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, Heather Mitchell will lead participants in traditional West African Dance, as well as contemporary AfroBeat dance moves for beginners. Get ready to feel the heat and abundant joy of movement from the motherland! Movers of all levels are welcome.
Note: This workshop is on Sunday, September 26 at 11 am in Ann Arbor’s Olson Park.
Artist Bio
Heather Mitchell is an African Diasporic Dance performing artist who has been based in the Kalamazoo community for over 10 years. She continues to perform with the Rhythm Life Collective formerly known as Dunuya Drum and Dance. Her work includes choreography at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, The Civic, FaceOff Theatre Company, and Rootead Youth Dance Company. She is a Teaching Artist with Education for the Arts and is an adjunct for the dance departments at Western Michigan University and Grand Valley State University. She is also the recipient of WMU’s 2020 Community Dance Advocacy Award.
As a teaching artist, Heather has facilitated numerous workshops and classes that sought to connect people of various backgrounds to the cultural knowledge, joy, and sense of community that African Diasporic dance brings. She believes that dance is the language of the spirit and is meant to be shared with her community!
Instagram: @dance.heather
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.
