Here’s a great new initiative from a group of local organizers to show public support for the city’s essential workers during theses challenging times. Italy had songs on balconies, New York City banged on pots and pans, and Philly folks are invited to dance at their doorway. A daily, Philadelphia Doorway Dance Party for Essential Workers kicks off Tuesday, May 5 at 6:30 p.m. and here’s how it works:

The group asks all Philadelphians to gather in their doorway or door area at 6:30 p.m. to dance to the sound of the “Rocky” theme and then “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” the upbeat tune from the Sound of Philadelphia’s “McFadden & Whitehead” (see video below). The group has reached out to local radio stations to play these tunes. So far, two stations, Radio One & iHeart Radio, have agreed to participate in the initiative. 

The organizers’ group consists of local media professionals, artists and award-winning entrepreneurs. Some of them helped put together Philadelphia’s Guinness World Record Soul Train Line, and now they are trying to bring some positivity to Philadelphia block-by-block. Members of the group particularly wanted Philadelphia residents to have an opportunity to pay tribute to not only the city’s healthcare professionals on the front line of the crisis, but to all
of the city’s essential workers who have continued to show up to their workplaces throughout the pandemic.

The group is encouraging all local citizens to join in, and even create their own “Doorway Dance Mix” that includes the two songs. Folks are encouraged to post their “Doorway Dance” moves on social media. Hashtags can include #DoorwayDanceParty and #PhillyEssentialWorkers.