National Dance Day, a grassroots movement taking place on Saturday, July 31 that encourages the people of this nation to get up and move, is being recognized with an official act of Congress. Created by Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer and co-creator of the hit FOX series SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE and founder of the Dizzy Feet Foundation, the aim of National Dance Day is to promote health and self-esteem through the art form of dance.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), a long-time proponent of healthy lifestyles, will introduce a National Dance Day resolution at a press conference on Saturday, July 31 in Washington, D.C., to promote dance education and physical fitness across the U.S.
In January, Congresswoman Norton introduced the Lifelong Improvements in Food and Exercise (LIFE) Act to promote exercise and diet changes. Norton’s LIFE bill directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be a lead agency in combating obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
“More than 30 percent of Americans are obese, and childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years,” said Norton. “Television shows such as SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE are not only entertaining but are also encouraging people to live a physically active lifestyle. Holding a National Dance Day in the nation’s capital is a terrific way to promote fitness and fight obesity.”
Additionally, Congresswoman Norton will host her own National Dance Day flash mob on the National Mall (between 3rd St & 4th St SW) from 1:00-5:00 PM featuring local dance enthusiasts, representatives from dance schools and organizations and former SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE finalists.
“National Dance Day does not ‘belong’ to any single corporation, television show or charity,” said Lythgoe. “It belongs to the people. It will be up to the individuals, corporations and charities of this country to come up with ways to take part – wherever they may be and whatever their motivation: whether it’s to lose weight, raise money for a nonprofit or just have fun. It is my hope that countless exciting dance ideas will come to fruition on National Dance Day, like the world’s longest conga line in Miami or the world’s longest kick line in front of Radio City Music Hall or scores of breakdancers taking over the Venice boardwalk. The sky is the limit.”
>> RSVP now on Facebook and share your videos, photos, or comments describing how you plan to celebrate the day!
Comments
59 comments on “National Dance Day Being Recognized with Official Act of Congress“
Stephanie - wrote:
Let me first say that I absolutely love the show. I have been a fan since the very first season. I have been amazed at how the show has transformed dancers from their genre into more than I’m sure they ever thought they could do or be. I love that this show has made them become more versatile in their dancing.
With that said, I have to say that I was so disappointed with the decision that was made not to send anyone home last night. It’s a bitter/sweet decision. Sweet because it gives them all an opportunity to have another chance next week yet bitter becasue we will lose two dancers next week; one of which could be going home only because of the decision that was made this week.
As great of a dancer that Billy is, I think he should have been eliminated from the competion. Not solely because he was in the bottom three but because Billy gave up on himself last week and allowed that to push him to the decision not to dance this week. I think that Billy has been so used to getting complimented on his brilliance (and rightly so), that he cannot handle rejection. After being in the bottom three more than once, when Billy danced for his life last week, you can see that he had given up. There was no passion or commitment to his solo. When presented with the challenge of “stepping” this week, I believe that he just didn’t think he could do it so he opted not to dance even after the doctor had cleared him to dance. How do you just choose not to dance and yet remain in the competition? I don’t think that was fair to the other dancers and next week someone may have to pay for that decision.
~A Committed fan
7/23/2010 9:21 AM UTC
S.CROSBY - wrote:
BEING THAT THEY HAVE ALL STARS ON THE SHOWFOR THE FINALETHEY SHOULD HAVE ALL THE PAST WINNERS DO A DANCE ROUTINE.
7/23/2010 9:41 AM UTC
Elokius - wrote:
got to love it, got to love it, get me dancing shoes out and hope it spreads like wildfire round the earth, have it beome a global dance day by the time kids of all ages pick up on the magic of dance
7/23/2010 11:13 AM UTC
DancingFeet - wrote:
When will 2011 Audition information be released?!?
7/23/2010 11:36 AM UTC
Lisa P. - wrote:
I LOVE THE SHOW!! I’m just sorry I have missed all the previous seasons. I didn’t know. But thanks to my friend I am a loyal viewer! I enjoy everything about SYTTCD; from the contestants(and their amazingly beautiful talent) to the judges to the set. Is dance like music–it moves you? If so, than I HAVE BEEN MOVED!! Simply spectacular.
