Interview with Young Global Leader

The Forum of Young Global Leaders is a community of the world’s most extraordinary leaders who are 40 years old or younger and who are ready to dedicate a part of their time and energy to jointly work towards a better future.

Dennis, what does this nomination mean for Dance4Life?
“It is a resounding confirmation that Dance4Life’s concept works, and that we’re on the right track. After five years of hard work we are recognised on the international stage to be amongst the world’s most extraordinary leaders. I can tell you that all our Dance4Life organisations are honoured and proud of this award.”

And for Dennis Karpes personally?
“It means so much to me, I’ve always known that Dance4Life makes a difference, but now the world’s leaders have acknowledged it. I’m not sure the news has really sunk in, but I’m really excited about having a real opportunity now to talk with important decision makers about Dance4Life and how we can impact the global future.”

Who are the decision makers you refer to?
“Decision makers are people who can use their influence to assist Dance4Life in reaching our goal. We have already had much help from people like Desmond Tutu, Tiësto, and Kofi Annan. Being a Young Global Leader means I am not only part of an amazing community of like-minded people, but it will open doors to other influential people for Dance4Life.”

How do you explain Dance4Life’s success?
“Not only does the Dance4Life concept work, it is a global brand. It appeals to young people all around the world, actively involving them, inspiring and uniting them in pushing back HIV and AIDS. By using music and dance we bring a strong, positive message to young people that together they can halt HIV. The youth participating in our schools projects love Dance4Life, our partners are proud of us, and we receive support from all around the world. We at Dance4Life have dared to dream the impossible, and that dream has become reality.”

What’s coming up next for you and for Dance4Life?
“I now have the opportunity to actively participate and contribute to sessions in world class events and meetings, like the World Economic Forum on Latin America. This will greatly aid my role in developing existing partnerships and identifying new ones for Dance4Life.

2008 is going to be a great year for us. Not only are we taking part in various music events such as the Winter Music Conference in Miami this month, but we will play an important part at the International AIDS Conference in Mexico in August.

There are exciting developments with music, ambassadors, new countries implementing Dance4Life, and the involvement of supporters around the world. The highlight of 2008 will be the Dance4Life Event on 29th November, the finale of Schools4Life in which over 300,000 young people will have participated this year alone.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your invaluable support of Dance4Life and for having made my nomination as Young Global Leader possible.”

Read about this on the Ministry of Sound blog!

back to news overview