Do you have a tiny dancer in the family? Then head to Saratoga Springs this weekend to enjoy a great weekend of dancing, dipping and whirling with thousands of other spirited dancers! This is the 25th year that the Dance Flurry in the Spa City has delighted thousands in dance and music from all over the world. Starting on Friday, February 17th at 7pm and running through the weekend, this festival features many different styles of dance and draws a yearly attendance of over 5,000 participants. Dancers of all ages, all abilities and all styles of dance can participate in a variety of workshops and programs designed for all levels of experience, beginners to advanced.
Each year, this public event is sponsored by the Dance Flurry Organization, a nonprofit arts and educational organization that aims to promote and maintain international participatory music and dance events. Their philosophy is to present a high-quality, eclectic, feel-good festival of traditional social dance and music. The Flurry serves as a showcase for the wealth of talented dance leaders and musicians from our area, as well as a venue to further develop their skills in a festival atmosphere. In addition, the Dance Flurry Organization is very committed to “local talent” and they believe strongly that this is the backbone of the local dance community. They fill as many session slots as possible with local performers with most of the remaining slots assigned to regional performers, as well as bringing in a limited number of “special guest” performers from outside of our region.
The best part of this annual event is that it is for everyone! Whether you dance (at any level, or wish to learn) or just enjoy good music, concerts and performances, there’s something for everyone at any age. There are beginner-oriented events, as well as intermediate and experienced dance and workshop sessions, as well as singing sessions, family events for all ages, and craft vendors. On Saturday and Sunday there will be storytelling, singing, games and dance events especially for families. When you check out their extensive events schedule you can see that events are coded as to the type of audience/participants and the skill level. Anything that is marked with an “[F]” is geared toward families and young children. A code with “[T]” is something geared specifically toward teens. A “Family” icon appears at the top of the paper schedule columns to show that there is at least one family event in that location.
All dance & workshop venues require a ticket to enter, however there are a few Festival areas open to the public free of charge. These are the Hilton Hotel Pavilion (presentations/scheduled jams), Hilton Hotel Gallery (vendors, jamming, food), and the Parting Glass Pub (concerts). Admission prices vary by day, time and age and to get a full list of prices check out their website.
Tickets are available as full weekend passes or day passes with special discounts for students, children, and seniors.
Click here for more information on tickets, scheduling, parking and more.