Dance for the Dogs
Get ready to dance for a great cause! The Pittsburgh Equality Center and Harmony Dog Rescue present Dance-for-the-Dogs, where every step you take helps support rescue efforts and veterinary care for our four-legged friends. We will celebrate music, movement, community and compassion.  
When:
Saturday, July 11th
Time:
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Use the Donate button below to purchase a ticket or donate to the event.
How it works
You can participate solo or team up with friends, family or coworkers to make an even bigger impact. Dancers collect pledges from sponsors, who either give a flat donation or pledge a certain amount based on how long the dancer keeps moving. There will be individual and team prizes for whoever raises the most money! The goal is to keep dancing for as long as possible.
  1. Who can participate?
    Anyone can join! All ages and skill levels are welcome. No dance experience needed.
  2. Will the event be accessible?
    We want Dance for the Dogs to be welcoming and accessible for all participants and guests. The venue will include accessible entry, space for wheelchair users and mobility devices, seating near the dance floor for those who need breaks, and a quieter area for anyone who needs a sensory break. Written or digital copies of any key announcements can be made available when possible.
  3. Can I participate alone, or do I need a team?
    You can do either! Participants may sign up as individuals or create or join a team with friends, family, coworkers, or community members. Individuals and teams can both fundraise and participate in the dancing.
  4. Do I have to dance the entire time?
    We encourage you to dance as much as you can, but breaks are absolutely okay. The goal is to have fun while supporting two great causes.
  5. What should I wear?
    Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can dance in. Feel free to get creative, show your Pride, or coordinate outfits with your team.
  6. Can spectators attend?
    Yes! Friends, family, and community members are welcome to attend, cheer on the dancers, and support the cause. There is no required spectator fee, but donations are encouraged to support Pittsburgh Equality Center and Harmony Dog Rescue. An optional, suggested donation of $10 is welcome.
  7. How does the fundraising work?
    For those who want to dance, there is a $10 entry fee. Teams and individuals then collect pledges from sponsors, who can donate by the number of hours danced or make a flat donation.
  8. Where does the money go?
    All proceeds go toward furthering the missions of the Pittsburgh Equality Center and Harmony Dog Rescue.
  9. Will there be any prizes?
    Yes! The team that raises the most money and the team with the highest number of individual pledges will each be recognized.
Have additional questions?
Please email info@harmonydogrescue.org for more information.
Why Harmony Dog Rescue and Pittsburgh Equality Center?
Studies show that Queer individuals are more likely to own pets than their non-queer counterparts. Many queer individuals consider pets as their "chosen family." These pets often provide the unconditional love and non-judgmental support that can be lacking from home environments.

Ultimately, this relationship is a source of strength and comfort in a world that still looks at LGBTQA folks with suspicion. Pets also provide support and companionship for people experiencing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. LGBTQA folks experience higher rates of mental health challenges than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Pet ownership can improve well-being and support for all individuals, not just those in the LGBTQA community.

Harmony Dog Rescue works to keep pets with their people. We are not just an animal welfare organization, we serve vulnerable people. We understand the unique human-animal bond that is so essential to individuals and families experiencing a crisis. We also celebrate the arts, especially theater and dance, where individuals can freely express themselves.

We thought this event would be a great opportunity for our two organizations to come together not only to educate and inform, but also to celebrate. Dogs are a source of joy and happiness for people. Dance fulfills this same function, therefore we love the intersection of dogs and dance.