A total of 940 children will gather to dance at Troy University’s Veterans Memorial Stadium for a “Day of Dance” in a collaboration between Patti Rutland Jazz and Pike County Schools on April 30. 

The “Day of Dance: One Race, Human” will take place at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium in an effort to deliver a statement about the importance of arts in education and to promote a message of unity. Pike County Schools is sponsoring the event, which was envisioned by longtime dance educator Patti Rutland Simpson as a way to spread the message: “we are living and loving reflections of each other – one race, human.”

Leading up to the event, Pre-K through fifth grade students at Banks School, Pike County Elementary and Goshen Elementary have learned how a single act of kindness can start a ripple effect that benefits generations to come. The students also took part in dance classes and will have a chance to perform for friends and parents at “The Vet.” 

“We are all inherently creative beings,” Simpson said. “Each morning, we wake up to make choices that shape our day, whether it’s selecting our outfit or planning our weekend activities. Creativity drives our lives, and it’s our responsibility to empower the youth by providing them with the tools they need to fulfill their dreams.”

The students will also take the field to honor Simpson’s role in helping to provide arts opportunities in Pike County and the Wiregrass area as she is retiring after 50 years of service. Some of Simpson’s former students include children who grew up to be community leaders, including the first deaf Miss America, Heather Whitestone. 

“I hope my legacy inspires future dancers and teachers to look beyond the confines of the studio,” Simpson shared.” “Factors such as economic background, race, social status, or disabilities should never prevent children from experiencing the joy of dance. In addition to teaching dance, my goal was for children to leave with a sense of confidence and, above all, to know that they are loved. “It fills me with joy to see this powerful message come to life as I am ending my career with the same message in which I began.”

Scholarships for Pike County students are available through funding made available by Pike County Schools, Simpson Charitable Foundation and PRJ Arts and Innovation. Patti Rutland Jazz is located in Brundidge.