7/23/2010 1:06 PM UTC
jim - wrote:
I think it was horrible that an African American man was writhing around on stage with chains on. It was racist
7/23/2010 5:48 PM UTC
Laurie's Laughoholic Club - wrote:
I am doing my Dance Day Marathon in honor of my mom. She loved this show and we all discussed and voted every week. She would be so thrilled that I am participating in this fabulous event. We all need to take care of our bodies more….I am a loyal fan since the beginning.. Love what you are doing, keep up the good work!
7/23/2010 8:31 PM UTC
Janene Jaynes - wrote:
I love this article, it is exactly what we need as a Nation. Utah is so proud be be a part of this, and we have added so many degrees of how dance can effect ones life. This includes a two hour Zumba Fest. Zumba is a world wide craze in the fitness world. It doesn’t matter if you have never danced, it doesn’t matter how fit you are. It encourages you to get up and join the party. It has swept Utah and we are seeing people every day be effected in such positive ways. Some who never would have thought they would like exercise are now Zumba Fanatics. Plus dance performances, dance offs, ect. And to top it off profits will go to the Dizzy Feet Foundation, and Local Utah Dance Organizations that support other venues such as efforts towards Haiti and Shriners Hospitals!
7/23/2010 9:29 PM UTC
Dianna - wrote:
I am appalled at Mia Michaels’ comments, especially when she was terrible with Ade Chike 2 weeks ago. I could have cried for Ade. Her apology was too little too late.
Then telling Kirk his facial expressions take away from his performance, and the choreographer.
They should get another judge
7/24/2010 2:28 AM UTC
Elizabeth - wrote:
I’m so excited for National Dance Day! I own a dessert cafe in Oklahoma City and we actually hired the best dj to come out that night and our staff is all geared up to dance the night away! Some of us are planning on learning Tabitha & Napoleon’s dance!
7/24/2010 9:13 AM UTC
Yolanda - wrote:
I love the show all the way around. I am participating in celebrating the National Dance Day on Saturday, July 31st. I teach Nia and love to Dance. We will be dressing up and Hooping it up at Preimer Lady in Austin, Texas, Love what you all do!
7/24/2010 12:38 PM UTC
elise - wrote:
how do i post my dance
7/24/2010 11:50 PM UTC
Mona F - wrote:
i have notice for the last three years Mia Michaels has been very critical towards the black dancers. Why??????
7/25/2010 4:02 AM UTC
john - wrote:
I saw a show where Mia Michaels, one of the judges, made the comment that a male dancer’s performance was “not masculine enough.” I’ve wondered what Ms. Michael’s precise definition of masculine enough is?
Sincerely
7/25/2010 5:05 AM UTC
Gia - wrote:
Just wanted to say even though I am Canadian I shall be joining in on National Dance Day as our city is hosting the 7th Annual VEMF (Victoria Electronic Music Festival). This means lots of British Columbians dancing outside City Hall from 12-10pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Last year there were over 15,000 people.
http://www.vemf.ca/
Anyway, just wanted to commend you on what you are doing. Dance is an awesome form of expression that just warms your heart and soothes the soul. Keep on promoting dance. =)
7/25/2010 9:02 AM UTC
adam - wrote:
I would like the dance numbers get away from ballet and ambiguous tapestry.
7/25/2010 10:30 AM UTC
Sahara - wrote:
They should have all the dancers perform the hip hop dance choreographed by Nappy Tabs! I learned it and I wanna do it with them!
7/25/2010 1:30 PM UTC
Shelby Bennett - wrote:
I have been an avid fan of this show since season one. Throwing in an extra season this past fall was a mistake and I wondered what the coming of the summer season would bring. I am so unhappy with the changes. From not having guest judges each week giving the performers their insight to only having a top ten line-up, extended to 11 for whatever reason…..I just don’t know that I will continue to tune in. The routines this past week were all a disappointment. I am seriously considering not bothering to watch anymore. It makes me sad, because my life seems to revolve around the shows I like to watch at night…..which in itself is sad, I know…..so I would hate to give this one up. But it looks as if I might.
