dance class. We focused on creative learning through Charleston and Jazz dances and we began teaching them basic English.  The girls, between the ages of 5 and 14 have had little educational opportunity, water is scarce in their village, food is struggled for, and they no opportunity to lift themselves out of their situation. They are known as the Adivasi (i.e. tribals, original people) and their story is similar to that of the Aborigines and the Native Americans.

The film ‘The Adivasi Shim Sham’ was conceived as our gift to the legendary Frankie Manning. This was our thank you for the inspiration he has given us, and a testament to just how far his gift to the world has gone. Sadly he passed away before he saw it, but the joy these girls show in their dancing reflects his spirit living on.

This film is just the beginning of our project. The girls themselves, from their wide-eyed acceptance of what we offer them, their hospitality and eagerness to learn, and their own presence -which tells you that we have as much to learn from them as they from us- that motivates us to help.

Upon returning to Zurich we established the association Dance Across Cultures. DAC believes in creating rich educational opportunities for under-privileged children.  Our project will continue with these Adivasi children.  We aim to:

To make this possible we ask you to join our sponsorship program: Dancers for DAC!

Dancers for DAC! is a grass roots fundraising initiative in which we aim to inspire dancers like you, from scene-leaders and International instructors, to local organizers and dance schools, to make a change in these children’s lives. We ask you to commit to holding one fundraising event per year in your local scene. This could be in the form of a workshop weekend where you ask your local teachers to donate workshops, a dance event, a charity auction, or more.  We encourage creativity here!

To learn how to become a Dancer for DAC, please click here go on to the next page.