National Dance Day is back! Every year on September 21st, dance enthusiasts across the nation lace up their shoes and hit the floor to celebrate the joy of movement. Initiated in 2010 by Nigel Lythgoe, co-founder of the American Dance Movement, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, National Dance Day (NDD) aims to encourage everyone to incorporate dance into their lives. This year, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California, is thrilled to host its seventh annual National Dance Day celebration on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Mark your calendars for a day filled with rhythm, culture, and inclusive fun for the whole family, completely free of charge on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza.
Dancers perform at Segerstrom Center for National Dance Day, highlighting the energy and community spirit of the event.
This year’s National Dance Day at Segerstrom Center is especially vibrant as it aligns with Latinx Heritage Month. The event will showcase a rich tapestry of Latinx dance styles, promising an engaging and educational experience for participants of all ages and abilities. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, the Segerstrom Center welcomes you to join the festivities. According to a press release from the Segerstrom Center, “High- energy dance groups will showcase a diverse array of dance styles and interactive workshops led by expert instructors that will get everyone moving regardless of experience. This year’s programming highlights a variety of cultures and communities, including disability and queer communities, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and represented.” This commitment to diversity and inclusion makes National Dance Day at Segerstrom Center a truly special community event.
Partnering with the American Dance Movement, Segerstrom Center hopes to inspire and educate dance lovers of all generations, reinforcing the power of dance to connect and strengthen communities. This event is more than just a day of dance; it’s an opportunity to experience the unifying force of movement and celebrate cultural diversity.
A diverse crowd participates in National Dance Day at Segerstrom Center, emphasizing inclusivity and community engagement.
National Dance Day 2024 Lineup: Workshops and Performances
Get ready for an exciting lineup of workshops and performances designed to get everyone moving and grooving. National Dance Day at Segerstrom Center has something for everyone, from beginners to experienced dancers.
Studio D Warm-up & Workshop: Kick off your National Dance Day with Studio D: Arts School All Abilities! This inclusive warm-up session welcomes everyone, ensuring a comfortable and accessible start to the day’s activities. Celebrate dance in a supportive environment designed for all abilities.
Queerchata Bachata Workshop with Queerchata: Experience the passion of Bachata with LA-based Queerchata! Led by Bex (he/they), a Venezuelan trans nonbinary artist and experienced Latin dance instructor, this Spanish-friendly workshop creates a safe and affirming space for Trans and Queer dancers to explore their identities and connect with community through dance.
Hip Hop Workshop with Sakina Ibrahim: Learn from award-winning artist Sakina Ibrahim, who brings over a decade of global dance study and instruction experience to this dynamic hip hop workshop. Sakina’s energetic and engaging teaching style will have you mastering new moves and expressing yourself through hip hop.
Award-winning artist Sakina Ibrahim leads a vibrant hip hop workshop at National Dance Day, inspiring participants of all levels.
American Ballet Theatre Gillespie School Performance: Witness the grace and precision of the American Ballet Theatre Gillespie School students. These talented young dancers, trained under the prestigious American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, will showcase their skills in a captivating performance.
Broadway Workshop with Lauren Lim Jackson: Ever dreamed of dancing on Broadway? Lauren Lim Jackson, with credits in Broadway hits like Finian’s Rainbow, Memphis, and Pretty Woman the Musical, will lead a Broadway-style workshop. Learn iconic Broadway moves and dance like a star with Ms. Jackson!
Enthusiastic participants learn Broadway dance moves in Lauren Lim Jackson's workshop at National Dance Day, bringing Broadway energy to Costa Mesa.
Alianza Translatinx Ballet Folklorico Performance: Be mesmerized by Alianza Translatinx, Orange County’s first transgender-led organization by transgender people of color. Alianza Translatinx uses the beauty of ballet folklorico to promote inclusivity and provide dance training to the transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) community.
Bollywood Performance by Adaa Dance: Experience the vibrant energy of Bollywood dance with Adaa Dance, Orange County’s premier Bollywood dance facility. Adaa Dance’s performance will showcase the colorful costumes and dynamic movements of this popular dance style.
Adaa Dance delivers a high-energy Bollywood performance at National Dance Day, showcasing the vibrancy of Indian dance culture.
Official NDD Routine: The day culminates with everyone learning the official and inclusive National Dance Day routine. Get ready to join in and dance together as a community! This year’s routine is eagerly anticipated and promises to be fun for all skill levels. Keep an eye out for the routine release soon!
Plan Your Visit to National Dance Day 2024
Event Details:
- What: National Dance Day 2024
- Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Julianne and George Argyros Plaza
- When: Saturday, September 21st, 2024, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Tickets: Free with Plaza Pass
Important Information:
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs for comfortable seating on the Plaza. Refreshments will be available for purchase at George’s Café, and you are welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic refreshments. Please note that outside alcohol, glass containers, tables, barbecues, and food preparation are not permitted.
Get Your Free Plaza Pass:
Admission to National Dance Day is free with a Plaza Pass! This free digital pass is available for individuals 18 and up and provides access to free events on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza throughout the year. Sign up once, and you’re set for a year of fantastic events! Get your Plaza Pass HERE. Individuals under 18 can accompany an adult Plaza Pass holder or register for their own pass in person at the event.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate movement, culture, and community at National Dance Day 2024 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts! It’s a perfect day to dance, learn, and enjoy the arts in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Visit the Segerstrom Center’s website for more information about the venue and other upcoming events.
Written and compiled by a ten-dance.com content creator, adapted from the original article by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle and SCFTA Public Relations press release.