7/25/2010 2:15 PM UTC
Felicia Lafuente - wrote:
Studio 57 in Lubbock, Texas is hosting a FREE Zumba in the park for Saturday’s National Dance Day. We will be doing a Kids Zumba, Adult Zumba, and even TurboKick!!! I’m a Zumba Instructor and love having people come up to me and tell me how much fun they have doing Zumba and then coming back and saying how much weight they have lost and how great they feel. Zumba love, keep dancing!!!
7/25/2010 7:12 PM UTC
Renee - wrote:
The show results were BS. Billy should’ve been kicked off. He didn’t dance because he lost confidence in himself, I dont believe it was because his knee and neither do the doctors. The judges decision to give him another chance is not fair. The other 2 bottom guys are putting in work and giving it their all and that was a slap in the face. I still remember his Krumpin routine, where all the judges gave him a pass for his sub par effort and performance because he was out of his genre and then the Asian ballerina (cant remember his name) came out and killed the Hip Hop routine, which for me just highlighted the lack of ability and commitment of Billy Bell.
7/25/2010 7:13 PM UTC
Andrea - wrote:
Can’t wait to perform nappytab’s routine at my WEDDING this weekend! Love it!
7/25/2010 8:52 PM UTC
nathan - wrote:
Utah is on board to celebrate this event on July 31. Find out more by going to the website. http://www.nationaldancedayutah.org
7/25/2010 9:04 PM UTC
Amanda B. - wrote:
OK JUDGES….LISTEN UP!!! You think that the curse of season 7 is all the injuries befalling the dancers?! HA! I have some better cadidates as to why this season is going down the tubes fast. I have been a loyal enthusiatic viewer for 5 seasons now. From watching this show, I have learned to love all forms of dance. I have laughed. I have cried. I have been moved to many different emotions through the show. However, this year my most consistant emotion has been anger.
My first and most constant issue this season has been…you guessed it, Jose. With the exception of the B-Boy routine he did with Dominic, Jose has been terrible in every routine he has danced in. I would have thought that the judges would have realized this by now, but they seem to all get high off his smile. When did this show become renamed into “So You Think You Have A Nice Enough Smile/Personality To Make The Judges Forget You Can’t Dance To Save Your Life?” This leads me to a week ago,when Jose was given a dance from the musical Chicago. Nigel proceeded to get upset with the choreographer for not giving Jose a routine where he could show his supposed captivating smile and personality. Well, sure Nigel….let’s just make the dance routine fit the dancer, rather than the dancer fit the dance routine! That makes much more sense…
The Jose issue leads me right into the problem I have with Mia’s comments. Mia, your choreography is pure genius. I have loved almost every routine you have created, but you are meant to be behind the camera. The judges are meant to give the dancers CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. Alex, being injured that week, was unable to perform the Bollywood dance he was supposed to do with Adechike. After Adechike gave what I believed was an incredible performance, Mia commented that she “missed Alex.” How is Adechike supposed to improve with that comment?! In fact, it was just as bad as if you had said that Adechike was a nothing and a nobody. You just disguised it by using the term “doughnut hole.” The judges proceeded by criticising Adechike for putting an African spin on the dance. Even Cat was quick to point out that you had only recently praised Jose for doing the same thing in one of his performances. Mia, you may have felt better for apologizing to Adechike, but your apology was too little too late. I doubt you would have apologized at all if it hadn’t been for the hundreds of outraged postings placed on this website.
This past week’s fiasco was the last straw. Before I get into that, were you judges watching the same Step routine with Twitch and Kent as I was? You all praised Kent for his performance. I saw it below mediocore at best. Twitch seemed to have to actually slow down his own pace in order for Kent to keep up. Adam, Kent wasn’t even close to schooling Twitch in that dance. Mia, if Kent ever does win the competition, it will have been because all the girls from 8 – 15 years old spent all night calling in votes for Kent cause they think he is cute. It will have nothing to do with his skill, or rather lack thereof, as a dancer. The results show only infuriated me more. So, Billy’s doctors cleared him to dance, and yet he chose to take the week off. Well, that really shows his determination in winning this competition… It is unfair to the other dancers seeing as Billy will be more rested and got a free pass to compete for another week. I agree with what one girl posted. Billy, seeing as he was in the bottom 3 last week, probably got so scared about his Stepping routine that he decided to sit out for a week. If Billy was an ice hockey player playing in the Stanley Cup Finals and chose to sit out for a game even though he was cleared by the doctors, you bet your butt the coach would bench his for the rest of the series. I hope you start making changes soon.
