2023 Workshop Schedule – Philadelphia Dance Day

The 2024 Schedule will be posted by end of May. Check out this lineup from 2023 for an idea of what’s to come this summer!

Join as many workshops as you like! No need to pre-register, just show up ready to dance. Workshops are FREE and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. They will be held indoors at the Philly Dance Fitness studio in Rittenhouse (1923 Chestnut St, 2nd floor, above the Trek bike shop). Please arrive a few minutes early to sign a waiver and get settled in. Important note: Due to excessive heat advisories, the sessions originally slated to be held outdoors at Greenfield School playground have been moved inside. Special thanks to Focus Barre & Yoga, located in the same Chestnut Street building, for allowing us to hold some of these sessions in their space. Following the workshop lineup, the festival concludes with a capstone evening showcase at Plays & Players Theater on Delancey Street. A one-time $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. 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* [divider/] Philly Dance Fitness — Rittenhouse

1923 Chestnut St, 2nd Floor

[table colwidth=”100px|125px|” ] Time,Workshop,Description 10 a.m. to~~10:50 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 an all star team of long-time Zumba instructors: Deborah Hirsch\, Lael Leach and Rachel Back. 10:30 a.m. to~~11:10 a.m. (lower level studio),NIA,This fusion class combines movements 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. 11:15 a.m. to~~12 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. Best suited for those with prior dance experience. 11:15 a.m. to~~11:45 a.m. (lower level studio),Creative Movement*,This high-energy class will get young children jumping\, spinning\, balancing and sashaying through the room. Using games\, stories and lots of imagination\, kids ages 2.5-5 will explore all sorts of ways to to move and groove. Led by Jody Thigpen of ZAZZ. 11:45 a.m. to~~12:15 p.m.(lower level center studio),POUND,Rock out in this addictive fusion of light resistance movement and simulated drumming. Expect a mix of cardio\, Pilates\, isometric poses and plyometrics. POUND pro Rachel Back has 14 sets of weighted drum sticks for students to use during the session. Plastic or wood spoons also make a decent substitute\, so if you have those please bring them in case we run out of equipment. 12 p.m. to~~12:45 p.m.,Ballet Combos (mixed levels),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. 1 p.m.~~1:30 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. 1:30 p.m.~~2:15 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 Marianna Hunter and Deborah Hirsch of Philly Dance Fitness. 2 p.m. to~~2:45 a.m.,Tap Technique (lower level studio),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 Kayla Babicki. 2:30 p.m. to~~3:15 p.m.,Salsa Intro,If you love going out and dancing late\, salsa is an essential. Learn the basic step\, cross-body lead\, a simple spin and more in this beginner course led by Mike Andino of Estilo. 3:30 p.m.~~4:15 p.m.,Intro to Lindy Hop,From triple steps to swing-outs\, learn the fundamentals of this evolving social dance style that first appeared in the late 1920s. Taught by Mike McDermott and Kate Holden of the volunteer-run Jazz Attack. No partner or prior experience required. [/table]

Focus Barre & Yoga

1923 Chestnut St., 3rd floor studio

[table colwidth=”100px|125px||” ] Time,Workshop,Description 10 a.m. to~~10:30 a.m.,Hip-Hop Cardio,Warm up for a long day of dancing with easy-to-follow hip-hop routines. And\, of course\, as much swag as you can muster. Taught by Jody Thigpen of Philly Dance Fitness. 10:30 a.m. to~~11:10 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 side of pop star sass! Taught by Jody Thigpen of Philly Dance Fitness. 11:15 a.m. to~~11:45 a.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 Michelle Krichilsky and Deborah Hirsch of Philly Dance Fitness for this seriously fun\, seriously kick-butt High-Intensity Interval Training workout. 12:15 p.m. to~~12:45 p.m.,Cardio Dance Party*,Amp up your heart rate as you dance along to infectious popular music. Expect follow-the-leader style choreography suitable for any level\, no experience needed! Taught by Lael Leach. [/table]

Plays & Players Theater

1714 Delancey Place

[table colwidth=”100px|125px||” ] Time,Workshop,Description 5:30 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. 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. [/table] 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/children. Dancers under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.