UMS is proud to announce the return of You Can Dance – Outside!, a free, outdoor dance workshop for all.
Join UMS in beautiful outdoor park settings — two in Ypsilanti and two in Ann Arbor — for four dynamic dance experiences led by artists exploring styles from across the African Diaspora.
In this workshop, Celia Benvenutti will lead a class on Katherine Dunham technique, a holistic form that unifies classical Ballet, modern, jazz, and traditional dance from the African Diaspora. This class will explore elements of the Katherine Dunham technique through philosophies, theories, and choreography. Movers of all levels are welcome.
Note: This workshop is on Saturday, August 28 at 11 am in Ypsilanti’s Riverside Park. It is the only Fall 2021 You Can Dance – Outside! workshop that will take place on a Saturday.
Artist Bio
Celia Benvenutti is an Afro-Latina dance artist, native Detroiter, and Howard University alumna. She has been studying dance for the past 25 years under the tutelage of Penny Godboldo, lecturer of dance at the University of Michigan and Certified Dunham Technique Dance instructor. Benvenutti’s background includes extensive training in the Dunham Technique, classical ballet, modern (Horton and Graham), jazz, traditional African, and Afro-Caribbean dances. She focuses on creating choreography centered in the Afro-Caribbean vocabulary fused with Dunham Technique.
Instagram: @nowwatchmerumba
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be parking available?
Riverside Park has parking available on the north end of the park, off Cross Street, just west of the river. Parking is also available to the south of the park, accessed via an alley just west of 6 W Michigan.
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). Additionally, there are several trail entrances off Pontiac Trail and Dhu Varren Road.
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?
If you are not yet vaccinated you are required to wear a mask. Washtenaw County health guidelines currently do not require masking for outdoor events, but we strongly encourage all participants to wear a mask during the class for everyone’s protection.
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 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 at both locations 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 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 mover” rather than the “experienced dancer.” 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.
Can you participate if you are under 18 years old?
Yes, we are encouraging participation by people ages 8 and up. For those under 18, a parent or guardian will need to accompany them to the workshop and sign a release.
