BY Ana Figueroa August 13, 2022
Time to read: two minutes
Mayor Lili Bosse is hosting a dance party on August 18 and the whole city is invited. The exuberantly titled “Music and Dance!” The event is the second installment of the Mayor’s signature Mental Wellness Series.
Bosse spoke with the Courier about the inspiration for “Music & Dance!” and why it is so important here and now.
“The last two years have affected all of us, and I am definitely focusing on mental wellness. I find that music affects the soul. It touches us in a way that words cannot, and the dance does too.
I know for myself, if I put on some music in my car or when I’m getting ready for the day, it sets the tone for how I feel. It lifts my spirits and I wanted to do that for the community,” Bosse said.
“Music and dance!” will do just that, with the community coming together to let the music move them. You don’t have to be a “Prom Queen” to “Shake Your Booty” at the event, which takes place from 5 to 7:30 pm outdoors on the Crescent side of City Hall. Acclaimed DJ Keybo, who recently provided a spirited soundtrack for National Night Out, will spin tunes.
“He launched my re-election campaign and the last ‘Walk with the Mayor.’ He really has a great vibe about him, and he’s so accessible and fun,” Bosse said.
Apart from meeting in front of City Hall, the only recommendation is to wear tennis shoes, leave inhibitions at home and, in the words of Lady Gaga, “Just Dance”.
“Listening to a song can remind us of something from our childhood. It happened to me this week, when I heard that Olivia Newton John had passed away. I was thinking about ‘Grease’ and how it was a soundtrack from my youth,” said Bosse.
The Mental Wellness Series kicked off on July 15 on a profoundly powerful note, with international best-selling author and Holocaust survivor Dr. Edith Eger and her daughter, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Marianne Engle. On September 23, Bosse will welcome renowned physician, author, and alternative medicine icon, Dr. Deepak Chopra.
“A lot of these amazing leaders in mental wellness, like Edith or Deepak, they don’t necessarily use music in what they do. I feel that music and dance are essential for mental well-being, which is why I wanted to add that to the show,” said Bosse.
At its core, having fun is good for your mental health, and Bosse plans to lead the way. She also promises that many familiar faces from the city government will also be there. (A video posted on the city’s Facebook page offers a sneak peek at some of the moves city employees will display.)
“The wonderful thing is that we can be together again and we have been apart for so long. It will be a magical moment, and I hope to see all age groups there. I think other cities should consider doing this as well. We could also be the first. We always lead because we are a community of connections. It is going to be a nurturing event for hearts, souls and minds,” said Bosse.
And, to paraphrase Lee Ann Womack’s hit, “When you get a chance to sit or dance,” Bosse expects you to dance.
Mayor’s Mental Health Series: “Music and Dance!”
August 18, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Outdoors on the Crescent side of Beverly Hills City Hall
More information in beverlyhills.org/mentalwellness
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