Let’s Dance

Dance is personal. It plays a role in many special moments in our lives; maybe a wedding, a quinceañera or a school dance. It might have been a show at the theater, a first recital, or the celebration of exciting news. Or perhaps simply hearing your favorite song makes your hips sway and your head bob automatically. Dance is also global. Not only is it rooted in cultures around the world, it has become a means of universal expression through art form – a way to communicate and connect without words.

As we waltz our way into a fresh fall season, here are some fun local dance facts…

• In 2015, Celebrity Series of Boston presented its inaugural Let’s Dance Boston, one of the largest, free outdoor dance and music parties that Boston has ever experienced. It’s become an annual tradition ever since and we’re looking forward to dancing with you on May 2022 Rose Kennedy Greenway!

• The Dance Complex is a 25+ year old central hub of dance- locally, offering workshops, classes and performances. With its 1884-circa former Odd Fellow’s Hall studios closed throughout the pandemic, a new pop up space in Kendal Sq Complex @ Canal was born.

• In 2019, the Boston Ballet performed in Paris for the first time in it’s 56-year history, selling out all performances.

• José Mateo Ballet Theatre is the only ballet company in New England to produce an entire collection of dances from its own resident choreographer.

This fall, we’ve got our own dance to celebrate! Be sure to check out these upcoming events:

Urbanity Dance: Go Stop Listen. Still Wait Go. September 23 – 25

Urbanity Dance opens its 10th Anniversary Season with Go Stop Listen. Still Wait Go., its signature annual fall dance crawl event, will hold performances on September 23, 24 and 25, 2021 (rain date is September 26, 2021). Choreographed by Urbanity Dance Founder Betsi Graves, the performance brings together the talent of Boston movers, musicians, storytellers, and poets that dive into the many layers of history in Boston’s South End neighborhood.

12th Annual Dance for World Community Festival September 25

Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre presents the 12th Annual Dance for World Community Festival. See performances by over 50 local dance groups, take introductory-level dance classes in a diversity of dance forms.

Dear Mom September 25

In honor of Bi Pride Month this September, Dancing Queerly presents Dear Mom: a tender and vulnerable hour-and-a-half experience exploring *bi+/queer families of origin by Good Trouble Makers. Through film, discussion, and a guided letter-writing experience we’ll explore the landscape of the pain, healing, and joy that’s possible at our roots. If you are a person who experiences multi-gender attraction, this event was made for you! If you are the family, be it chosen or family of origin, of a person who is *bi+\queer and you want to understand them better, welcome! If you want to join Good Trouble Makers for the world premiere of Dear Mom and this meaningful multifaceted experience, see you there!

Ayodele Casel: Chasing Magic September 25 – October 9

Trailblazing tap dancer Ayodele Casel captures the spark of connection and creation in Chasing Magic, performed live on stage for the first time since its virtual premiere. Exploring the magic of tap dance and everyday life with an ensemble of dancers and musicians, this joyous production celebrates gratitude, friendship, trust, legacy, culture, ancestors, and collaboration.

For more info on the latest events, visit the ArtsBoston Calendar.

Header photo: Let’s Dance (2015), Celebrity Series of Boston