Make sure you got on your dancing shoes and that your wifi is connected.
Don’t let the news fool you, summer is still in full swing — online that is. Chicago’s SummerDance festival is going virtual this year with a series of dancing lessons beginning Wednesday, July 1 at 5:30 pm.
With the pandemic, Chicago has seen some of its favorite festivals, parades, and celebrations of the year get the axe. From the cancellation of Pitchfork and Lollapalooza, to the cancellation of the city’s beloved Taste of Chicago festival. While some festivals called themselves “postponed” — looking at you, Riot Fest — some festival organizers decided to go on with the show…virtually, that is.
In mid-May, Paint the Town Red held their yearly showcase online, with performances from Chance The Rapper, Common, and more. A few weeks ago, Chicago Pride Fest held a two-day virtual celebration, livestream, and fundraiser. Now, debatably Chicago’s grooviest festival is following suit with seven nights to dance your (sweat)pants off.
“A new citywide, at-home version of the summertime tradition invites Chicagoans to plan smaller, socially-distant dance parties in their homes and backyards, on front porches and elsewhere with up to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors — and connect via the broadcast or social media,” organizers wrote on the city website.
“Presented by DCASE with the Chicago Park District, the reimagined series is filmed in Millennium Park and at Chicago Park district locations, featuring skyline views and iconic imagery that residents have been missing.”
Each evening special will begin with a half hour of instruction, followed by an hour of live music performed by local artists. The festival kicks off on Wednesday, July 1 with house music from DJ Deeon and dance instruction from Imania Detry.
The programs will also feature salsa, Bollywood & Bhangra, swing, Cumbia, and line styles of dance. See the full schedule here.
Watch and learn through Chicago’s DCASE livestream on Youtube beginning this Wednesday, July 1!
See more: 12 Fantastic Ways To Celebrate 4th Of July In Chicago This Year
[Featured image via chicago.gov]