World Dance Festival Turns Baltimore into a Global Dance Hub

Hey there, globetrotting groove makers! This is Corinna, one half of the Dance Unites Us (DUS) founding duo. Julio, my partner in crime when it comes to all things dance (think contact improv, conscious dance, and some seriously smooth zouk moves), is off conquering business deals in Massachusetts this time. But fear not, because this solo trip to the World Dance Festival in Baltimore turned out to be an unforgettable adventure – and I'm here to take you right into the heart of the dancing whirlwind!

Forget your typical festival schedule. This wasn't a Friday-to-Sunday salsa fling; this was a dance marathon that kicked off with a social on Thursday afternoon and kept the energy pumping all the way to the wee hours of Monday morning. Now that's dedication to the rhythm!

But the extended playtime wasn't the only thing that set this festival apart. Here's what truly stole the show:

Unveiling Dance Unites Us: Your Gateway to a Global Dance Revolution

Dance Buffet Anyone?

This festival was a celebration of variety unlike anything I've ever seen. Back in the day, it started as a salsa festival, trying to add a cultural must-attend in Baltimore and to keep up with its famous neighbors New York City and Washington D.C. It then blossomed into a salsa and bachata haven, before finally morphing under Dola's (the amazing festival organizer) leadership into the World Dance Festival extravaganza. We're talking salsa, bachata, kizomba, zouk, Afrobeat – a global dance buffet with flavors to tantalize every taste bud.

Forget choosing just one flavor. This festival boasted a whopping 94 workshops across various styles – Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Zouk, Afro-beats – you name it, they had it. And the best part? Whether you were a complete beginner with two left feet or a seasoned pro, there were workshops designed for every skill level.

This philosophy of inclusivity was beautifully displayed when I met a complete newcomer on the dance floor during a Friday social. Inspired by the energy around him, he mustered the courage to ask me to dance, despite having never taken a class. Not only did I have a blast showing him the ropes (salsa-style!), but I also connected him with a salsa instructor who happily offered to teach him a few moves.

This encounter perfectly embodied the spirit of the festival, and of DUS itself – creating a space where everyone feels welcome to explore the joy of dance, regardless of background or experience.

Non-Stop Movement - Non-Stop Fun!

Speaking of socials, this festival offered four in a row, happening from Thursday till Sunday night with various, spacious, well-ventilated dance floors. Bachata lovers had their own dedicated space (even one separately for the traditional Bachata style), salsa enthusiasts reveled in 1-2 rooms, and Kizomba dancers swayed alongside Zouk partners, a far cry from the cramped corners these beautiful routines often get relegated to.

But the movement transcended the dance floor. The Afro-beat vibes spilled out into lobby freestyle sessions fueled by percussion and impromptu dance battles that captivated the entire crowd. It was a melting pot of cultures, ages, and abilities, united by a shared love for rhythm and self-expression.

And let me tell you, the smiles were infectious! During one social, I even had the pleasure of dancing with a volunteer in a wheelchair. It was a heartwarming first for me, and it felt like a scene straight out of a feel-good movie.

Show-Stopping (or rather: Enhancing) Spectacles!

Beyond the social whirl, the festival offered two evenings of phenomenal performances. Each night, world-class dancers graced the stage for a full two hours! We're talking mind-blowing choreography, breathtaking skill, and enough inspiration to fuel a lifetime of dance moves.

The workshops, the socials, the shows – it all came together to create a truly unforgettable experience. But the magic of the World Dance Festival went beyond the impressive numbers and high-caliber performances. It was the sense of community, the infectious camaraderie, and the unwavering belief that dance is for everyone.

Dola, the organizer, deserves a standing ovation for creating such a welcoming and supportive environment. Interviews with the key players behind the scenes are coming soon, but for now, let's just say there's a beautiful story brewing here, one that celebrates the power of dance to unite us all. This entire philosophy aligns perfectly with DUS's mission: to create a global dance community that celebrates all styles. And what better place to spread the word than at a festival that's already breaking down barriers? We were honored to have a slot on the evening show, sharing our vision and actually launching our Dance Unites Us app with a passionate audience. A big shoutout to Dola, for believing in us!

So, if you haven't downloaded the app so far, do so now either on iOS, Android or use it straight from the web.

And don't forget to get your early passes for next year's World Dance Festival while the ticket prices are still low. It's definitely a festival you should NOT miss if you're looking for a dance experience that goes above and beyond, a festival that pushes the boundaries of style and creates a space for pure, uninhibited joy! You won't regret it.