Segerstrom Center for the Arts Presents National Dance Day!
Segerstrom Center for the Arts invites the community to celebrate dance, culture, and inclusion at the seventh annual National Dance Day on Saturday, September 21, on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. This year, the event is part of the Center's Latinx Heritage Month festivities, featuring a bilingual emcee and performances that showcase various Latinx dance styles.
National Dance Day is a free, family-friendly event that welcomes all ages and abilities to participate. Whether it's hip-hop, classical ballet, or any other dance style, there's something for everyone to enjoy, learn, and experience. The day will feature high-energy performances from diverse dance groups and interactive workshops led by expert instructors, encouraging everyone to get moving, regardless of experience.
This year's programming also highlights a variety of cultures and communities, including disability and queer communities, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and represented.
The event is presented in partnership with American Dance Movement, an organization dedicated to building healthy communities through dance by expanding access to dance and movement, educating about its benefits, and inspiring future generations of dance enthusiasts. Established in 2010, National Dance Day celebrates dance in all forms and the positive impact it has on our lives, from fostering individual creativity to building thriving, engaged communities.
National Dance Day Lineup:
Studio D Warmup and Workshop:
Begin the day with a dance warm-up led by Studio D: Arts School for All Abilities. This workshop invites movers of all ages, abilities, and levels to join in. Studio D at Segerstrom Center for the Arts offers classes for children and adults with disabilities, as well as those who are non-disabled, promoting confidence, imagination, and overall well-being.
Queerchata Bachata Workshop:
Join a Spanish-friendly dance workshop with LA-based Queerchata, led by dance instructor Bex (he/they), a trans nonbinary artist and Latin dance instructor from Venezuela. Bex fosters spaces for Trans and Queer dancers to explore their identities and connect with their communities.
Straight Up Abilities Performance:
Enjoy a special performance by Straight Up Abilities, a nonprofit organization providing professional performance arts training to students of all abilities, demonstrating that there are no limits in the arts.
Sakina Ibrahim Hip Hop Workshop:
Put on your dance shoes for a hip hop workshop with Sakina Ibrahim, an award-winning artist and advocate for enriching cultural narratives through dance. Sakina brings over a decade of global dance study and instruction experience to this dynamic session.
ABT Gillespie Performance:
Witness the grace and skill of students from the American Ballet Theatre Gillespie School as they perform on stage. The school provides top-tier classical ballet training and nurtures future generations of dancers and audiences.
Lauren Lim Jackson Broadway Workshop:
Learn to dance like a Broadway star with expert instruction from Lauren Lim Jackson, a Broadway, film, and television actress from Orange County. Lauren brings her extensive experience to this workshop, offering insights into Broadway dance.
Alianza Translatinx Ballet Folklorico Performance:
Experience a powerful performance by Alianza Translatinx, the first transgender-led organization by transgender people of color in Orange County. This performance highlights how dance can enrich lives and inspire others.
Bollywood Performance:
Enjoy an electrifying Bollywood performance by Adaa Dance, the premier Bollywood dance facility in Orange County. Adaa Dance offers classes tailored to different styles, age groups, and abilities, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment.
NDD Routine:
Conclude the celebration by learning the official National Dance Day routine. Designed to be inclusive and accessible to all ages and skill levels, this routine encourages everyone to join in and have fun. The routine will be released soon!
Seating Info & Safety Precautions: Attendees should plan to bring their own folding chairs as these will not be provided by the Center. Refreshments will be available to purchase courtesy of George’s Café. Attendees are welcome to bring their own refreshments, however outside alcohol, glass containers, tables, barbecues, and food preparation will not be permitted on the Plaza.
Tickets for National Dance Day are free with Plaza Pass. You can sign up and learn more by clicking here. This free digital pass is for individuals 18 and up to access free events on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza all year long! Sign up once and no additional tickets or RSVPs are required. Once downloaded, your Plaza Pass lives in your Apple or Google Wallet and will be scanned upon entry by ushers, it’s that easy!
