Find joy in the communities we create through dance! Join us for another exciting National Dance Day celebration with FREE classes, performances, and community conversations.
Find joy in the communities we create through dance! Join us for another exciting National Dance Day celebration with FREE classes, performances, and community conversations. Recognizing the power and importance of showing up for each other, this year’s event explores how dance builds and strengthens community wellbeing.
For breaks between the fun, food will be available to purchase from food trucks on the REACH Plaza, including Empanadas De Mendoza, Kush (Abu Layla Kitchen), Rocky Ice Cream, and Two Smooth Dudes.
National Dance Day coincides with the fifth anniversary of the REACH opening, so get ready for arts activities and performances all weekend long.
REACH Plaza – Mainstage
10:00 – Metropolitan School of the Arts | Performance
Prepare to be dazzled by the electrifying performances of iMpulse, MYTE, and dynaMYTE—MSA's pre-professional youth commercial dance companies.
10:20 – Beginner Swing Dance curated by Glen Echo Park | Interactive Class
Learn the fundamentals of swing dancing, get a solid grounding in swing rhythm & movement, and practice a range of moves like underarm or cross body turns, free spins, and more.
10:55 – Party & Prance (ballet with Bambi) | Interactive Class
A joy-forward and gender euphoric ballet class set to pop music! We party, we prance, we laugh, we sing-along.
11:25 – Elements Dance Company Performance and Crowd Participation | Performance
Elements Dance Company, a dynamic and energetic youth dance company, will delight audiences with a performance of hip hop, street, and commercial dance.
11:45 – The Joy of Moving in Sync with Others with DC Rawhides | Interactive Class
Learn line dance steps that anyone can master. It helps to wear shoes that slide. Come catch the rhythm and share the dance experience with others.
12:15 – Dance Institute of Washington At a Glance | Performance
Enjoy a moment of Dance Institute of Washington’s repertoire, featuring our pre-professional dancers. This work will show various forms of our identity in artistic expression.
12:35 – SoundXpressed | Performance
Performance description coming soon!
12:50 – West African with Mama Sylvia Soumah | Interactive Class
Class description coming soon!
1:25 – Rhythms of India: A Vibrant Fusion of Indian Dance Styles with Studio Dhoom | Performance
Rhythms of India is a vibrant showcase blending traditional Indian dance with dynamic Western and hip hop styles for an unforgettable performance!
1:45 – Learn the Official National Dance Day routine with Christopher Scott | Interactive Class
Learn the official National Dance Day routine with choreographer Christopher Scott! Known for his work on So You Think You Can Dance, Christopher is the choreographer for the forthcoming feature film Wicked, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, that premieres November 22.
2:20 – CityDance Conservatory Students in Concert | Performance
CityDance Conservatory Dancers will present selections from their 2024–25 repertory, featuring a vibrant array of choreographic works. The program includes pieces by Choreographer-in-Residence Robert J. Priore, alongside original works from in-house choreographers, faculty members, and guest artists and companies. This performance highlights the diverse talent within the CityDance Conservatory and offers audiences a glimpse into the classical, contemporary, commercial, and cultural influences that inspire their training. From intricate solos to dynamic group pieces, the dancers will deliver a captivating performance, showcasing the creativity and commitment of both the performers and choreographers involved.
2:35 – SOLE Defined Movement Workshop | Interactive Class
SOLE Defined promotes fun and learning tap dance and body percussion. Participants learn creative ways to create music with their bodies.
3:10 – The School of Dance at George Mason University | Performance
“Me Voy Con el Viento” by Natalia Collado & “Stepping Into the Light” by Brianna Dawkins
The talented students of the School of Dance at George Mason University perform choreography by former students Natalia Collado and Brianna Dawkins.
3:30 – Dance for Parkinson’s Disease | Interactive Class
Dance for Parkinson’s Disease will offer a warmup seated in a chair, followed by more dynamic movement taught by Certified Instructor Lucy Bowen McCauley!
4:00 – Beat Ya Feet: Foundations in Groove with Seldon “Yoshellz” Silvers | Interactive Class
Class description coming soon!
Macaroni Classroom
10:00 – Dance Together/Bailar Juntos (ages/años 3–5) with Unity Dance & Movement | Family Dance Class (Bilingual Family Dance)
Discover the joy of dance together! Unity’s bilingual (Spanish/English) class for preschoolers and caregivers combines storytelling, dance exploration, and lots of fun. Let’s move and groove!
