The dance scene is thriving in Philly, and this week we’re bringing you the Top 5 events to get yourself movin’ and groovin’. Whether you’ve never danced before in your life, used to dance often or dance every day, these opportunities are available for all levels and ages, so don’t be shy! With the annual Philadelphia Dance Day, renowned performance series, and other free class and workshop opportunities, there’s a lot of places to dance all over the city, so don’t miss out!
Philadelphia Dance Day
When: Saturday, July 25, 9am-11:30pm. Where: Various locations throughout the city. Cost: Free.
The annual Philadelphia dance day brings Philadelphians a day of free dance classes and workshops throughout the city and a way to celebrate the beautiful art of dance. Philly Dance Fitness first organized the event three years ago to celebrate National Dance Day, a holiday coined by the creators of Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. This festival will not only offer free classes in various genres, but also live dance performances by some of the city’s most renowned dancers and a huge dance gala. In partnership with many different studios across the city, the festival will offer classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels. The goal of Dance Day is to unite the Philadelphia community in celebrating dance as a powerful platform for creative expression and physical activity.
Dance Day Evening Gala
When: Saturday, July 25, 8pm-11:30pm. Where: The Ethical Society of Philadelphia, 1906 Rittenhouse Square. Cost: $5.
To close out the day of dancing, Philadelphia dance day will host their annual evening gala at the Ethical Society of Philadelphia. The gala will feature at least five different dance workshops, an open Zumba party, professional dance performances, open social dancing, and most importantly, an evening of celebration and fun.
Koresh Come Together Dance Festival
When: Wednesday, July 22-Sunday, July 26, various times. Where: Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 South Broad Street. Cost: $25 for students.
World-renowned dance company Koresh will host their 3rd annual Come Together Dance Festival, where local and national artists will perform in multiple performances over the five day series. 33 dance companies will perform a variety of genres, including hip hop, contemporary, modern, ballet, tap, acrobatic, musical theater and more. Audiences will be kept on their toes with the diverse talent and creativity of the different artists performing throughout the festival. Other special events throughout the series include happy hours, post-show talk-backs with the artistic directors and a closing night cast party. Audiences can expect to see some incredible talent and celebrate the diverse dance scene of Philly!
Koresh Come Together Dance Festival Workshop Series
When: Tuesday, July 21-Saturday, July 25, various times. Where: Koresh Dance Studios, 2002 Rittenhouse Square. Cost: $25.
In honor of their highly-anticipated performance series, Koresh will be holding workshops with different dance companies visiting Philadelphia for the series. At a significantly lower price than previous years, participants can attend workshops by companies from the festival including Raphael Xavier teaching Ground-Core technique, Sakshi Productions teaching Odissi Indian-style dance, Koresh Dance Company teaching their superb technique and Ballet Inc. teaching ballet technique and barre. In recognition of Philadelphia Dance Day, hip hop legend Tyger B will teach a FREE beginner hip hop workshop on Saturday, July 25. Preregistration is mandatory to attend these workshops!
I Can’t Believe It’s $5 Ballet
When: Tuesday, July 28, 7pm. Where: 954 Dance Movement Collective, 945 North 8th Street, 1st floor. Cost: $5.
If you’re looking for a beginner class in a no-pressure environment, 954 Dance Movement Collective is offering beginner ballet technique classes for only $5! The mission of their group is to “feed a thriving environment that supports artists who dance, who make dances and teach dance. To explore opportunities for healing dance practices. To build community through dance.” They will be offering a fun class teaching ballet basics and listening to eclectic music. The class begins with floor barre work focusing on basic core strength and alignment, and then moving onto traditional standing ballet barre and other ballet techniques. Participants do not have to wear dancewear, but are encouraged to wear comfy clothes they can move in.
