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  • Celebrate National Dance Day in Philly!

    Published: April 2020

    Updated: August 2023

    By: Kasya O'Connor Grant 

    • Photo credit: Juan C. Irizarry, Philadelphia Dance Photo Project

    Imagine the sweet melody of Whitney Houston’s “I Want To Dance With Somebody” or picture the brisk movement of Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in the classic film “Dirty Dancing.” Whatever it takes to get you in a dancing mood, do it, because…you guessed it… It’s National Dance Day!

     

    Technically the official day of celebration is Saturday, September 16, 2023, but over the past decades Philadelphia has developed such a dynamic dance scene that participants and spectators now have a wide variety of ways to engage in the art form year-round. Within the Greater Philadelphia area there are more than 50 dance companies, series, festival, schools, studios and clubs to indulge your dance craving. Whether you are interested in ballet, modern, bharatanatyam, burlesque, hip-hop, tap, swing, jazz or ballroom, Philly’s dance scene is as diverse as it is bountiful.

     

    Not sure where to start? We got you covered! Check out this list of the five ways to celebrate National Dance Day in the city!

     

    Be sure to share your experience with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @Phillyfunguide!

    1. Learn Modern Dance in the Smallest of Spaces

     

    This online class focuses on the basic foundation of Modern Dance technique stressing alignment, strength, balance, and coordination within a fun and encouraging framework. Dancers will be given movement sequences to memorize and rehearse in class, and will also participate in choreography sessions in which the class will explore the art of making dance.

    2. Do the Bollywood Workout

     

    Doonya is a Bollywood-dance inspired fitness and media company, creating new media content around Bollywood music and building a student community around dance fitness. It offers an easy-to-follow cardio, strength-building fitness program perfectly choreographed to the latest high energy, Bollywood-inspired music.

     

    Doonya is the first national brand to build a targeted fitness program around the phenomenon of high-energy Bollywood dance and music, targeting fitness lovers around the world.

     

    • Photo credit: Juan C. Irizarry, Philadelphia Dance Photo Project

    3. Do the Ballet Workout

     

    Designed for the beginning to intermediate level student, this course introduces and expands on the basic principles of ballet Barre followed by a floor stretch. Dancers will gradually gain strength, flexibility, and technical precision as a result of their work in this course. This class is a wonderful partner to our Modern Dance program and is recommended for modern dancers ages 10 and up.

    3. Join the Music Monkey

     

    7 days a week of music, movement, dance, games, and good times on Facebook Live at 10am. Join in!

     

    To find the live stream, like the Music Monkey Jungle Facebook Page and set notifications to automatic. The video will pop up when we go live. Or, on your personal page, go to the top left of the screen, click on watch, search for Music Monkey Jungle and the live stream will be among all of the live videos to choose from.

      

    4. Dance With Your Kids

     

    Join Arts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH) every Thursday morning for Dance with Me with Katy! A kids-approved dance class that will get the whole family moving!

    Below are some additional upcoming events for you to enjoy! Remember you can always find upcoming dance events on our website at https://phillyfunguide.com/dance.

    QUICK VIEW
    KIDS
    Kids U! Camp Registration is Open
    Delaware Valley University
    January 1st, 2024 - August 9th, 2024
    QUICK VIEW
    THEATRE
    Bordello Burlesque & Jazz
    Fabrika
    Permanent Attraction
    QUICK VIEW
    KIDS
    Little Dancer Combo
    Darlington Arts Center
    September 27th, 2023 - June 5th, 2024
    QUICK VIEW
    QUICK VIEW
    DANCE
    Beginner Modern with Contemporary
    Darlington Arts Center
    September 28th, 2023 - June 6th, 2024
    QUICK VIEW
    DANCE
    UPenn Soundworks Tap Presents "Tap Around the Map"
    University of Pennsylvania -...
    March 22nd, 2024 - March 23rd, 2024
    QUICK VIEW
    MUSIC
    Finding Her Beat at Swarthmore College
    Swarthmore College - Lang Performing...
    March 22nd, 2024
    QUICK VIEW
    DANCE
    Rennie Harris Puremovement American Street Dance Theatre
    Penn Live Arts
    March 22nd, 2024 - March 23rd, 2024
    QUICK VIEW
    MUSIC
    Organ Day
    Ensemble Arts Philly
    March 23rd, 2024
    QUICK VIEW
    DANCE
    Bailando con Maria - Poesía en Movimiento
    Esperanza Arts Center
    March 23rd, 2024
    QUICK VIEW
    DANCE
    Variations/Collaborations Dance Concert!
    Metropolitan Ballet Company
    March 23rd, 2024
    QUICK VIEW
    DANCE
    Roger Lee Dance Company presents: Galaxy
    Performance Garage
    March 29th, 2024 - March 30th, 2024
    QUICK VIEW
    DANCE
    A DANCEOLOGY OF HIP HOP
    Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts...
    March 29th, 2024 - March 30th, 2024
    QUICK VIEW
    DANCE
    UPenn Penn Dance Presents "Summit"
    University of Pennsylvania - Penn...
    March 30th, 2024 - March 29th, 2024
    QUICK VIEW
    THEATRE
    ART HOE: A NEW ERA (MINIBALL)
    Cannonball Festival
    March 31st, 2024

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