Join us in celebrating International Dance Day at Old Town School of Folk Music with afternoon workshops that explore a wide variety of dance styles and techniques. All events are FREE and open to the public!
EVENTS & WORKSHOPS
11:00AM - 12:00PM CT · 4545 N Lincoln Ave, room E330
Brazilian Dance with Dill Costa
Learn to samba like the Brazilians do! Shake your hips and move your body to the rhythms that are the heartbeat of Brazil. From Rio de Janeiro, the home of Carnaval, through African-influenced Bahia, and all the way to the Amazon, communities congregate to dance and play samba. The regional styles of samba and fun combinations are explored in this aerobic class.
12:00 - 12:45PM CT · 4545 N Lincoln Ave, room E330
Family Dance Party with Maria Blanco
Join this action packed event where the whole family gets to have fun dancing and playing movement games together! Open to families with kids of all ages. Make sure to wear dance party clothes.
1:00 - 2:00PM CT · Szold Hall, 4545 N Lincoln Ave
Retro Bollywood: A Throwback to the Golden Era of Indian Cinema with Radia Ali
Come watch a short performance by Radia and then join in on the fun in a community-centered workshop! For this workshop we will learn a short dance sequence as we gather in a circle. Please wear comfortable and/or flowy garments. Long skirts, scarves etc. are all welcome. Dressing in South Asian attire is also welcome! No prior dance experience needed
1:00 - 2:00PM CT · 4545 N Lincoln Ave, room E330
Contemporary Improvisation with Hannah Marcus
Students will be guided through imagery-based improvisational concepts that eventually build into structured contemporary phrasework. They will access a variety of textures and dynamics, exploring how improvisation can be used as a tool for navigating and designing space. Class will emphasize play, curiosity, and open-mindedness while de-emphasizing judgment. Open to all levels and abilities!
2:00 - 3:00PM CT · Szold Hall, 4545 N Lincoln Ave
Flamenco with Maya Tatiana
The passionate dances of Spain's streets and bistros have Spanish, Moorish, African and Romani influences. The Old Town School's Flamenco program focuses on basic choreography and progressive technique for men and women, including use of the arms, hands, body line, heel work, and the incorporation of castanets and palmas. Workshop will include live flamenco guitar accompaniment
3:00 - 4:00PM CT · 4545 N Lincoln Ave, room E330
Burlesque Chair Dance with Allison Grabarczyk
Ever wanted to channel your inner burlesque diva but didn't know how? Now is your chance! This body positive workshop is guaranteed to get your heart rate up and work muscles you didn't even know you had, all while allowing you to channel your inner cabaret queen. Miss Allison's chair class is broken up into three sections to ease you into the wonderful world of sassy chair dancing. First, you will get a cardio warm up sans the chair to get your muscles ready to work. Then we will introduce basic technical aspects about burlesque style chair dance to get you comfortable moving with your new favorite prop, and finally we will learn some flirty fun choreography! This class focuses on balance, core strength, muscle toning, and of course, building your confidence to be the fiercest you!
