One day, one city, tons of free dance workshops

The 10th annual Philadelphia Dance Day will take place on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at several locations around Center City. This nonprofit, volunteer-run festival features free workshops in different styles of dance from around the world, from hip-hop and bellydance to bhangra and swing. Philadelphia Dance Day aims to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds through dance, and this year’s lineup looks particularly exciting.

Local dance companies have teamed up to offer a Saturday packed with more than 20 workshops appropriate for dance enthusiasts of any level of experience. Philadelphia Dance Day offers something for everyone, and participants may sample as many free workshops as they like. Most workshops last 45 minutes, and they will be held at Plays & Players Theater, Major Moment Studio, and Headlong Studios. The day begins at 9am, and the momentum will keep going until the final workshop at 7pm. The day concludes with a $10 evening event featuring a hip-hop master class and even more lessons, plus live performances.

Philly Dance Fitness, an independent company based in Center City, organized the first Philadelphia Dance Day in 2010. Volunteer partnerships from Ballroom Bliss, CEG Performing Arts Academy, Estilo, Headlong Studios, Jazz Attack, Major Moment Studio, Powerhouse Blues, Sound Space, State Street Tribal, University City Swing, and numerous independent instructors made the 2019 program possible. Last July, more than 500 people came out to celebrate, and even more are expected for the event’s 10-year anniversary.

The goal of this one day of dance is uniting our community through creative expression and physical activity. As a returning participant, I can attest to the exhilaration of moving to great music and learning something new with other Philadelphians, whether it’s Irish dance, jazz, ballet, or funk. Bring some water and some friends, or come by yourself, and get ready to have fun!

Philadelphia Dance Day workshops will be held at Plays & Players Theater, 1714 Delancey Place, Major Moment Studio, 1624 South Street, and Headlong Studios, 1170 South Broad Street. All daytime events are free, and there is no need to pre-register: just show up ready to dance. But plan to arrive a few minutes early to get a spot, as these workshops are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. A $10 donation is requested for the evening events at Plays & Players, which will include post-performance refreshments. View the Dance Day workshop schedule online, and for more information visit Frequently Asked Questions or contact Deborah Hirsch or Beverly Holskin of Philly Dance Fitness at (215) 645-2717.