It must be true what they say about time flying by when you’re having fun, because it seems just like yesterday when the Music Center first invited all of Downtown Los Angeles to twist and shout at their massive outdoor dance floor event known as Dance DTLA.
This year, the event celebrates its 20th year, with The Music Center’s Dance DTLA planning a massive birthday party to celebrate the milestone. For $60 a ticket, Angelenos are invited to come and dance on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
As The Music Center pumps up the volume with local DJs on the special night, just like it was in the beginning back in 2004 when the event first debuted as Dance Downtown, there’s no need to panic if some of the world’s most famous dance steps elude any sense of rhythm. Instructors will keep partygoers on their feet with three hours of music highlighting Dance DTLA’s dance genres from the past 20 years, beginning with light bites and champagne toast to make sure dancers have enough energy.
Dance DTLA – photo courtesy the Music Center
Dance DTLA was created as a free dancing event that included easy-to-follow dance lessons and could be enjoyed and accessed by Angelenos of all ages. Back then, there were only two dance genres (swing and salsa), but throughout the years, the hunt for musical dance instruction has yielded Argentine tango, bhangra, Chicago steppin’, cumbia, disco, line dance, samba, and zydeco. To date, there have been more than 100,000 knee-clappin’, hip-twisting, and leg-kicking participants in Dance DTLA.
“Every summer, many Angelenos have transformed The Music Center’s Dance DTLA into a family tradition where they can hit the dance floor together and create wonderful memories. The talented, local dance instructors make it so easy for families and all those who just love to dance to follow their instructions,” said Josephine Ramirez, executive vice president, TMC Arts, the programming arm of The Music Center. “We can also credit Dance DTLA’s longevity to the beautiful summer nights we have the great fortune to enjoy in Los Angeles.”
“Without a doubt, The Music Center’s Dance DTLA is the most successful and impactful participatory dancing series in The Music Center’s 60-year history. Thousands of Angelenos converge every summer on Jerry Moss Plaza for an unforgettable time to dance and express themselves on our spacious outdoor dance floor. To commemorate Dance DTLA’s momentous 20th year, we will celebrate it in a big way—by inviting everyone to the specially ticketed birthday bash,” said Rachel S. Moore, president and CEO of The Music Center.
The Music Center’s Dance DTLA Birthday Bash takes place on the same dance floor where Dance DTLA has taken place each summer on the geyser-ridden patio of Jerry Moss Plaza. www.musiccenter.org
