The 6th Annual National Dance Day was held at various locations around Orlando like the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Studio K Orlando, and ME Dance. The multi day event offered free educational classes, professional showcases and community participation.
Free performances and classes, in ballet, modern, improvisational movement, Afro-Latin and other genres, took place all day Saturday. Classes are available for different levels of skill. I went to Emotions Dance Company (111 North Longwood Street, Longwood, FL, 32750). I sketched while dancers stretched and warmed up. With everyone constantly moving the sketch was a challenge to say the least.
I then sat in on a Latin Dance class. I finished this second sketch quickly because I decided to give the dance moves a try. There is a whole lot of fancy footwork in Latin Dance and I was just trying to keep up.
I have a new respect for dancers who can keep up that pace. The Dizzy Feet Foundation established the day to improve and increase
access to dance education in the United States. As part of its support,
the foundation produces and distributes instructional videos featuring
dance routines for the public to learn for fun.
Other cities that participate in National Dance Day include Los Angeles,
where activities take place at the downtown Music Center; and
Washington, D.C., where events are hosted by the Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts.