NATIONAL DANCE DAY

Participants will explore how music inspires movement through rhythm, timing, and character in Latin American dancing. Using iconic music from Dirty Dancing, participants will discover how to listen to the music, express its energy through the body, and bring movement to life with greater confidence, connection, and personality. We’ll keep the instruction accessible and engaging for participants of all ages and experience levels, with a focus on making the experience fun, approachable, and true to the spirit of the film.

Lori Barber Ramirez spent 12 years as a Radio City Rockette. She was a principal dancer in the National and Japanese tours of the Broadway musical, Swing! Lori worked on the regional productions of Sweet Charity, West Side Story, Trails, and performed locally in The Producers at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Her Film and Television credits include Julie and Julia, Oprah, Live with Kelly, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, Fashions Night Out, Broadway Under the Stars, A Capitol Fourth and The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Lori is currently the Middle School Dance, Acting and Musical Theatre Teacher at The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, FL.

The workshop will consist of a hip-hop party vibe. Learn the hottest new party dances and timeless classics to make your next event an unforgettable celebration. Bring your sneakers and be ready to get down!

Larry Albright holds a B.A. in Hip Hop Culture from Rutgers University and has over 20 years of experience as a dancer, choreographer, performer and educator. He has choreographed for artists including Sean Kingston, JRand and Black Dada, and has taught students of all ages and skill levels across the U.S. and internationally. Mr. Albright has led master classes for organizations such as Dance Educators of America, Dance 4 Life, Pick the Stars International and UDX Hip Hop Convention. His recent choreography credits include MOTO, Palm Beach Nights, Koorazy and Case Files. He currently teaches in Palm Beach County and continues to perform, choreograph and inspire the next generation of dancers.

This workshop will focus on musical theater choreography with an emphasis on style!

Ashley Bachner’s professional career has spanned over 20 years during which time she has appeared on Broadway as a featured performer in Fosse, working with such luminaries as Gwen Verdon, Anne Reinking, Ben Vereen, Chet Walker and Bebe Neuwirth. She was a featured dancer for Lyrics and Lyricists and Songs of Jerome Kern at the Tish Center, and Celebrations of Tap where she worked side by side with Tarik Winston. Regional credits include: Tommy, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers , Jazz on Jazz at Jacob’s Pillow and Singing in the Rain. Television credits are highlighted by The Chappell Show, Law and Order, The Tonight Show and Good Day LA.

Let’s move! In this class, all levels and all ages are celebrated. No technique necessary. Music and group instructions will inspire connections between body and soul, creativity and community.

Kori Epps holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Wisconsin and Bachelors of Arts in Dance, and Communication from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She performed as a dancer in the Demetrius Klein Dance Company – Palm Beach County’s first modern dance company – for over fifteen years, also serving as Associate Artistic Director and Marketing Maven. Her technical foundations are ballet, modern dance, and dance improvisation. She specializes in creative dance, along with dance integration – using movement and dance to teach academic concepts. Kori has taught in Palm Beach County since 2010, believing that everyone can dance. She is currently on the board of the Natural Movers Foundation.

Experience the beauty and joy of classical ballet in this fun and welcoming open class! Designed for ages 8 and up, participants will explore the fundamentals of ballet technique while developing coordination, musicality, strength, and artistry in an encouraging and supportive environment.

Jean-Hugues Feray is the Founder and Director of Paris Ballet and Dance and an internationally recognized ballet artist and educator. A native of France, he trained at the Paris Opera Ballet School and the National Conservatory of Paris, where he earned the institution’s highest ballet distinction. His professional career included performances with major ballet companies in Europe and the United States, working with renowned artists such as Rudolf Nureyev, Maurice Béjart, George Balanchine, and Jerome Robbins. Today, Mr. Feray is dedicated to developing young dancers through exceptional training, international ballet intensives and educational partnerships, inspiring the next generation with his passion, experience and commitment to artistic excellence.

Experience the joy, energy, and cultural richness of African dance in a welcoming and empowering environment. This class explores traditional and contemporary movement rooted in the diverse dance traditions of the African diaspora while building strength, coordination, rhythm, musicality, and confidence. Participants will connect movement with storytelling, community, and self-expression through dynamic choreography, live or recorded percussion, and guided cultural context. Whether you are new to African dance or have years of experience, this class celebrates every body and every ability level. Come ready to move, sweat, learn, and leave feeling energized, grounded, and connected.

Shanna Woods is a choreographer, teaching artist, movement wellness facilitator, and educator with more than 20 years of experience inspiring learners of all ages through dance. As the founder of Movement Meditation Ministry and Lavish Lovin Soulutions, she integrates movement, mindfulness, and creative expression to cultivate confidence, connection, and personal well-being. Shanna has taught in schools, community organizations, and arts institutions, designing engaging experiences that honor culture, creativity, and the whole person. Her work blends technical dance training with storytelling, collaboration, and social-emotional learning, creating spaces where participants feel seen, empowered, and encouraged to discover the transformative power of movement.

Kristi will be teaching a few of the popular beginner line dances that are enjoyed at Renegades nightly. Guests of all ages can participate, no boots required!

Kristi is the lead line dance instructor from Renegades in West Palm Beach. She started line dancing when she was 13 and since then has branched out into all types of country dancing. She has teaches lessons in line, country couples and west coast swing, as well as competed in both couples and teams events. She has been teaching for over 20 years at Renegades and across the country at various events.

Come experience this power-packed, master class workshop and dance to dynamic new music found in today’s pop, dubstep and R&B sounds incorporating movements from various dance genres for a funky style that is both fun and expressive. From ballet, modern, hip-hop to lyrical, jazz funk is a highly expressive and energetic dance style that blends the technical foundations of jazz with the dynamic, groovy movements of hip-hop and funk. Class begins with a series of warm-ups that will strengthen your core, develop flexibility and prepare you for later class combinations. Across-the-floor dance steps and a special combination in the center will give you an opportunity to flash those jazz hands!

A BFA graduate of The Juilliard School, Herman Payne has performed with the Aspen Ballet and has also appeared in The International tours of Fosse and West Side Story, 9 to 5 on Broadway, The New York City Center Encores’ production of The Wiz, House of Flowers, Pajama Game, Radio City Christmas Spectacular (2000 – 2012) and Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Special. In addition to Michael Jackson, Herman has worked with Mariah Carey, Usher, Mya, Destiny’s Child, Whitney Houston, Deborah Cox, Thalia, Tony Moran, Lisa Lisa, Kevin Aviance, Love INC and Camp LO. Payne has choreographed industrials and corporate events and has been a faculty member for numerous summer intensives, including Miami City Ballet, Springfield Ballet, Performance Edge and The Theatre Arts and Minds.

This contemporary dance class employs a variety of movement approaches, incorporating the movement principles of the Limon Dance Technique and dynamic contractions inspired by the Graham Dance Technique, and other movement approaches developed by Ms. Shizu. The class explores a wide range of movement qualitites, from slow, fluted, and expressive to fast, athletic, and powerful, while emphasizing natural body mechanics and authentic physical expression. Students will develop strength, coordination, and artistry through a dynamic and engaging movement practice.

Ms. Yasuda is an accomplished dance artist, educator, choreographer, and coach with over 30 years of performance experience and more than 20 years of teaching and choreographic experience. She specializes in classical ballet, contemporary dance, modern dance, and choreography. She currently serves as an adjunct professor in the Dance Department at Palm Beach Atlantic University and as a modern dance faculty member at Dreyfoos School of the Arts and Ballet Palm Beach School. As a choreographer, