The 2023 schedule will be posted by early June, but read on for a sense of what’s to come!!!
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. They will be held outdoors at Markward Park and indoors at the Philly Dance Fitness studio in Rittenhouse. Please arrive a few minutes early to get settled in.
Following the workshop lineup, the festival concludes with a capstone evening showcase at Plays & Players Theater on Delancey Street. A one-time $5-10 donation is requested for the show, which includes post-performance refreshments. Save time at the door by making your ticket donation in advance here. Please note that there will be auxiliary air conditioning units and fans at the theater because the central system is undergoing repairs. It should be cooler than outside but the temperature won’t be ideal, so dress accordingly and feel free to bring personal fans. 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.
| Time | Workshop | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. |
Hip-Hop Cardio | Work up a sweat with easy-to-follow hip-hop routines. Taught by Jody Thigpen of Philly Dance Fitness. |
| 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 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. |
| 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. |
Dance Party Boot Camp | This class weaves explosive, athletic exercises into dance routines so you almost forget how hard you’re working. Almost. Join Timaree Schmit of Philly Dance Fitness for this seriously fun, seriously kick-butt High-Intensity Interval Training workout. |
| 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. |
Cardio Dance Party* | Wanna feel fit and fabulous? Join Allyson Kacmarski and Jacqui Sadashige 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! |
| 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.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 an all star team of long-time Zumba instructors: Vonda Pearson, Gloria Li, Marvette Hunter and more special guests. |
| 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 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. |
Philly Dance Fitness — Rittenhouse
1923 Chestnut St, 2nd Floor
| Time | Workshop | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. |
Tap Technique | Make music with your feet as you review essential tap steps, practice some drills and then piece together short choreographies. (Lower level studio). Please bring tap shoes. Taught by Cailey Ryons. |
| 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. |
Bollywood* | Get in a workout as you warm up with several follow-the-leader cardio routines, then learn a short semi-classical combination. Expect lots of big arm movements, shoulder shrugs and hip twists. Taught by Teena Varghese of Philly Dance Fitness. |
| 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.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. |
| 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. |
Argentine Tango | Explore the basic concepts behind tango structure, movement and musicality. Sarah Chung and Damien Lobato lead this challenging and inspiring introduction to Argentine Tango. No partner or prior experience required. |
| 1 p.m. 1:45 p.m. |
Intro to Swing | This timeless and upbeat partner dance is a staple in anyone's repertoire, building rhythmic awareness and partner connection. Lily Kind and Abi Burns of Ragtag Empire & Jazz Attack 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. |
| 2 p.m. 2:30 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 Mishea Clemons of Philly Dance Fitness. |
| 2:30 p.m. 3 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 set to Ariana Grande's "Positions." Ages 18 and up. With Marianna Hunter of Philly Dance Fitness. |
Plays & Players Theater
1714 Delancey Place
| Time | Workshop | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 7 p.m. to 9:30 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. Doors at 7 p.m., show starts at 7:30 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.