What could be better than a massive, citywide day filled with free dance workshops? Even more free dance events, of course!
We’re getting a head start on celebrating the milestone 10th annual Philadelphia Dance Day with a brand new preview event at Venture Cafe’s “Thursday Gathering” on Thursday, July 11. In addition to panelists, presentations and pop-up performances highlighting the impact of dance in our community, we’ll cap off the evening with an outdoor patio jam featuring easy-to-follow cardio routines plus an intro to bachata partner dancing! Find more details and RSVP here.
Then, the week of Dance Day, head to Eakins Oval at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24 for a free outdoor Cardio Dance Mashup. The hour-long program will include a mix of Zumba, Pop and line dances led by a fabulous team of volunteer instructors.
As with the daytime workshops on Philadelphia Dance Day, there is absolutely no charge to join in either of these sneak-preview events (though you may wish to bring some money to the OVAL if you plan to purchase anything from the food trucks stationed there). Just show up ready to dance!
Also like Dance Day, these preview events are entirely volunteer run. So please help us spread the word by sharing links on social media and inviting your friends! While you’re at it, don’t forget to share the Facebook event for Dance Day itself!
FREE Philadelphia Dance Day Preview Events
Dance Day Preview at Venture Cafe
- Celebrate the impact of PDD with inspiring speakers, pop-up performances, information tables, and, of course, dancing!
- Thursday, July 11 from 3 p.m. — 8 p.m.
- Venture Cafe, 3675 Market Street, 3rd Floor
- 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. — Panels, Presentations & Performances
Take your pick of interactive sessions highlighting the cultural significance of dance, innovations within the dance world, the genesis of PDD and more, with a few pop-up performances sprinkled in between. Stay tuned for a full agenda. - 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. — Outdoor Dance Party with Jacqui Sadashige, Dani Lespinasse and Deb Hirsch
Grab a drink, mingle with fellow innovators and dance enthusiasts, and let loose! Get your heart rate up with easy-to-follow cardio routines led by Jacqui and Dani; plus learn the essentials for social dancing to bachata rhythms with a mini crash course led by Deb, PDD organizer and owner of Ballroom Bliss/Philly Dance Fitness. - If you plan to participate in the dance fitness segment, please bring or wear comfortable clothes and sneakers. Street or business casual clothing works just fine for the partner dance instruction.
- 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. — Panels, Presentations & Performances
- RSVP here
Cardio Mashup Pre-Party at the OVAL
- Zumba, Cardio Pop and line dance fun for all ages led by Vonda Pearson, Gloria Yiming Li, Rachel Back and more!
- Wednesday, July 24 from 7 p.m. — 8 p.m.
- Eakins Oval, located in front of the Art Museum at 2601 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. (Note: There is no parking in the Oval lot, but there is paid street parking along the Parkway. It is also accessible by bike, Stop 13 on the Phlash or SEPTA bus routes 2, 7, 32, 33 and 48.)
- No dance experience necessary, just jump in and follow along!
- Bring the kids — the music and choreography will be suitable for all ages.
- This is an outdoor event, so please wear supportive shoes and don’t forget sunscreen and water.
- RSVP here
We held our first Oval preview five years ago and always have a blast even if it’s sizzling hot! Special thanks to Philly Dance Fitness member Moria M., who initially orchestrated this partnership, and to Dance Day chair Kirwei Lo, who had the brilliant idea to connect us with Venture Cafe.