¡Descubran la alegría de bailar juntos! La clase bilingüe (español/inglés) de Unity para niños en edad preescolar y cuidadores combina narración de cuentos, exploración de baile y mucha diversión. ¡Vamos a movernos y a bailar!
11:00 – Dance Together/Bailar Juntos (ages/años 5–7) with Unity Dance & Movement | Family Dance Class (Bilingual Family Dance)
Discover the joy of dance together! Unity’s bilingual (Spanish/English) class for preschoolers and caregivers combines storytelling, dance exploration, and lots of fun. Let’s move and groove!
¡Descubran la alegría de bailar juntos! La clase bilingüe (español/inglés) de Unity para niños en edad preescolar y cuidadores combina narración de cuentos, exploración de baile y mucha diversión. ¡Vamos a movernos y a bailar!
1:45 – Accessing Empathy for Collective Perspective curated by Ama and Chris Law of Project ChArma
This session delves into conversation with the local dance community. Session description coming soon!
3:00 – Magic & Medicine: Creating Gravity for Community curated by Artistic Director of Dance Place, Tariq O’Meally
This discussion recognizes that community is the medicine that helps us gather our magic to transform our world. Each community organizer on the panel has been active in cultivating and holding the community together in the DMV. Each of them treats dance as the pathway to connection, instead of making it the destination.
Co-presenters: Sarah Beth Oppenheim, Robert “Bambi” Woofter, Ama & Chris Law
Studio K
12:30 – The Release Project with Sheldon “Yoshellz” Silvers
The Release Project is a pop-up dance experience established in the D.C. metropolitan area. We are a community-based event cultivating a safe space where artists can come release their gifts, network, and embrace vulnerability.
4:50 – Process & Play: Unlocking New Doors with Jamison Curcio & Shanice Mason | Interactive Class
In this guided community improvisation, together we will create a safe environment that gives everyone permission to be in their most present body.
5:25 – Soka Tribe | Performance
Performance description coming soon!
Schedule
Open Captioning is available for events on the REACH Plaza from 10:00 a.m.–7:45 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
Metropolitan School of the Arts | Performance Prepare to be dazzled by the electrifying performances of iMpulse, MYTE, and dynaMYTE—MSA's pre-professional youth commercial dance companies.
10:20 a.m.
Beginner Swing Dance curated by Glen Echo Park | Interactive Class Learn the fundamentals of swing dancing, get a solid grounding in swing rhythm & movement, and practice a range of moves like underarm or cross body turns, free spins, and more.
10:55 a.m.
Party & Prance (ballet with Bambi) | Interactive Class A joy-forward and gender euphoric ballet class set to pop music! We party, we prance, we laugh, we sing-along.
11:25 a.m.
Elements Dance Company Performance and Crowd Participation | Performance Elements Dance Company, a dynamic and energetic youth dance company, will delight audiences with a performance of hip hop, street, and commercial dance.
11:45 a.m.
The Joy of Moving in Sync with Others with DC Rawhides | Interactive Class Learn line dance steps that anyone can master. It helps to wear shoes that slide. Come catch the rhythm and share the dance experience with others.
12:15 p.m.
Dance Institute of Washington At a Glance | Performance Enjoy a moment of Dance Institute of Washington’s repertoire, featuring our pre-professional dancers. This work will show various forms of our identity in artistic expression.
12:35 p.m.
SoundXpressed Dance Company | Performance
Join us as we unlock the source of joy that fuels the dancing spirit! Featuring students from PGCPS's VPA and CVPA dance programs, including Benjamin D. Foulois CPAA, alongside the talented members of SoundXpressed Dance Company and participants from DDI's Summer Intensive, this performance brings together a dynamic fusion of dance styles and genres. The dancers vibrantly express healing and joy in every movement from Jazz, Hip-Hop, Modern, and Contemporary forms. Experience the captivating performances of Elements Dance Ensemble in Worship, SoundXpressed in Serotonin 2 Spirit, and Pneuma Dance Project in "Joy", as they celebrate the unity, joy, and creative freedom of dance.
