Do I need to pre-register or RSVP for the workshops I want to attend?
Nope. Just show up, ready to dance (and in some cases, dressed to sweat!) HOWEVER, please note that there are space limitations at indoor locations. Admittance will be first come, first served, so we recommend that you arrive early to ensure that you will have a spot. You may sign in for a workshop up to 15 minutes before the class begins. Students may not sign in for multiple workshops in a row to ensure that new dancers who arrive also get a chance to join in. However, if space permits, you are absolutely welcome (and encouraged!) to take several consecutive classes. A volunteer will be monitoring check-in and capacity at each workshop. Space can sometimes get tight at indoor studios. We don’t have any trouble accommodating dancers at outdoor locations, but some years we avoid dancing outdoors entirely as it’s just too hot in the middle of summer!
Do I need to bring anything with me?
We recommend bringing bottled water so you can stay hydrated. There is also a water refill station at the Philly Dance Fitness studio. If you plan to attend any workshops that are held outdoors, be sure to come with extra water. Some people also like to bring a small sweat towel. If you have dance footwear, you should bring that, too:
- Ballet slippers are ideal for ballet and barre classes, however socks work fine if you don’t have them.
- Ballroom shoes, or heels for ladies and smooth-soled shoes for men, for ballroom workshops (Salsa, Tango, etc)
- Dance sneakers are great for Zumba, Jazz, Hip-Hop, etc. Regular old sneakers will do the trick, too.
You will be asked to sign a waiver and given a wristband before attending the workshops. Once you’ve signed the waiver, you only need to put down the last three digits of your wristband when you sign into subsequent workshops. Please keep the wristband on all day.
What should I wear?
For daytime workshops, you can’t go wrong in fitness attire. It’s July and you’ll be moving – so even though there’s air conditioning at the indoor venues, you will likely sweat. For cardio dance workshops, we guarantee that you will get a workout so we suggest bringing a change of clothes in case you want to freshen up later.
Partner dancing classes are much less strenuous, so streetwear (shorts/jeans and tshirts/tank tops, etc) is fine.
Many people dress up a bit for the evening show, though casual is absolutely fine, too.
Can kids come, too?
Most of the workshops are geared toward teens and adults, but there are also some specifically for kids. A few others are open to all ages and children are welcome to attend:
- Bollywood
- Hip-Hop Cardio
- Diva Pop Jazz
- Zumba and Cardio Dance Party – These programs are designed to be accessible to all dance levels and abilities. Children as well as adults will get an exhilarating workout.
*All children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
I see there are multiple workshop venues. How do I get from one to another?
All of the venues are within two miles of each other in Center City. You might have noticed that some workshops occur simultaneously, so there’s no way you can attend ALL of them. That said, if you plan carefully, you can make it to quite a few. If you have a bike, that will be your quickest way around. Otherwise, all of the locations are accessible by foot, subway or bus. And of course, you can drive, too. If you click on the locations listed on the schedule page, you will be directed to a map.
Where can I park?
This, of course, is the issue with driving in the city. None of the venues have parking lots, which means you will need to find street parking or pay for a lot if you decide to drive. Parking will be more difficult closer to the center of the city, however, you can sometimes get lucky finding spots on the weekend. Garage parking can range from $15 to $40.
Those attending the evening show at Plays & Players (1714 Delancey Place) should note that EZ Park and Central Parking operate several lots within a half mile of the building. You can print a coupon for discounted weekend rates at a few of the Central Parking lots.
Do I have to pay for any of this?
All of the workshops offered before 5 pm are completely FREE. Tickets for the showcase held at Plays & Players are $10. This helps cover the cost of our volunteer-run event, which includes renting venues, printing promotional materials and purchasing supplies. That said, we never want cost to prevent someone from enjoying the arts. Contact us if you need assistance to attend the evening showcase.
Can I support Dance Day beyond attending?
Absolutely! We are always looking for sponsors and volunteers. If you would like to be involved in planning, volunteering or donating to this or future Philadelphia Dance Day events, please contact info@phillydancefitness.com
I live in the suburbs. Are there Dance Day events closer to me?
Possibly. While we coordinate a large event in Center City, there are plenty of small studios and gyms that run their own mini Dance Day events. We will post any that we come across on this site, so please pass along any that you hear of!
I’m out of town the last Saturday of July. Will this happen again?
It will if we have anything to do with it! The first “National Dance Day” was held in 2010 and continued for 9 years on the last Saturday of July. In 2019, the foundation that initiated the national “holiday” decided to push it to the fall, but the Philadelphia event had already become its own entity and remains in the summer.
Most of the organizations volunteering to lead classes during Philadelphia Dance Day also run ongoing group classes year-round, so you can take whatever classes fit your schedule, any time! The logos on the home page of this site link to the websites of each group, where you can find their respective class schedules.
Did you know that there’s also an International Dance Day, usually held on April 29, and a National Tap Dance Day held on May 25 every year? And you can’t forget about National Dance Like a Chicken Day on May 14.
My question isn’t on here.
We’re happy to help. Email info@phillydancefitness.com or call 215-645-2717.