2018 Workshop Schedule | Philadelphia Dance Day

Mark your calendars for a full day of dancing on July 28, 2018!

In an effort to encourage dancers to connect with each other, we’re once again consolidating locations this year. Daytime workshops will be held at just a handful of venues around the city, including the Gershman Y building on Broad Street, where the festivities will continue into the evening with more workshops and the most eclectic, exciting performance showcase you’ve ever seen!

As in past years, please join as many workshops as you like! No need to pre-register, just show up ready to dance. Daytime workshops are free and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive a few minutes early to ensure your spot.

A one-time $10 donation is requested for the evening events and showcase at the Gershman Y, which includes post-performance refreshments. This donation will be collected starting at 5 p.m. For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions.

*Schedule is subject to change, please refer to this site for the most up-to-date information*

Headlong

1170 S Broad Street

Time	Workshop	Description
10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.	Intro to Swing	Start your morning off with some joyful movement! This timeless and upbeat partner dance is a staple in anyone's repertoire, building rhythmic awareness and partner connection. Jazz Attack instructors will break down the foundational movements used in East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop, and have you (lindy-) hopping for joy in no time. No partner or prior experience required.
11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.	Jazz Cardio Fusion	Dive into a progressive choreography infused with jazz, funk and a splash of hip-hip flavor in this nonstop cardio twist on contemporary jazz. Sharpen your coordination and isolation control as you learn each step, then repeat the sequences multiple times to get your heart rate up. Taught by Jody Thigpen of Philly Dance Fitness.
12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.	Mixxedfit®	This high-energy dance fitness program combines boot camp-inspired exercises with explosive dance moves to create an effective, challenging workout. Expect big, exaggerated, full-out movements and lots of sweat! Taught by Chantel Thompson.
1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.	Lyrical Contemporary	Join Natalie Flynn in this contemporary class based in modern jazz with the influence of ballet. You'll focus on strong legwork, releasing the torso, floor work, musicality and grounded movements.
2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.	Urban Dance Party*	Wanna feel fit and fabulous? Then join Allyson and Jacqui for a 45-minute "workout" that's simple and fun but never boring. Unleash your inner diva as you shake, shimmy, and strut your stuff across the dance floor! All levels welcome, no experience needed!
3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.	Belly Dance	Tone your core as you pop,undulate and shimmy muscles you never even knew you had. Dance Day co-chair Roberto Mejia will warm you up with a series of nonstop follow-the-leader routines, then break down hip lifts, undulations, shimmies and other fundamentals of Egyptian style belly dance.
4 p.m. 4:45 p.m.	Body Jam*	This addictive Les Mills cardio program fuses the latest dance styles and hottest new sounds, putting the emphasis as much on having fun as on breaking a sweat. Instructor Christina Sasso will teach you to move with attitude as you build a choreography, so grab a friend, get front and center, and get high on the feeling of dance!

Major Moment Studio

1624 South St.

Time	Workshop	Description
9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.	NIA	Discover the joy of movement in this fusion class that combines movement from dance, martial arts and the healing arts. Bring your mind, body and spirit to find joy in moving your body, your way. Led by licensed NIA instructor Rebecca Narva.
10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.	Bharathanaatyam	Considered to be the highest form of yoga, this classical dance from the temples and courts of South India incorporates discipline of the mind, body and spirit. Known for its powerful footwork, precise hand gestures, sculpturesque poses and dramatic storytelling, Bharathanaatyam gives a window into India’s rich history, philosophy and rhythmical mathematics. Taught by Anita Ranjani, artistic director of Naatya Seva, Conservatory of Indian Classical Performing Arts. No previous Indian dance experience required. Please note that you will be dancing barefoot during this workshop.
11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.	Power Stretch & Sculpt	Elongate and strengthen your entire body with this invigorating combination of yoga, Pilates and dance. Stretch and sweat at the same time. Bring a mat or towel. No need for shoes. Taught by Ash Brightwell of Philly Dance Fitness.
12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.	Musical Theater Dance	Join Kathy Silvestri for a joyful musical theater class intended for more intermediate dancers that will incorporate jazz technique (pirouettes, kicks, jetes, etc.) while staying true to Broadway-inspired choreography and music. Dancers will utilize their performance and stage skills, all while having a blast. Dress for a 40's style swing class!
1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.	Ballet Basics	Build up an understanding and practice of classical ballet in a fun, straightforward approach in this introductory adult class. Kayla Babicki of Philly Dance Fitness will take you through the fundamentals: positions, vocabulary, foundational steps, placement, musicality and more. Wear socks if you don't have ballet slippers.
2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.	Soul Body Barre	This mindfully intense class incorporates both dynamic and isometric movements that work deep into the muscles. Whatever your fitness level, you'll get a great workout as you flow seamlessly through a series of barre exercises led by Christina Sasso.
3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.	Modern Dance	Explore the Horton and Limón techniques while creating a powerful, thought-provoking contemporary piece using flowing movement. Open to all levels. Taught by Miss Philadelphia 2017, Nia Andrews.

