2026 Indy Dance Festival Announces FREE Community Events, July 12-19
- Joey Amato
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
As part of its mission to make dance in our city more visible and share with the larger Indianapolis community, the Indy Dance Council has organized a week of free community events leading up to Indy Dance Festival 2026.
The Community Dance Jam at Bicentennial Plaza on July 12 invites everyone to a dance party in the heart of the city. It begins with a site-specific performance by Relevations Dance Theatre surrounding the Together and Sphere sculptures, followed by a preliminary battle where local dancers of all styles will compete for a spot to perform in the Indy Dance Festival’s 7 to Smoke battle, followed by an open dance floor hosted by Keegan "Seoul" Loye with DJ Austin SirLimitless Day.
Throughout the week, classes at local businesses and community centers will offer opportunities for people across Indy to connect through the joy of movement. All classes are free, but you can secure a spot by registering here. Pre-registration is preferred, but not required unless otherwise specified. See the full schedule below:
Hot Yoga for Dancers (ages 14+)
Sunday, July 12, 3-4 p.m.
The Hot Room Downtown, 305 E New York St.
This Shapeshifting Series supports and supplements any fitness routine. These specific body skills practiced in order are proven to increase strength, flexibility, posture, and stamina. Come soften your heart, expand your mind, and transform your body! Limit 30 participants.
REQUIRED: Registration via The Hot Room.
Indy Dance Festival Community Dance Jam
Sunday, July 12, 7-9:00 p.m.
Bicentennial Plaza, 117 S Pennsylvania St.
All are welcome at this free community dance party! Come early to cheer on some of the city’s best hip-hop dancers at the 7 to Smoke prelims, where they will compete for a spot in the final 7 to Smoke battle on the Indy Dance Festival stage the following Sunday.
ChoreoBlitz Kids! (ages 8+)
Wednesday, July 15, 5-6 p.m.
Frederick Douglass Community Center, 1616 E 25th St.
Austin “Sirlimitless” Day hosts a beginner-friendly hip hop dance class rooted in the spirit of peace, love, unity, and having fun. This class is all about trying something new, connecting as a community, and enjoying the experience through movement. No pressure and no experience needed. Just come ready to have fun.
All Abilities Class with ArtMix
Thursday, July 16, 2-3 p.m.
Harrison Center, 1505 N Delaware St.
An inclusive dance experience for movers of all abilities presented in partnership with ArtMix, a nonprofit that works to transform the lives of people with and without disabilities through the creation of art. Explore creativity, music, and movement in a welcoming, supportive environment. No experience necessary. For accommodations and access need requests, please email sarah@indydancecouncil.org.
Stepping Out: Musical Theater Dance for 60+
Saturday July 18, 10-11 a.m.
Dance Kaleidoscope Studios, 1125 N Brookside Ave.
Experience the joy of movement, music, and community in this gentle musical theater dance class designed especially for adults 60+. Participants will explore easy-to-follow choreography inspired by beloved Broadway classics while improving balance, coordination, flexibility, and confidence. No dance experience necessary!
Sunday Lunch & Learn Panel: Dance Adjacent Careers
Sunday, July 19, 12-1:00 p.m.
Lilly Hall, Butler University, 3rd Floor, 4741 Clarendon Rd.
Join professionals from all corners of the dance industry as they discuss career paths that go beyond performance to support the operational, financial, educational, and artistic goals of dance organizations.
Arts with a Purpose & Arts Alive! Partnership: Latin Dance & Rhythms with David Lugo
Sunday, July 19, 2-3:00 p.m.
Roberts Park United Methodist Church, 401 N Delaware St.
Dancer and musician David Lugo uses conga drums to demonstrate different Latin rhythms and how to move to each unique groove. All ages are welcome and the event will be held outdoors, weather permitting.
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