Photo Credit: Doug Coombe

You Can Dance–Outside! returns for another summer of movement and community across southeast Michigan.

This year, UMS is doubling down on the dance fun by offering two dance sessions! Each day will begin with a 45-minute Introduction to Dance workshop that creates space for participants ages six and up to ground themselves in the basics of the movement form. This will be followed by an hour-long Curious Movers workshop for participants ages 12 and up who want to deepen their dance experience through further exploration of forms and rhythms.

Afro-Cuban dance continues to have a global impact in connecting practitioners to the legacy of Cuba’s slave trade. With rhythms and forms that transcend the African diaspora, Afro-Cuban dance is one of the many expressions of culture, resilience, and pride that continues to empower practitioners and audience members through this movement’s ability to bring to life intricate dialogues of ancestry and homage.

10–10:45 am // Introduction to Afro-Cuban Rhythms // Ages 6+
11–12 noon // Curious Movers: Afro-Cuban Rhythms // Ages 12+

Little to no dance experience is required to participate, and workshops are free and open to the public. Register to attend one or both workshops – there will be a 15-minute break in between. We ask that participants 12 and under have a parent/guardian present at all times.

Frequently asked questions

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. We aim to create a comfortable environment for everyone.

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.

Will there be parking available?

Olson Park has one main vehicle entrance off of Dhu Varren Road with one large parking lot. The entrance is located on the north side of Dhu Varren Road between Pontiac Trail and the Food Gatherers (Carrot Way).

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.

How can I cancel my registration if I am no longer able to participate?

To cancel your registration, please email UMS’s Community and Audience Programs Manager Alexandria Davis at adavism@umich.edu. We appreciate your prompt communication notifying us of the cancellation so that we can make room for other participants

Will the event be canceled due to inclement weather? If so, how will I be notified?

Classes will be held outdoors under covered partial structures that offer some protection from the elements. If extremely inclement weather makes the workshop impossible, registered participants will receive an email notification from UMS on the morning of the workshop. There will also be a general public post on UMS’s social media announcing the cancellation.

Meet Your Artist Facilitator

Duane Wrenn

Duane Wren, artist facilitator

Health & Safety

This is an outdoor event. Anyone who chooses to wear a mask is welcome and encouraged to do so, but masks are not required for participation.

Sun, Sep 25, 2022
10:00 AM

Venue

Olson Park Pavilion

1515 Dhu Varren Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Sunday, September 25, 2022 // 10 AM - 12 PM (Details below)
Olson Park Pavilion

You Can Dance—Outside! Ann Arbor
Afro-Cuban Rhythms

Family Friendly

Free

Public Workshop

Free with Registration

Duane Wren, artist facilitator

Health & Safety

This is an outdoor event. Anyone who chooses to wear a mask is welcome and encouraged to do so, but masks are not required for participation.

Venue

Olson Park Pavilion

1515 Dhu Varren Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

You Can Dance–Outside! returns for another summer of movement and community across southeast Michigan.

10–10:45 am // Introduction to Afro-Cuban Rhythms // Ages 6+
11–12 noon // Curious Movers: Afro-Cuban Rhythms // Ages 12+

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have dance training to participate?

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.

Will there be parking available?

If I didn’t pre-register, can I just walk up?

How can I cancel my registration if I am no longer able to participate?

Will the event be canceled due to inclement weather? If so, how will I be notified?

Meet Your Artist Facilitator

Duane Wrenn

Duane Wrenn is a fitness consultant and dance instructor.

Duane founded the company Energetic Soul in 2000 and since then has developed three programs that focus on the art of dancing as a conversation. He has also co-developed two other unique programs, AFRO-tImBa with Kati Hernandez and SoulChiSa with Dr. Jeya Aerenson. Each of the 5 programs are designed to teach general and specialized audiences salsa dancing and how to utilize what they are learning as a vehicle to add spice to their daily life, on and off of the dance floor.

Born in New Orleans, LA. Duane currently resides in the Detroit Michigan area where he hosts private intensives and teaches group classes.