7/25/2010 9:17 PM UTC
kim - wrote:
where i the dance party in orlando florida
7/26/2010 6:48 AM UTC
kim - wrote:
@AMANDA YOU SAID A MOUTH FULL, I LOVE IT,I HOPE EVERYONE IS LISTENING………U GO GIRL
7/26/2010 6:55 AM UTC
Linda Paterson - wrote:
I am still ticked at Mia Michaels comments about Adecheke. Those negative jabs hurt me to hear them, I can’t imagine what they did to Adecheke. Mia you should be ashamed of yourself! To say that you really miss Alex should have been kept to yourself and not included in your assessment of Adechekes routine. We need more judges like beautiful Adam Schankmann.
7/26/2010 7:46 AM UTC
Roslyn - wrote:
I loved seeing the ballet dancers and wonder why isn’t that a genre that they have to dance in. I would much rather see that than Polynesian or Russian dancing and would actually be more useful for the dancers. Why has there only been one female ballet dancer and yet many Hip/hop dancers? Shouldn’t training be rewarded.
What is up with the camera work this year! The basic problem with the camera work is that it is not choreographed for the individual dances. Movement of the camera for the sake of movement does not show off the choreography and the dancers to their best advantage. Since the choreography is meant to be seen from the front why are we getting behind and side angles, and then missing some of the important moves. The worst was the boys Pas a Double – I think you needed a wide angle lens for this or at the least a camera rehearsal. Watch some of the old Fred Astaire movies, esp. since he like to do them in one-shots and there was a flow from beginning to end.
7/26/2010 12:43 PM UTC
Patti Bullock - wrote:
JCC/Boynton Bch, Fla – from 1:30 – 4:30 PM on Saturday — Dance Lessons & Open dancing to include — Zumba, Soul Line Dance, Line Dance, Israel Dance. We are already expecting over a 100 participants!!!
7/26/2010 12:49 PM UTC
Alie - wrote:
I’m from Toronto, and I was wondering if there were any special events regarding Dance Day outside of the States. I’m also in a dance camp all week, and I was thinking that we could film a dance for Dance Day. Does anyone know if they’re accepting videos outside of the US?
Thanks!
7/26/2010 1:42 PM UTC
Caroline - wrote:
Ok. I am looking for an answer. Am I the only one who noticed that Jose was not in the opening jazz routine last week? What’s up? I don’t believe it was Billy’s knee that made him give up. I think the judges have broken his heart. I am disheartened by the unfair praise that Jose gets and the cruel harsh criticism others get. How can these kids endure it. I also don’t feel that Billy has been given the choreography to shine. This season has broken my heart as well. i feel ready to give up on the show as well. I think I understand Billy. This show isn’t worth it anymore. ” So You Think You Can Smile” isn’t the show for you. Go and dance where you can be appreciated for your talent.
7/26/2010 3:31 PM UTC
carys - wrote:
I am so hoping Billy will come through this week and get the choreography that will alow his talent to shine through. His technique is amazing but he is also filled with passion-re his solo in Vegas last year. I want to see him coming out fighting with everything he’s got.
Please don’t let us down, Billy, we’ve waited such a long time for you.
Don’t worry about the judges and what they say, just do what is within you.
7/27/2010 9:44 AM UTC
sunshine - wrote:
This season has been such a disappointment for so many reasons.
Although it is fun to see the old alum dance again, it’s just not the same competition without the ‘new’ couples bonding in the beginning and you getting to fall in love with the competitors and their chemistry and unity with one another as couples.
It’s also very distracting to try to judge the new individual dancers, when they’re dancing with the alums – cuz it’s hard not to hone in on your favs from the past seasons instead of focusing on the new dancers’ skills.
It’s also lame that with the new voting changes, there’s not an equal number of boys and girls left to compete this way either.
To make it more fair, instead of the distraction of pairing contestants up with past dancers, they should have only changed the rule where the whole couple has to go home if just one of them did poorly.
Instead you would vote just two contestants out each week – one boy and one girl – like before, but not like the past seasons where if one person in the couple did badly – the whole couple was voted off.
