for you.
Join me in this celebration of life and freedom, where every dance is an act of discovery, and every dancer is a storyteller. Let’s make the world our stage!