The Double D Movement

Dancers for Democracy: LET IT HANG!
Did you know your dancing was supporting people who are actively working to demolish the NEA, unions, and Planned Parenthood? Lycra®, one of our beloved faux fibers, is manufactured by INVISTA, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, owned by the infamous Koch Brothers.* How can we run our State Representatives ragged to stop the cuts when we are accidentally funding the campaigns to enact them? Swear off the Lycra®! I know it seems like a random thing, a "few dancers and yoginis swearing off Lycra®," but together we have an incredible reach and cultural impact.

 

Think of all the dance competitions locally, globally and televised. That's a LOT of Lycra®. There is also an incredible influence of Yoga on today's fashion styles. TJ Max is seething with Lycra®-infused tops and bottoms, not to mention undies and bras. And let's be honest, these items tend to give us headaches and rashes. Save your bodies, save your democracy, and save the environment: boycott Lycra®.

Besides, this might be the extra push you need to walk more, change your eating habits and love the skin you're in!

Yes, this is scary, and likely heart-wrenching, especially if you remember the days of polyester, but this is important. Besides, we are only asking that you stop buying new gear. You can swap, you can go to used clothing stores, but no you cannot accept gifts of new outfits; that would be cheating.

If you want to go radical, toss it all out, or make very funny stuffed "animals," write to your favorite brand, like say, um, Lululemon or Danskin, and ask them to invest in finding a high performance fabric to use that does not include Lycra. As a matter of fact, let's just call our beloved dance wear brands and ask if they have apparel without Lycra. That would be a good way to start.

Lululemon has a fabric education page (of course they do) but let's call to make absolutely sure...phone: 1.877.263.9300 ext. 2 or phone: 1.604.215.9300

Danskin does not have fabric care page and if you bought their gear from Wal-Mart, you have to call a completely different number. Whoa. Here is the corporate number and email Toll Free: 1-877-443-2121
Email: edanskin@danskin.com

Think about it: are there alternative fibers and designs that we have been ignoring out of habit?

Now who can get this message out to their mass mediated patrons/clients/agents? Can we reach into SYTYCD? Can you figure out how to enlist your students in a campus-based viral campaign? Can you host a bra top sewing party? What ways can you support your body without Lycra? Make a video and post! Create a postcard for us to hang in dance studios everywhere! Keep a blog journal of a day without Lycra®--this might be devestating if you are a Vickies fan ;-< but worth the drama! record your call to the apparell companies. You can send them all to editor [at] afrological [dot] com. If they aren't too lewd, they will be posted. Spread the word. 

Let 'em bounce. Let'em fly. Let it all hang out.

Boycott LYCRA®. Join the Double D Movement. Dance for Democracy.

 

 

*I posted an earlier note about these two gentleman if you are not aware who they are and what they have been up to, especially in Wisconsin, where there is a citizen occupation of the state house.