Strobe lights will flash and teenagers of various ages will bounce in unison to the beat of the music. The dancers will have one common bond: they support teen suicide prevention.
Umttr, a teen suicide prevention organization, is hosting an under-21 dance party on Wednesday, Dec. 23 at the Fillmore Silver Spring at 8:15 p.m. to raise awareness and educate the community on suicide prevention.
“The goal of this dance is to unite teens and a large group of people,” said DJ Elan Arnowitz, junior at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School. “We are creating an environment where kids can have fun and dance with their friends for a good cause.”
The idea originated when Arnowitz approached Umttr Leader Susan Rosenstock in late August. He said this was an effective way to promote awareness because of the unifying power of music.
“It’s just so widespread: music applies to so many different people that you never know who you are going to be dancing next to because they could be completely different from you,” Arnowitz said. “Music is so global, and it’s magical in that it creates a common thread between people.”
To make the night come alive there will be an Oscar-like red carpet and a place to take pictures along with several different performers including DJ Arno, DJ Chris Styles, rapper Jahn Rome, celebrity guests and NBA basketball players.
Students will also be able to take a pledge to learn the five signs of suicide: personality change, agitation, withdrawal, poor self-care and hopelessness. By pledging, teens will also agree to educate a chosen amount of people about teen suicide prevention.
Rosenstock said she is expecting around 500-600 students to attend the the event.
Because this is the first dance that Umttr is hosting, they don’t have an overall fundraising goal. Buying tickets for the dance online is a minimum $10 donation while buying tickets at the door requires at least $15 donated.
Rosenstock believes the best part of the night will be the atmosphere of kids helping kids.
She said the most important part of this event is to unify teens and to spread awareness of teen suicide prevention.
“You guys don’t want to lose another friend,” she said. “The pain changes your life forever.”
