Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, 2023
(L to R): Ana Gaby Fernandez (MX), Mary Hoyer (CT), Madeline Planer (CO), Genis Schmidtlock (IL), Ashley Pelli (VA), Conie Borchardt (MN), KristyMarie NurJehan Eunison-Chisti (MN), C. Sage Dames (CA)
The DUPNA NextGen Council was formed in 2023 to help vision and explore the important questions of how we can best attract, nurture and empower the next generation of leaders to carry the Dance tradition long into the future. The 2023 NextGen Council facilitated the Pre-Parliament Dance and one of the official DUP sessions at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago.
Since the 2023 Parliament, the Next Gen crew has been meeting monthly on Zoom to explore important topics related to the Dances and develop goals and objectives that resonate with the next generation. We’re building our purpose and plans from the fires that burn in our own hearts and those that we see within our local communities and circles.
Some of the main topics on our hearts and minds are:
- Community Building
- Increasing diversity in DUP Circles
- Enhancing DUPNA’s Social Media presence
- Increasing the number of younger dancers
- Addressing Accessibility of the Dances (for differently-abled people and trauma survivors for example)
Save the Date! July 31- Aug 3, 2025
DUP North America 2nd Annual Retreat hosted by the NextGen Council at The Farm Community, Summertown, TN Stay tuned for more!
We are currently welcoming volunteers to assist with the planning and preparation for the 2nd annual DUPNA retreat weekend at The Farm Community. We would love your help OR if you’re interested in getting involved by serving on the Next Gen Council, contact us at nextgendup@gmail.com
NextGen Experience at the 1st annual DUPNA Retreat Weekend at The Farm
by Mary Hoyer, on behalf of the DUPNA Next Gen Council
Inspiring! If I had to choose a single word to describe the 1st annual DUPNA retreat, it would be “inspiring.” The DUPNA board and staff were present, as were several members of the Next Generation Council: Ashley Pelli, Nur Jehan Eunison-Chisti, and Mary Hoyer. Ashley brought her 7 year old daughter, Ayla, who was a joy to see bouncing around, engaging people, and looking for ways to be helpful.
Woven throughout the retreat were conversations about the future of the Dances. There were two meal-time conversations and one larger discussion that included the whole group.
We answered questions such as:
- How do we attract and retain new dancers?
- How do we create multi-generational events/circles?
- How do we empower the next generation of DUP leaders and participants?
Click Here to view a slideshow of some of the responses that we compiled for the community.
I felt a deep sense of community and belonging from discussing these issues together. We shared our passion for the Dances and creative ideas to spread them.
When a tradition spans multiple generations, there comes a time for a passing of the torch. Any tradition that stops evolving will not survive into the future. I witnessed and felt the unification happening as we sat together; multiple generations of dancers talking about what the Dances mean to us and how to carry them forward for the future. DUP is good medicine, and the world needs it. The future needs it.
I’m inspired to know how many elders are offering their full support and goodwill for the up-and-coming dancers and leaders. I’m inspired by how much the DUPNA Board has supported the Next Gen Council and empowered us to raise the issues we see as vitally important for the future of DUP. With gratitude and reverence for those who have come before us, those at the retreat became unified, setting our sights on the future.
Speaking of the future, the Next Generation Council is planning the 2nd annual DUPNA Retreat, which will be held at The Farm, July 31st – August 3rd, 2025. Save the date, because we’re excited to continue and deepen the conversation about what the next generation of DUP means for us individually and collectively.
Huge gratitude for an amazing retreat experience. Blessings to all.
Youth-oriented Dance Camps, Trainings, and Events
Take a look around…
Does your circle include some dancers or Dance leaders in their teens, 20s and 30s? 40s and 50s?
Are you a young person interested in attending a camp where you can be with others in your generation?
Many camps offer special discounted prices and incentives for youth participation, along with activities for teens, children, and young adults. Read on!
(Check back for updates on events and opportunities!)
Giving and Receiving Support for Youth Attendance
Some suggestions for supporting youth to attend NextGen events:
To Provide Support:
1) Communities/Circles can raise funds locally to sponsor specific attendees of NextGen Events. If the funds are for travel expenses, they may be given directly to the individual to cover expenses.
2) Communities/Circles can raise funds locally to support scholarships/grants in general.
To Receive Support:
1) An individual wishing to attend can be sponsored by their local community. We’ve found that a good approach for this is a letter written by a leader and the youth articulating the need, saying a bit about themselves, including a photo, etc. and sent to the local community to solicit support, followed by a collection process within the community.