Wheeler Park
You Can Dance—Outside!
Alejandro Quintanilla, Ballet Folklórico
During the months of August, September, and October, UMS’s popular You Can Dance series will be moving outdoors, where dancers and “curious movers” can participate while socially distanced.
These free workshops will be taught by local dance professionals at Ann Arbor’s Wheeler Park, located at 200 Depot Street, on five Saturdays from August 29 – October 24. Advance registration is required. In this workshop, Alejandro Quintanilla will teach the basics of Ballet Folklórico, a form of folkloric dance originating from Mexico.
Total capacity will be limited in order to adhere to public safety guidelines. Sign-in will begin at 10 am and last until 10:25 am. If there is still capacity, walk-ups will be accepted after the sign-in period has closed. The class will begin at 10:30 am.
Artist Bio
Alejandro Quintanilla, born in Flint, MI, has been dancing Mexican Folklórico for more than 20 years. He has performed at Disney World, across the United States and Mexico, and with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra in Ontario, Canada. He has competed in Folklórico in Texas, New York City, and Mexico.
Quintanilla studied for a year at La Universidad de Colima under Maestro Rafael Zamarripa. He received his BFA in Dance from the University of Michigan in 2014, where he had the honor of working with esteemed dancers/choreographers Dianne McIntyre (as a soloist in an original dance, The Summit), and Germaul Barnes (in a restaging of D-Man in the Waters).
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be parking available?
Although there is not a designated parking lot, there is ample street parking nearby.
If I didn’t pre-register, can I just walk up?
Pre-registration is strongly recommended. However, depending on the demand for the class, walk-up registration is available beginning 5 minutes before each scheduled workshop and is open until spots are filled.
Do I need to wear a mask while participating in the activity?
Yes, all participants will be asked to wear a mask during the class in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
How will participants be separated from each other to ensure social distancing?
Each participant will be assigned an ~8–10 sq. ft. box, which will be delineated by chalk spray, to move within. There will also be a 5-foot gap between each box.
How can I cancel my registration if I am no longer able to participate?
To cancel your registration, please email Christina Mozumdar at cjmoz@umich.edu.
Will the event be canceled due to inclement weather? If so, how will I be notified?
Because the workshop will happen outdoors, it will be subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. In the event of cancellation, registered participants will receive an email notification from UMS the morning of the workshop. There will also be a general public post on UMS’s social media announcing the cancellation.
If there are newly-issued local, state, or federal health orders that prohibit outdoor gatherings, will the workshops be canceled? If so, how will I be notified?
Yes, the workshop will be canceled if there is a newly-issued health order that prohibits outdoor gatherings. In the event of cancellation, registered participants will receive an email notification from UMS after the new order has been issued. There will also be a general public post on UMS’s social media and website announcing the cancellation.
Do I need to have dance training to participate?
You do not need any formal training. UMS encourages broad participation and invites a mix of people of different ages and abilities to participate. Each class will be tailored for the “curious adult mover” rather than the “experienced dancer.” We aim to create a comfortable environment for curious beginners.
What should I wear for the workshop?
You should wear clothing and shoes in which you are comfortable moving. Ground surfaces may not be even, so please wear supportive footwear.
What happened to You Can Dance at YMCA?
UMS strongly values its partnership and collaboration with the YMCA. Unfortunately, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting strong restrictions on indoor gatherings, the YMCA building is temporarily closed to the public, making it impossible for the You Can Dance series to take place at the YMCA.