Representing Prince Georges County Public Schools VPA Dance Programs: Worship, Choreographed by Amanda F. Standard
Representing SoundXpressed Dance Company: Serotonin 2 Spirit, Choreographed by Amanda F. Standard, and Joy, Choreographed by Jelani Butler and Rachael L. Sutherland.
12:50 p.m.
West African with Mama Sylvia Soumah | Interactive Class Class description coming soon!
1:25 p.m.
Rhythms of India: A Vibrant Fusion of Indian Dance Styles with Studio Dhoom | Performance Rhythms of India is a vibrant showcase blending traditional Indian dance with dynamic Western and hip hop styles for an unforgettable performance!
1:45 p.m.
Learn the Official National Dance Day routine with Christopher Scott | Interactive Class Learn the official National Dance Day routine with choreographer Christopher Scott! Known for his work on So You Think You Can Dance , Christopher is the choreographer for the forthcoming feature film Wicked , starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, that premieres November 22.
2:20 p.m.
CityDance Conservatory Students in Concert | Performance CityDance Conservatory Dancers will present selections from their 2024–25 repertory, featuring a vibrant array of choreographic works. The program includes pieces by Choreographer-in-Residence Robert J. Priore, alongside original works from in-house choreographers, faculty members, and guest artists and companies. This performance highlights the diverse talent within the CityDance Conservatory and offers audiences a glimpse into the classical, contemporary, commercial, and cultural influences that inspire their training. From intricate solos to dynamic group pieces, the dancers will deliver a captivating performance, showcasing the creativity and commitment of both the performers and choreographers involved.
2:35 p.m.
SOLE Defined Movement Workshop | Interactive Class SOLE Defined promotes fun and learning tap dance and body percussion. Participants learn creative ways to create music with their bodies.
3:10 p.m.
The School of Dance at George Mason University | Performance The talented students of the School of Dance at George Mason University perform choreography by former students Natalia Collado and Brianna Dawkins.
3:30 p.m.
Dance for Parkinson’s Disease | Interactive Class Dance for Parkinson’s Disease will offer a warmup seated in a chair, followed by more dynamic movement taught by Certified Instructor Lucy Bowen McCauley!
4:00 p.m.
Beat Ya Feet: Foundations in Groove with Sheldon “Yoshellz” Silvers | Interactive Class Come Join the Prince of Beat Ya Feet & friends as he guides you through organic movements with some nostalgic GoGo Vibez!
Sergio Mendoza is a producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and Latin music pioneer. Mendoza has successfully fashioned his own unique taste and existence into what we now experience as Orkesta Mendoza; a blend of indie rock and Latin music that has become a cornerstone of Tucson culture. Also featuring singer and percussionist Ozzy Acosta.
Learn the fundamentals steps of the vibrant dance style of cumbia with Ferocity Dance Company. From your feet to your arms, we will have you moving by the end!
Part of the REACH @ 5 celebration. A celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Open Captioning is available for the 1:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. sessions.
10:00 a.m.
Dance Together/Bailar Juntos (ages/años 3–5) with Unity Dance & Movement | Family Dance Class (Bilingual Family Dance) Discover the joy of dance together! Unity’s bilingual (Spanish/English) class for preschoolers and caregivers combines storytelling, dance exploration, and lots of fun. Let’s move and groove! ¡Descubran la alegría de bailar juntos! La clase bilingüe (español/inglés) de Unity para niños en edad preescolar y cuidadores combina narración de cuentos, exploración de baile y mucha diversión. ¡Vamos a movernos y a bailar!
11:00 a.m.
Dance Together/Bailar Juntos (ages/años 5–7) with Unity Dance & Movement | Family Dance Class (Bilingual Family Dance) Discover the joy of dance together! Unity’s bilingual (Spanish/English) class for preschoolers and caregivers combines storytelling, dance exploration, and lots of fun. Let’s move and groove! ¡Descubran la alegría de bailar juntos! La clase bilingüe (español/inglés) de Unity para niños en edad preescolar y cuidadores combina narración de cuentos, exploración de baile y mucha diversión. ¡Vamos a movernos y a bailar!
1:45 p.m.
