Head over to Westminster Pier Park on Sunday, July 24 for the inaugural New West Day of Dance.
Free dance lessons, a kids’ corner and an all-ages dance party will kick off the festivities on the waterfront at 11 a.m., with Virgin Radio’s DJ Byron James spinning the music.
The event is the brainchild of three friends (and moms) – Vicky Wallace, Stacey Burke and Ashley Currie. They applied to Donald’s Market ONE Grant earlier this year, a $1,500 funding opportunity that asked Donald’s customers what they’d like to see in terms of a community project.
“We were surprised we got shortlisted,” Wallace said, adding the trio planned the dance party proposal while their little ones slept, communicating over email.
Their inspiration for the event?
“We really wanted to dance,” added Wallace. “Life becomes so busy and we often forget to take the time to do the things that we love. … I think it’s just difficult for people in their 30s to party. You don’t go to nightclubs anymore. You pretty much have to be invited to a wedding.”
Wallace noted the response from the local dance community has been very positive.
“All the dance studios were really excited about it. We have more lessons than originally planned,” she said.
New West Day of Dance will go ahead rain or shine. Tents will be configured in such a way to allow for all the fun.
At 11 a.m., tiny tots to seniors can enjoy free lessons and performances, including hip-hop, jazz, ballet, belly dance, African dance, creative movement and Bollywood. The all-ages dance party runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The kids’ area will have face painting by professional TV make-up artist Deni Langis. Other activities include chalk-drawn dance figures, bubble demos and a playhouse.
The entrance to Pier Park is at Fourth and Columbia streets. For the full lesson schedule, find New West Day of Dance on Facebook or email [email protected].
Even though the grant was for a one-time-only project, Wallace said the cohort would continue the event next year if there were other funders.
