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Belly Dance for Democracy! [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-06-11
Like millions of other Americans, I've spent the past five months in a state of shock, outrage, dismay, and incredulity.
The Trump administration – aided and abetted by the Republicans – has sowed chaos by attacking our political, educational, scientific, legal, and civic institutions. It has gutted the federal work force; destroyed life-saving aid organizations; stopped critical medical research; bullied universities, law firms, and news organizations; and kidnapped our neighbors.
In the process it has destroyed lives, stoked fear, increased prices, and squandered decades of international goodwill.
We are a nation in crisis.
These times call for a strong response, and there are hard working organizations fighting to save our democracy in court. More than 325 lawsuits have been filed against the administration's cruel policies, and they're gaining ground. During May the Trump agenda was dealt an astounding 96% loss rate in federal court.
It's critical work, and I've decided to do something unconventional to help support it. I've launched Belly Dance for Democracy!, offering lessons in exchange for donations that go to organizations fighting the administration's illegal federal workforce firings, funding freezes, deportations, and more.
Belly dance is uplifting, and celebrates inner strength and resilience. Like the protesters line dancing in the streets of LA, I believe that exuberance is one of the strongest ways to confront totalitarianism. This regime is counting on fear and exhaustion to sideline us – let's respond with dance!
I'm not a professional dancer or teacher. I'm not young, slim, or talented. What I am is a concerned American. I'm doing this, at the age of nearly 70, to highlight the urgency of the moment. Hopefully it will inspire others to also step out of their comfort zone and do something a bit different to raise funds for this fight. We all have something to offer.
Do you have a great recipe for cheesecake? Hold a “Bake Sale for Democracy”!
Cleaning out your attic? Hold a “Tag Sale for Democracy”!
Know how to play guitar? Teach “Strumming for Democracy” workshops!
Have childcare skills? Offer “Babysitting for Democracy”!
We must do all we can to fight this illegal takeover of our government. I'm teaching classes at Wise Bird Cider, High on Art and Coffee, and the Midway Library. Follow Belly Dance for Democracy! on Facebook for the class schedule, and come join us for gentle exercise, community, and resistance!
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