Accessing Empathy for Collective Perspective curated by Ama and Chris Law of Project ChArma Co-Presenters: Tariq O’Meally, Chitra Subramanian, Yasseen “Butterfly” Hassan Project ChArma and friends will engage with participants to foster in-depth discussions surrounding community building, wellbeing, and their intersections with dance and community dynamics. This interactive session aims to deepen understanding and encourage meaningful dialogue among participants. In an ever-evolving world, how can dance continue to keep us connected and fuel efforts to build and support our many communities?!
3:00 p.m.
Magic & Medicine: Creating Gravity for Community curated by Artistic Director of Dance Place, Tariq O’Meally This discussion recognizes that community is the medicine that helps us gather our magic to transform our world. Each community organizer on the panel has been active in cultivating and holding the community together in the DMV. Each of them treats dance as the pathway to connection, instead of making it the destination. Co-presenters: Sarah Beth Oppenheim, Robert “Bambi” Woofter, Ama & Chris Law
Open Captioning is available for the 12:30 p.m and 4:50 p.m. sessions.
12:30 p.m.
The Release Project Demo with Sheldon “Yoshellz” Silvers In this session will discuss the importance of having safe spaces in our community to release. Prompted Activities & Demonstrations will take place to show and invite others to feel more comfortable connecting with self in freestyle!
The Release Project is a pop-up dance experience established in the D.C. metropolitan area. We are a community-based event cultivating a safe space where artists can come release their gifts, network, and embrace vulnerability.
4:50 p.m.
Process & Play: Unlocking New Doors with Jamison Curcio & Shanice Mason | Interactive Class In this guided community improvisation, together we will create a safe environment that gives everyone permission to be in their most present body.
5:25 p.m.
Soka Tribe | Performance Join Soka tribe for this interactive cultural experience as we bring the Carnival vibes back to the Kennedy Center. You will get to be in the carnival as we parade from the REACH over to the Plaza!
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sensory Break Room Join us in Sardar classroom to take a break from the noise. This is a calming space to visit if you find yourself, your family, or friends becoming overwhelmed by the stimuli of the day. Sardar Classroom is transformed to provide a quiet space to read a book, relax with a yoga mat, or spend some time coloring to give you space and time to decompress. We’ll be happy to invite you back to the event after your visit to the break space!
Here is your official 2024 National Dance Day routine, choreographed by Christopher Scott with special guest Cyrus "Glitch" Spencer. Learn the routine and translate it for any ability, age, or skill level by making it your own and putting your own spin on it.
Kennedy Center Staff Celebrate National Dance Day
National Dance Day With Kennedy Center Staff - 2024
National Dance Day With Kennedy Center Staff - 2024
National Dance Day With Kennedy Center Staff - 2023
National Dance Day With Kennedy Center Staff - 2023
National Dance Day With Kennedy Center Staff 2022
National Dance Day With Kennedy Center Staff 2022
National Dance Day With Kennedy Center Staff - 2019
National Dance Day With Kennedy Center Staff - 2019
National Dance Day With Kennedy Center Staff - 2018
National Dance Day With Kennedy Center Staff - 2018
National Dance Day With Kennedy Center Staff - 2017
National Dance Day With Kennedy Center Staff - 2017
National Dance Day With Kennedy Center Staff - 2016
National Dance Day With Kennedy Center Staff - 2016
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Sponsors
C. Michael Kojaian
Suzanne L. Niedland
William J. Caldwell and Michele Toth
Help Dance Thrive
Support the Kennedy Center's Dance program when you designate your Membership to Ballet and Dance.
Terms and Conditions
All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.
All ticket prices are subject to change based on demand. Purchase early to lock in prices and the best seats!
Dance and theater merge in SHAPESHIFT’s Grey Skies Blue. Join a group of friends as they uncover personal truths through dynamic movement in an inspiring show that resonates with audiences of all ages.
With its dazzling hybrid of western ballet and Chinese culture, National Ballet of China returns to thrill audiences with its luminous fusion of traditions, telling the story of a family’s Chinese New Year celebration—set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured Nutcracker score.
For its annual Kennedy Center engagement, the beloved company presents brand new works, contemporary favorites, and the signature Ailey classic Revelations.
Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s novel Crime and Punishment is a devastatingly modern psychological thriller that provided choreographer Helen Pickett and director James Bonas with a startling source for a ballet. Watch as striking movement depicts a young man’s journey towards redemption.
Open Captioning is available for events on the REACH Plaza from 10:00 a.m.–7:45 p.m.