Irish Dancers Collaborate to “Be the Voice” in Support of Mental Health Awareness

Over 50 Irish dance students from the Washington D. C. area collaborated with Fusion Fighters, to create “Be the Voice”, a dance video raising mental health awareness and support for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

World Champion Mairead Trainor take the leads in "Be the Voice" 

The AFSP is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, through education, community programs, research, and advocacy.

“This year I learned that one of my close friends had been struggling for years with severe depression and thoughts of suicide,” said Sophia Rankin, student of the McGrath Morgan Academy in Maryland/Virginia and an event organizer. 

“My friend stayed silent out of shame and fear of rejection.  I hope with ‘Be the Voice’ we can end the stigma and encourage people to talk about mental health, because it impacts all of us.” 

Sophia was inspired to work develop this project with dancer Shawn Dongieux in support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  

pictured: Shawn and Sophia who hope to end the stigma associated with mental health issues