They would still have couples, but the vote would be for individuals.
This just makes much more sense than reducing the number of contestants down so you can make room for the alumni dancers.
In the meantime, I’m more than frustrated, along with the rest of the posters here… JOSE NEEDS TO GO HOME!
Yeah, sure, he’s cute and sweet – but like someone already said, this isn’t “So You Have a Cute Smile” contest! I just don’t get it!
Jose isn’t even that great in his own genre! There have been B-boys who could spin circles around Jose… It’s just so frustrating to hear the judges making excuses for his lack of talent and experience – and if I hear one more time how his ‘soul shines through’, I’m gonna puke!
And PLEASE we’re begging you… Mia is a genius choreographer – but she’s just so flakey and harsh and RUDE as a judge. I wanna shoot myself in the head everytime it’s her turn to blather on at the judge’s table. sometimes I literally mute her so I don’t have to hear her vally-girl voice go on and on about Jose’s ‘beautiful spirit’ and then rag on and on about Kent’s ‘facial expressions’… Not to mention her excruciatingly inconsiderate comments about Adecheke. Sometimes she’s so far out in lala land, you have no idea what in the heck she’s talking about at all!
Send back Mary and the hot tomale train any day!
Please give us our old SYTYCD back next season – these changes are ruining a perfect show that didn’t need any ‘fixing’!
7/27/2010 11:01 AM UTC
Rita Keltner - wrote:
Aki’s Ballroom Dance Studio, in Fort Myers Florida is hosting a Friday Night Dance Party Blowout…….spreading the word that it is National Dance Day. Come out for a great night of dance.
There will be special pro performances. And a sneak peek at the new documentary film “Toe to Heal” which follows the journey of individuals who have overcome a personal, emotional, psychological or physical experience by healing through dance.
7/28/2010 8:47 AM UTC
BenilraC - wrote:
Ok, so there is a lot of hate and whatnot on here. I agree with a lot of those comments though, unfortuantely we don’t really get a say. Last week top 6 Jose or Billy should have gone home. This season is the most messed up and the most “cursed”. really? that is just ridiculous. This season, not the best but its not as bad as season 6…that was just a disappointment..
7/28/2010 12:56 PM UTC
TiffanyC - wrote:
I am starting to feel that this show is fixed…I have to agree with most of yall BRING MARY BACK!!!!! Just because Mia won some emmys do not mean she should be a judge!!! Having her as a judge was like having Tom Cruise wife dance on the show…what was her name again??? I feel so bad because I really loved this show ever since season 1 because this show started out as a show for the viewers to pick our favorite dancer not for the judges to try to change our minds for their favorites!!! And really how could Nigel not know that Jose was not in the Thursday routines???? COME ON NOW ITS YOUR SHOW DUH!!!! I really do think this will be the last season I watch…this is turing into another american idol….A LET DOWN!
7/28/2010 11:25 PM UTC
Balet-dancer from Sweden - wrote:
Hi to all you out there!
This is a dance greeting all the way from sweden!
I just want to say that Dance Day has reached me all the way up here, and the show is being broadcasted over here too. On Saturday I’ll be dancing for sure, and I’m going to convince my friends to dance too.
P.S Here’s the most useful sentence in swedish:
Jag älskar att dansa! = I love to dance!
7/29/2010 11:19 AM UTC
Margaret Wagner - wrote:
Celebrate National Dance Day on 7/31/10 with ecstatic dance: Gabrielle Roth’s 5Rhythms movement meditation practice. Using music from around the world, we dance freestyle through Flowing (letting things in), Staccato (expressing ourselves clearly), Chaos (letting go), Lyrical (lightening up) and Stillness (letting be). Put your feet in the beat every Saturday morning at Dance Theater Workshop, 219 W. 19th Street, between 7th and 8th Aves., New York City, 10am to noon, $15; full-time students with valid ID, $10.
7/29/2010 11:46 AM UTC
National Dance Day | Rochester Arts Blog | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - wrote:
[...] One thing, maybe. A national day devoted to dance! Thanks to the expansive marketing efforts of SYTYCD, they’ve promoted a grassroots National Dance Day, taking place this Saturday (July 31st) and even Congress is recognizing it by shaking some booty on the National Mall. [...]
