HISTORY OF EARTHDANCE

Earthdance was conceived in 1996 by artist/musician Chris Deckker, as a vision to unite the whole world through the universal platform of dance and music. Earthdance has now become the largest global synchronized dance event in the world.

What began in 1997, with 22 cities in 18 countries has now occurred in over 360 locations with over 300 locations in 60 countries participating in 2007 alone! Rising out of the global electronic music scene, Earthdance has now grown to include a diverse cross-section of musical genres including world music, jazz, conscious hip-hop, folk and reggae.

Earthdance has shown how the potent combination of music, dance and technology can be harnessed for positive and humanitarian aims. For one night all around the globe, people join together to dance as one global community, united with a common vision for peace and humanitarian aims.

Prayer for Peace: The highlight of the Earthdance event is a simultaneous link up, when every event across the world plays the Prayer for Peace. Morning in the Australian rainforest, midnight in London, and sunrise over the Himalayas, the Prayer for Peace is a profound and powerful moment that unifies our intentions for World peace and healing.

Every year, Earthdance continues to grow in volume and scope. This year we are gearing up to include as many people on the planet as possible through a number of new initiatives and by making the Prayer for Peace track available to everyone.

Global focus for 2008 - the Earth

*Earthdance International is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has been uniting the world for over 12 years in support of peace, and in 2007 Earthdance united over 300 locations in 60 countries with every continent represented.

The mission is to promote peace by joining participants worldwide in a synchronized Prayer for Peace and to support humanitarian causes through the global language of music and dance.


GOALS/OBJECTIVES

The producers of Earthdance San Diego 2008 commit to:

Producing all affiliated Earthdance events that respects and promotes sustainable development and encourages the community to adopt similar practices.

Measuring the Environmental/Social Impact and incorporate monitors to collect accurate information for data analysis in the following areas-
- # of voters registered.
- # of people who participated in local initiatives leading up to the event (i.e. carpool and recycling).
- Amount of money raised for non-profits.
- Tons of CO2 reduced as a result of Earthdance San Diego efforts.
- # of plastic bags and water bottles replaced by reusable items.
- Pounds of waste recycled/composted at event.

Reduce Energy Use as much as possible at all Earthdance affiliated events.

Reduce Waste Generated by implementation of an onsite recycling plan.

Utilize renewable energy sources such as Bio Fuel Generators (on B40 or higher), Wind power to operate low power functions, and solar arrays to deliver a 100% pollution free event.

Promote transportation that utilizes alternative fuel, or bike to the event, or carpool.

Promote the use of eco-friendly papers and inks and printing on paper made from post-consumer recycled fiber. Usage of web-based tools such as email, websites, Myspace, and other social networks to promote the event.

Food and Vendor Stations will utilize corn-based and other eco-friendly resources for plates, utensils, cups/containers, bathroom tissue, paper towels.

Purchase reusable water bottles to sell and have water stations, or purchase water bottles that are made out of eco-friendly products. Recycle veggie oil used to cook food and convert the used oil for biofuel installations/eco-displays.