The Gershman Y — Levitt Auditorium

401 S. Broad Street

Time	Workshop	Description
10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.	Hip-Hop	This class is an exciting fusion of street, funk, hip-hop and Latin. Expect a total party atmosphere led by Trina Lyons.
11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.	Bolly X*	Rock out in this fitness class inspired by the music and dance of Bollywood, the film industry of India. Experience authentic and exhilarating choreography with upbeat music from around the world that will have you smiling and sweating at the same time. Taught by Deeksha Seth and Teena Varghese of Philly Dance Fitness.
12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.	Lunchtime performance hour	Meet other fellow dance-lovers as you break for lunch and enjoy a half-hour of live "pop-up" performances. Feel free to bring in a bag lunch or take-out from a local restaurant.
1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.	House Party Fitness	The music is pumpin', the bass is pounding and you just don't want this dance party to end! Jam along to the hottest urban music from hip-hop (old and new school), house, top-40, R&B, electronic and reggaeton. In addition to cardio hip-hop routines, class may include resistance training intervals designed to strengthen the arms, lower body and core. Taught by Liz Giraldo and crew.
2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.	American Tribal Style Belly Dance	Experience this classical improvisational tribal bellydance program developed by FatChanceBellyDance®. Paula Phillips, who directs State Street Tribal, Philadelphia's FatChanceBellyDance® "sister studio," will teach "level 1" steps as well as group formations and improvisational cueing.
3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.	Zumba*	Ditch the workout, join the party! Zumba fuses Latin and international rhythms with easy-to-follow steps into a fitness class that feels more like a dance party than a workout. All ages welcome. Led by certified instructors Vonda Pearson, Dyann Paoline, Marsha Fletcher, Rachel Back and Michael D'Ulisse.
4 p.m. 4:45 p.m.	Experimenting with Improvisation	Explore how your body seeks to express itself naturally in this introduction to dance improvisation. You'll start with smaller movements, then gradually move more broadly with varied prompts (traveling, level-change, speed, etc). The workshop will finish with a look into partnered improvisation and a brief "jam" to experiment with the performance aspect of improv. Led by Sean Thomas Boyt.
5 p.m. 5:45 p.m.	National Dance Day Hip-Hop and Pop Master Class*	Warm up with easy-to-follow cardio pop and hip-hop routines, then learn this year's official National Dance Day choreography plus some additional, more challenging progressive combinations if time permits. Open to all ages. Adults must accompany children under age 14. With instructors Ricky Evans and Michelle Krichilsky of Philly Dance Fitness.
6 p.m. 6:45 p.m.	Beginner Salsa	If you love going out and dancing late, salsa is an essential. Learn the basic step, cross-body lead and more in this intro course with Mike Andino of Estilo.
8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.	Performance Showcase*	From ballet to hip-hop to Bollywood, you'll be treated to a kaleidoscope of dance at this hallmark showcase. In addition to instructors and students from participating studios, you'll also see a few pieces from semi-professional dancers. Refreshments will be served following the show.
10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.	Social Dance	Practice what you've learned throughout the day as we close out the night with open dancing. Expect a mix of swing and Latin music with a sprinkling of line dances so that everyone can join in.

The Gershman Y — Room 404

401 S. Broad Street

Time	Workshop	Description
10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.	Creative Movement for Little Dancers (Ages 2.5-5)*	Using creative storytelling and dance games, toddlers will become familiar with the foundations of styles such as ballet, jazz, modern and hip hop. Children will be encouraged to move with confidence and strength; learning and having fun all at once! Taught by Amanda Connor from Nest.
10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.	Hip-Hop for Kids (Ages 6-11)*	Inspired by street dance styles, this class emphasizes rhythm and funky footwork. Parents are welcome to join along, too! Led by Cristina Guzman of CEG Performing Arts Academy.
11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.	Bachata	Learn the basics of this Latin partner dance, then layer in a few spins and you'll be ready to take your skills to the social dance floor in no time. Led by Cristina Guzman of CEG Performing Arts Academy.
12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.	Performance Hour/Lunch Break	Head down to the Levitt Auditorium on the third floor to check out live performances from local instructors and student groups.
1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.	Improvisation*	Explore and enjoy moving together and alone in this all-ages, all-levels workshop that builds on everyday movement, basic elements of movement (time, space, energy and using the body), dance theater games and partnering activities. Toward the end of the session, you'll collaboratively create a short dance to share. Led by Anne-Marie Mulgrew, Artistic Director of Anne-Marie Mulgrew and Dancers, Co.
2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.	Intro to Classical Japanese Dance	Learn the fundamental techniques of Japanese dance with Fujima Nishiki-no (Helen Moss), a licensed teacher of the Soke Fujima style of Nihon buyo.
3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.	Tap Tonic	Stomp, shuffle and spin into shape in this tap fitness program. The steps are basic enough for any beginner, yet fast enough to challenge those with tap experience. Tap shoes are not necessary, but wear them if you have them! With Lee-Ann Doncevic of Philly Dance Fitness.
4 p.m. 4:45 p.m.	Advanced Beginner Tap Technique	Make music with your feet as you review essential tap steps, practice some drills and then piece together short choreographies. Please bring tap shoes. Taught by Pamela Hetherington of Sound Space Studio.
5 p.m. 5:45 p.m.	Beginner Hustle	Join Colleen Cheong and Tomas Delgado from Concierge Ballroom to learn this fun and versatile partner dance style that can be done to anything from disco music to modern pop. Hustle was inspired by both salsa and swing dance. If you enjoy those dances, you will definitely love hustle!
6 p.m. 6:45 p.m.	Striptease	Leave your inhibitions behind during this racy striptease dance class. Warm-up with isolations and follow-the-leader routines to get the heart pumping, then piece together a series of sexy moves to build a hotter-than-hot combination. Ages 18 and up. With Michelle Krichilsky of Philly Dance Fitness.
7 p.m. 7:45 p.m.	West Coast Swing	Groove to contemporary music with this smooth, elastic partner dance style. Greg Avakian and Laurie Zimmerman of University City Swing will teach the basics of this fun, modern social dance.

Note: For any social dancing workshops, no need to bring a partner because you’ll rotate around to practice with everyone.

*Suitable for all-ages. Dancers under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.