7/29/2010 3:19 PM UTC
amanda - wrote:
i think this is such a cool and different movement that will benefit America
7/29/2010 5:49 PM UTC
amanda - wrote:
I love to dance and i am so glad that congress recognized this movement
7/29/2010 5:51 PM UTC
Marella - wrote:
WORKSHOP IN PHOENIX!!!!
12PM-4PM
CHECK OUT
danceday.yolasite.com
7/29/2010 10:07 PM UTC
Debi - wrote:
I have to say, I do not understand many of you people. First of all, it is Adecheke who should have been gone a long time ago (& I am BY NO MEANS A RACIST). He cannot dance his way out of a paperbag! I agree about Jose, he only has one genre & is mediocre at best. I totally disagree about Billy. He is far superior to both Adecheke & Jose. Finally, I ABSOLUTELY disagree about Mia. I think she is a great judge. She “tells it like it is”, sort of like Simon in Idol. I there is nothing wrong with her voice. When I came back to SYTYCD after a couple of years, I was so happy to see that she was gone. Anyone who enjoyed her schreechy voice, screaming & shreeking laugh, well, I guess, to each their own. Adam is so sweet, he can hardly say a bad thing about anyone. Then, Nigel, who has geen great from the beginning, also gives praise and/or criticism as deserved. Also, the opening dance Mia choreographed last night was phenominal. I did not want it to end. Personally, I am enjoying this season very much. SYTYCD, don’t change a thing!
7/30/2010 3:57 PM UTC
LINDA SHERMAN - wrote:
I will not miss Mia Michaels as a judge, and I hope she is not there next year. She is a better choreographer than she is a judge. She is cruel and wierd in her explanations to the dancers. Get rid of her!!!
7/31/2010 10:13 AM UTC
LINDA SHERMAN - wrote:
LOVE THE NEW FORMAT WITH THE ALL STARS DANCING ALSO. FEEL IT IS A WIN, WIN SITUATION FOR BOTH THE NEW DANCERS AND THE ALL STARS. THEY NEED TO WORK AND THIS SHOWS US THE POSSIBILITIES. I DO WONDER WHAT HAPPENS TO THE DANCERS AFTER THE SHOW
7/31/2010 10:15 AM UTC
Get Your Groove on It’s National Dance Day! – Tonic - wrote:
[...] not belong to any single corporation, television show or charity,” said Lythgoe according to the SYTYCD blog. “It belongs to the people. It will be up to the individuals, corporations and charities of this [...]
7/31/2010 10:32 AM UTC
Get Your Groove on It’s National Dance Day! – Tonic | Muratayumi.com - wrote:
[...] not belong to any single corporation, television show or charity,” said Lythgoe according to the SYTYCD blog. “It belongs to the people. It will be up to the individuals, corporations and charities of this [...]
7/31/2010 10:54 AM UTC
Get Your Groove on It’s National Dance Day! – Tonic | RifaMedia NewsPaper - wrote:
[...] not belong to any single corporation, television show or charity,” said Lythgoe according to the SYTYCD blog. “It belongs to the people. It will be up to the individuals, corporations and charities of this [...]
7/31/2010 11:14 AM UTC
Get Your Groove on It’s National Dance Day! | WorldHalt.com | World News | Latest World News | Latest World Events | Top World News | Breaking News | Top Headlines - wrote:
[...] not belong to any single corporation, television show or charity,” said Lythgoe according to the SYTYCD blog. “It belongs to the people. It will be up to the individuals, corporations and charities of this [...]
8/1/2010 10:14 AM UTC
National Dance Day celebration on the National Mall « Social Grace - wrote:
[...] Norton of DC. (My Congresswoman! Who still can’t vote, but does great work anyway.) Norton introduced a resolution in Congress declaring July 31st officially National Dance Day and presented Nigel with a plaque of thanks from Congress for increasing awareness of dance as an [...]
8/2/2010 1:24 PM UTC
Dance Dance…and DRUMS « Nikki’s Spot - wrote:
[...] a comment » Wow! My dancing feet really got some action this weekend. In celebration of National Dance Day I attended some free workshops at Dance Fabulous – a drop in studio here in Madison. I tried [...]
8/3/2010 2:55 PM UTC
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