As Buffalo reclaims its spotlight on the national stage as a city of prominence, organizations that help drive a higher quality of life in the region share in that spotlight. Part of the rebirth of Buffalo can be seen in the arts and entertainment community where there has been a significant surge of activity, and opportunities for artists.
One such organization looking to put Buffalo on the map as a hub for artistic opportunities is Dance Days of Buffalo. Founded by veteran dancer Jessica Moore, Dance Days of Buffalo strives to support the appreciation, performance and knowledge of dance and movement practices in the Buffalo area. Offering a fresh look at a growing community, Jessica has created this organization and dedicated to honoring a diverse population of dancers.
After a successful launch, including a fundraising event at 464 Gallery in September 2015, and a fun community awareness event playfully named the Twelve Days of Dance, Jessica kept up the momentum with a crowdfunding campaign this spring to generate the kick-start needed to launch the Dance Days Festival.
Their next fundraising event will be on June 19th, in conjunction with Bar Louie at the Walden Galleria Mall. Bar Louie will be donating 20% of the bill of all diners mentioning their support for Dance Days of Buffalo.
My love of dance and festivals collided, and that is how Dance Days was born.
The Dance Days Festival itself will be taking place on August 5th through 7th, at the Tapestry Charter School on Great Arrow Ave, and will feature the up-and-coming dance scene in Buffalo, while welcoming artists from throughout the region to participate in classes and performances. This unique and ground-breaking festival will be the first festival in the city dedicated entirely to dance.
“My love of dance and festivals collided, and that is how Dance Days was born,” says founder, Jessica Moore.
Ramping up to the festival itself, Dance Days organizers and volunteers will also be participating in landmark cultural events including the Pride Parade, and Taste of Diversity Festival.
“These cultural events represent an opportunity to reach more of the dance community, and the community at large,” explains Jessica, “We hope our participation and support of these events can help us raise awareness, and put more momentum behind our event.”
Dance Day Event tickets went on sale on today (May 25th), and can be purchased online at www.dancedaysofbuffalo.com/events. Admission includes a meal each day for attendees, and each day’s events will be closed out with a special performance open to the public. Over 50 classes are scheduled throughout the weekend in a wide variety of styles including ballet, jazz, clogging, bellydance, folk, traditional Jamaican, dance educator roundtables, hip hop, and more! Three day and single day passes allow participants to attend all scheduled events on the days of their choice.
Individual performances include “Dance Around the World: A World Dance Showcase”, a “Contemporary Choreographers Showcase” and “Inside Hip Hop with Verve Dance Studio.” Tickets to individual shows are $15 for adults, $10 for students/seniors and kids under age 12 attend free! Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as space is limited.
Event details can be viewed here, and tickets are available online here.
Dance Days is taking place August 5th, 6th and 7th at the Tapestry Charter School on Great Arrow Drive, and their next Fundraising event will be taking place at Bar Louie at the Galleria Mall on June 19th. Bar Louie will donate 20% of the check of all restaurant patrons stating they are supporting Dance Days of Buffalo or presenting the advertisement that can be found here.
Photography Credits: Living In The Buff Studio, by Paul Fanara
Ballet Dancer Madison Rutherford at the Buffalo Central Terminal
Ballet Dancer Madison Rutherford at Canalside Buffalo
Belly Dancer Mackenzie Lynch at Niagara Square
Hip-Hop Dancer Rook Hawkins at the Buffalo Central Terminal