In an effort to encourage dancers to connect with each other, daytime workshops will be held at just a handful of venues around the city. The event concludes with a capstone evening showcase at Plays & Players Theater on Delancey Street.
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 get settled in.
A one-time $5-10 donation is requested for the evening showcase at Plays & Players, which includes post-performance refreshments. We respectfully request that audience members wear masks in the auditorium as an extra safety precaution. Save time at the door by making your ticket donation in advance here.
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*
Markward/Taney Park
400 S. Taney St.
Find us on the blacktop between the playground and basketball courts. Note: There may be construction blocking the main entrance to Markward. Please enter the park at 26th & Delancy or 25th & Spruce.
| Time | Workshop | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. |
Hip-Hop Cardio | Work up a sweat with easy-to-follow hip-hop routines. Open to all ages. Taught by Jody Thigpen of Philly Dance Fitness. |
| 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. |
Diva Pop Jazz | Bring on the attitude in this jazz fusion class! Dance through several cardio routines, then take the lead role in your own music video as you learn a progressive choreography and serve it up with a big side of pop star sass! Taught by Jody Thigpen of Philly Dance Fitness. |
| 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. |
Intro to Hoop Dance | You may have spun a hula hoop around your waist, now's your chance to learn some artistic movement with this simple prop! Start with some fundamental off-the-body isolations and transitional moves, then build a short combo. No need to bring a hoop – instructor Marianna Hunter has plenty to lend out during the workshop. |
| 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. |
Zumba* | 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 Deborah Hirsch, Marianna Hunter, Shannan Reese and more special guests. |
| 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. |
FatChanceBellyDance® | This improvisational belly dance program fuses folkloric styles from many countries. Paula Phillips, who directs State Street Dancers, Philadelphia's FatChanceBellyDance® "sister studio," will teach "level 1" steps as well as group formations and improvisational cueing. |
| 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
Cruiser Movers (Ages 1-7)* | Get ready to dance and cruise in this exciting movement class filled with fun creative games and activities! Discover new ways to move and groove with Mr. Billy & Mr. Jason of Sandcastle Fun Co. |
| 12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. |
FitKizomba | Feel the romantic flow of the Kizomba rhythm from Angola in this muscle-engaging, low-impact dance fitness format. Come prepared for lots of lower body isolations! Taught by Shannan Reese. |
| 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 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. |
| 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. |
Experimenting with Improvisation | Explore how your body seeks to express itself naturally. 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. |
| 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.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. |
| 3:30 p.m. 4 p.m. |
Solo Swing | Learn how to rock out to big band music even without a partner. Explore steps from line dances like the shim sham and experiment with improvising new moves. Led by volunteers from Jazz Attack. |
| 4 p.m. 4:30 p.m. |
Intro to Swing | 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, and have you (lindy-) hopping for joy in no time. No partner or prior experience required. |
Philly Dance Fitness — Rittenhouse
1923 Chestnut St, 2nd Floor
| Time | Workshop | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 12:15 p.m. to 1 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. |
| 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. |
Cardio Dance Party* | Wanna feel fit and fabulous? Join Allyson Kacmarski for a "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! |
| 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
Jazz | Join Kayla Babicki for this joyful fusion class incorporating jazz technique (pirouettes, kicks, jetes, etc.) along with cardio! Jazz or dance shoes preferred, but sneakers will work as well. |
| 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. |
Ballet Combos | After a quick warm-up, learn some fun center floor combinations suitable for any level. Wear socks if you don't have ballet slippers. Led by Kayla Babicki of Philly Dance Fitness. |
| 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. |
Bhangra | Get in a workout as you practice the basics of this high energy Indian dance style originating from the state of Punjab. Expect lots of big movements, shoulder shrugs and high knees. Instructor Devika Gupta has trained in Indian classical dance and was the captain of her college Bollywood and Bhangra dance teams. |
Plays & Players Theater
1714 Delancey Place
| Time | Workshop | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. |
Performance Showcase* | From ballet 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. As an extra safety precaution, we ask audience members to wear face masks while watching the show. Doors at 5 p.m., show starts at 5:30 p.m. Save time at the door by making your ticket donation in advance here. |
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.