The September 21 day is dedicated to sharing the joys and benefits of dance and movement
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to groove! As the official South Florida host of National Dance Day, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate on Saturday, September 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This coast-to-coast event encourages physical activity and self-expression for every community through dance. The Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion will be hopping with workshops in a variety of dance styles for the whole family to enjoy (*please see full schedule below).
“We are so proud to be selected a second time as the official South Florida host of National Dance Day,” said Tracy C. Butler, Director of Education. “National Dance Day’s free and fun experiences are open to movers of all ages and abilities. We are thrilled to welcome everyone into our Cohen Pavilion and invite our dance professionals to help us celebrate this nationwide event! We have an exciting day of workshops in multiple spaces and the best part is, all the events are free! If you’ve ever wanted to try a Hip-Hop combination or Country Fusion Line Dance, National Dance Day at the Kravis Center is the perfect opportunity.”
The day will close out by learning the official National Dance Day routine led by Dakayla Wilson, Runner Up on So You Think You Can Dance Season 18. Wilson, an 18-year-old artist and dancer from Tampa, is now based in Los Angeles, where she is pursuing a professional dance career with Clear Talent Group LA & NY. A recent CLI Conservatory year three graduate, she has also traveled nationally with Streetz & Intrigue Dance Convention, sharing her passion for dance.
The national holiday, recognized by Congress, is dedicated to supporting and sharing the joys and benefits of dance and movement. The 2024 National Dance Day is presented in collaboration with American Dance Movement (ADM) formerly the Dizzy Feet Foundation, as well as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, CA.
Since 2010, ADM has created an instructional dance video of the National Dance Day routine that invites participants to learn original choreography and put their own spin on it. The routine brings together dancers and dance enthusiasts around the globe to come celebrate National Dance Day as a form of valuable exercise and of artistic expression. This year’s instructional video featuring the new routine will be choreographed by a nationally recognized choreographer, will be released in the coming weeks and will include a step-by-step tutorial of the dance.
“Participants can even join the experience on social media,” continued Butler. “Everyone is encouraged to learn the official routine and add their own interpretation. Create your own dance video and tag #NationalDanceDay2024 to be included in the celebration!”
Participants are encouraged to register for free in advance for the National Dance Day workshops online at www.kravis.org. For more information on National Dance Day and the schedule of events, please visit www.kravis.org.
The schedule of events at the Kravis Center are as follows:
11:00 a.m. – Doors Open/Community Marketplace – Weiner Banquet Center and Harris Pre-Function Hall
Learn about local dance program opportunities and more!
11:30 – 12:00 p.m. – Group Activity: Welcome / Group Warm Up – Gimelstob Ballroom
Led by Lori Ramirez.
12:15 – 1 p.m. – Workshop: African Dance – Gimelstob Ballroom
Led by Ericka Squire.
Join us for an exhilarating Afro Modern Dance Community Class, where tradition meets contemporary movement in a vibrant, inclusive environment. The class blends the rich, rhythmic foundations of Umfundalai with codified modern dance techniques, creating a high-energy experience that combines grounded movement, intricate footwork, and powerful expression.
12:15 – 1 p.m. – Class: Theater Dance – Khoury Family Dance Rehearsal Hall
Led by Ashley Bachner.
This workshop will focus on musical theater choreography with an emphasis on style!
12:15 – 1 p.m. – Class: Everybody Dance – Dance Studio
Led by Kori Epps.
Let’s move! In this class all levels and all ages are celebrated. No technique necessary. Music and group instructions will inspire connections between body and soul, creativity and community.
1:15 – 2 p.m. Workshop: Hip Hop – Gimelstob Ballroom
Led by Larry Albright.
The workshop will consist of a Hip-Hop party vibe. We will introduce and learn some of the newest and older party dances to have fun with at your next event. Bring your sneakers and be ready to get down!
1:15 – 3 p.m. – Class: Advanced Ballet – Khoury Family Dance Rehearsal Hall
Led by Steven Caras.
Steven Caras will conduct an advanced ballet class, emphasizing throughout, the critically important rhythm and musicality he garnered under the watchful eyes of some of the world’s greatest instructors including George Balanchine, Stanley Williams and David Howard, among others.
1:15 – 2 p.m. – Class: Horton Technique – Khoury Family Dance Rehearsal Hall
Led by Samantha Cyprian
This workshop will teach participants the fundamentals of the Lester Horton modern dance technique. The class will consist of studies to stretch and strengthen different areas of the body. These beginning level studies will include flat backs, primitive squats, lateral stretches, release swings, leg swings, deep lunges and T positions. Simple combinations will also be taught to culminate movement taught in class. Introduce musicality, dynamics and a culmination of movement to the beginning dancer’s vocabulary.
2:15 – 3 p.m. – Workshop: Country Fusion Line Dance – Gimelstob Ballroom
Led by Kristi J. Moynihan.
Kristi will be teaching a few of the popular beginner line dances that are enjoyed at Renegades nightly. Guests of all ages can participate, no boots required!
2:15 – 3 p.m. – Class: Jazz Funk– Dance Studio
Led by Herman Payne.
Come experience this power-packed, master class workshop and dance to dynamic new music found in today’s pop, dubstep and R&B sounds incorporating movements from various dance genres for a funky style that is both fun and expressive. From ballet, modern, hip-hop to lyrical, Jazz Funk incorporates movements from other dance genres and wraps it into a funky style that is both fun and expressive. Class begins with a series of warm-ups that will strengthen your core, develop flexibility and prepare you for later class combinations. Across-the-floor dance steps and a special combination in the center will give you an opportunity to flash those jazz hands!
3:15 – 4 p.m. – Group Activity: Learn the Official National Dance Day Routine – Gimelstob Ballroom
Learn the official National Dance Day routine led by Dakayla Wilson, Runer Up on So You Think You Can Dance Season 18.
###
ABOUT AMERICAN DANCE MOVEMENT
Founded by producers Nigel Lythgoe (“So You Think You Can Dance”) and Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”, “Step Up,” “What Men Want”), American Dance Movement (ADM) is a funding organization that builds healthy communities by expanding access to dance and movement, educating about its benefits and inspiring generations of dance enthusiasts through its annual event, National Dance Day (NDD). National Dance Day was established in 2010 by Lythgoe in partnership with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who introduced a resolution recognizing dance as a valuable form of exercise and of artistic expression. As of 2019, National Dance Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in September.
To learn more about American Dance Movement and National Dance Day, visit the website at AmericanDanceMovement.org. American Dance Movement is on social media at @DanceWithADM on X and on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube at @AmericanDanceMovement.
PRESS CONTACT:
Slatkow & Husak Public Relations
Sarah McKenna
Sarah@slatkowhusak.com or 561.632.8457