Philadelphia Dance Day: Time to put on those dancing shoes

Even if you have two left feet and don't know an arabesque from a pirouette, dancing can be a fun way to get your blood pumping and to raise your spirits. Creative expression is good for your body and your soul, so come out Saturday, July 25 for this year's Philadelphia Dance Day celebration.

"We just want to get people dancing on that day. It is what we love to do and we want to share and create a fun atmosphere," said Deborah Hirsch, president of Philly Dance Fitness.

Her company located in Center City has been organizing this event for the past few years in honor of National Dance Day made popular by the creators of "So You Think You Can Dance" and now run by the Dizzy Feet Foundation.

"Last July, our grassroots efforts got more than 525 people dancing and a record workshop attendance of nearly 900! The event continues to grow, drawing more volunteers, more workshops and, hopefully, more dancers!" Hirsch told Philly.com.

On Philadelphia Dance Day, there will be 20 free workshops and a $5 evening dance party at the Ethical Society building on Rittenhouse Square. The free classes in a wide variety of styles of dance, from belly dancing to tap to hip-hop, will be held at participating studios. Then everyone is invited to head to the night festivities at the Ethical Society building for more classes, social dancing and a performance showcase by instructors and student groups. You don't want to miss the hip-hop master class and Zumba party.

New this year is a collaboration with the Koresh School of Dance who also has its own Come Together Dance Festival and more offerings for kids with the help of ZoomDance. If you are looking for a participating studio in the Northeast, Step by Step Dance Expressions has signed up this year.

Along with Philly Dance Fitness, this year's roster of volunteers also will include Ballroom Bliss, CEG Performing Arts Academy, the Christian Street YMCA, Headlong Studios, Lindy and Blues, Major Moment Studio, Modero Dance Company, Studio 1831 as well as some independent instructors.

When asked, what classes draw the biggest crowds Hirsch said, "The most popular for the fitness set are classes like cardio pop and zumba, but there is a growing interest in tap and social dances like tango and salsa."

On Sunday, July 19, you can catch a little free preview of Philadelphia Dance Day at Eakins Oval from 2 to 4 p.m. Hirsch and DIamond Edmonds, former Miss Philadelphia will be leading family-friendly hip-hop and zumba lessons.

Visit philadelphiadanceday.com for detailed class descriptions and locations. While daytime workshops are completely free, there is a $5 charge for the evening event at the Ethical Society to help defray the cost of this and future Dance Day celebrations.

Read more Sports Doc for Sports Medicine and Fitness.