Our Mission
Our mission is to educate and empower youth to use their gifts and talents to fight against human trafficking and to educate and equip the public with the knowledge to do the same.
Who We Are: Our Story
Did you know: the average age of a human trafficking victim sold for sex is just 12-years-old?
Did you know: most victims of human trafficking are not kidnapped off the street but are tricked or forced into slavery by someone they know?
Did you know: millions of people around the world – and in our own backyard – have been caught in this web?
It’s hard to learn the facts, to hear the stories, and not desperately want to do something to help. But most of us will not be kicking in brothel doors anytime soon. So what do we – the “ordinary” people – do to fight human trafficking?
This was the heart that founded The Dance for Freedom Foundation. It’s a heart to do something to bring freedom with whatever tools we have. For us, that tool was dance.
So a group of volunteer dance teachers and a group of passionate students met one Saturday in 2014 for the very first “Dance-a-thon to End Human Trafficking.” It included education about what human trafficking is and the vast problem it is in our world. And it included a long, challenging, fun day of dance. We raised money for a “boots on the ground” organization – one that was rescuing people from slavery. And we left with a fire to keep working to make a difference. We did it again the next year and made it an annual event with two goals: giving the next generation an understanding about human trafficking, tools to protect themselves and others, and a tangible way for them to take a stand and make a difference in the fight against human trafficking; and to do it all with the thing we loved: dance.
In 2016, we added the Dance for Freedom Showcase, which enables us to reach the public with our message and inspire more people to join the cause of freedom. Educating parents and our communities is now a key part of our strategy in turning the tide of human trafficking. We love seeing the passion of a new generation of abolitionists!
Beginning in 2018, we expanded the Dance for Freedom Foundation to be its own 501(c)(3) public charity in order to reach more people and have more opportunities. However, we are still committed to sending all of our proceeds to our Abolition Partners – those already established anti-human trafficking organizations that provide prevention, rescue, and recovery for those at risk or trapped in slavery. Every year an amazing group of volunteers teaches, plans, organizes, and runs our events – making it possible for us to have very little overhead cost. We are extraordinarily grateful for all the volunteers, corporate sponsors, and business and church partnerships that make this possible.
We are so excited for the next chapter and hope that you will join us in the fight to change the world!
Together in Freedom
What We Do: Our Approach
The annual Dance for Freedom is a two-part event. The first part is an all-day Dance-a-thon which is open to dancers ages 12 and up. During this daylong event, dancers will learn combinations and choreography in a variety of dance styles, ranging from Jazz, Tap, and Ballet to Line Dancing and Musical Theatre, taught by highly-qualified dance instructors. Dancers will participate in an education portion of the day devoted to learning about the issues of human trafficking and what they can do to stop it. Attending the event is a great first step for dancers to take a stand and join the fight!
The second part is the Dance for Freedom Showcase, which is held in the evening. All the Dance-a-thon dancers will have the opportunity to perform the choreography learned during the Dance-a-thon, as well as perform other dances they would like to bring to the event. The showcase is open to the public and also includes an education portion so the audience leaves equipped with new information and a desire to help end modern day slavery.
Each year we choose to financially support an Abolition Partner – an established 501(c)(3) anti-human trafficking organization. All proceeds and donations during the Dance-a-thon and the Dance for Freedom Showcase go directly to our Abolition Partner.
Why We Do It: Our Passion
While the statistics vary anywhere from 21 to 50 million, the undeniable truth is there are millions of people in slavery today – more than any other time in human history. There has never been more of a need for us to stand up for our oppressed and enslaved brothers and sisters and fight for an end to this evil. Human trafficking is on the rise, but so is the cry for freedom. By supporting local and global organizations on the ground, we can do our part to bring freedom, restoration, aftercare, and advocacy to the millions of men, women, and children who cannot fight for themselves. By educating our community, we can bring awareness to the issues, inspire more involvement in the cause, and equip teens and parents with information to protect themselves and others.
We will join the cry for freedom and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. We will use our gifts, our talents, and our resources to help bring an end to modern day slavery. We are in it to end it! We believe the story must change! We will fight until all are free! We will dance to break the chains!
Dance for Freedom Foundation 