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Get ready to bust a move because Chicago SummerDance is back with free dance classes in Grant Park for just nine nights this month.
The lineup for the series’ final installment, Chicago SummerDance in the Spirit of Music Garden, is packed with beginner-friendly classes across dance styles, all informed by the city’s rich cultural landscape. From ballroom and Bollywood to Brazilian samba and Chicago steppin’, there’s something for everyone—even those who claim to have two left feet.
SummerDance classes are completely free and open to dancers of all ages and experience levels. Instructor-led dance lessons kick off at 6pm and are followed by live music performances—with plenty of room to show off your new moves—at 7:15pm.
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A special edition of SummerDance, hosted by Chicago musician and media personality Dana Divine, will be held during the annual Chicago House Music Festival weekend. BraveSoul Movement will lead a house dance workshop at 6pm before DJs Ron Troupe (6:30pm) and Mark “Flava” Fuller (7:45) take the stage.
“Chicago SummerDance is one of many ways that the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events activates and transforms public spaces into vibrant areas for people to connect through culture,” says DCASE commissioner Kenya K. Merritt. “These live performances and free dance lessons celebrate the traditions and communities that define Chicago while making arts and culture accessible in neighborhoods across the city.”
Classes are held at 601 S. Michigan Ave., at the corner of Balbo Drive and Michigan Avenue in Grant Park. Check out the full Chicago SummerDance schedule below.
Thursday, Aug. 13
Theme: Salsa
6 p.m. – Dance Instruction by Latin Street Dancing
7:15 p.m. – Music by Latin Swing Factor
Friday, Aug. 14
Theme: Plena
6 p.m. – Dance Instruction by Noni Lazu
7:15 p.m. – Music by Plenazo Tribe
Saturday, Aug. 15
Theme: Swing
6 p.m. – Dance Instruction by May I Have This Dance
7:15 p.m. – Music by Outcast Jazz Band
Thursday, Aug. 20
Theme: Bollywood Music & Dance
6 p.m. – Dance Instruction by Raji Venkat, Mandala Arts
7:15 p.m. – Music by Do the Needful
Friday, Aug. 21
Theme: Ballroom & Vintage Swing
6 p.m. – Dance Instruction by Margot Toppen & Riley Wimes, Jr.
7:15 p.m. – Music by Nancy Hays & The Romance of Dance Orchestra
Saturday, Aug. 22
Theme: Country & Chicago Honky Tonk
6 p.m. – Dance Instruction by Michelle Billingsley
7:15 p.m. – Music by The Lawrence Peters Outfit
Thursday, Aug. 27
Theme: Brazilian Samba
6 p.m. – Dance Instruction by Planeta Azul Samba Dance Group
7:15 p.m. – Music by Planeta Azul
Friday, Aug. 28
Theme: House Music
6-9 p.m. – Chicago House Music Festival
Host - Dana Divine
6 p.m. - SummerDance Community Lesson House Dance Workshop by BraveSoul Movement
6:30 p.m. - Ron Troupe
7:45 p.m. - Mark "Flava" Fuller
Saturday, Aug. 29
Theme: Chicago Steppin’
6 p.m. – Dance Instruction by Majestic Gents
7:15 p.m. – Music by DJ Cross