Day of Dance set for NWA

Washington Regional and Walker Heart Institute will present Day of Dance for Your Health on Saturday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center court of the Northwest Arkansas Mall.

More than 12 local dance groups will perform a variety of dance styles, with a goal of introducing participants to a fun and energizing way to prevent heart disease.

“Day of Dance is designed to let families know about healthy choices they can easily incorporate into their lifestyles and to educate them about risk factors for heart disease and stroke, all while having fun,” says Amy Jetton, director of cardiovascular services at Walker Heart Institute.

Throughout Day of Dance, area physicians will offer health tips, and several clinics and community organizations will provide health education material. The event is free, and no registration is required.

More than 75,000 people in 75 other communities across the U.S. are expected to participate in Day of Dance events Feb. 25. This is the third year that area residents can participate in the event, which is in its eighth year nationwide. More than 1,000 people attended last year’s Day of Dance at the Northwest Arkansas Mall.

Costumed mascots, including the Northwest Arkansas Naturals’ Strike and Kellogg’s Tony the Tiger will be available for photos. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the event, and several mall merchants will offer discount coupons in Day of Dance literature that will be available at the event. For the first time, attendees may vote for their favorite song to be featured in an afternoon audience-participation dance.

Day of Dance is offered in partnership with Spirit of Women, a national network of leading hospitals dedicated to improving women's lives with innovative health and community education programs. Washington Regional has been a member of Spirit of Women since 2009.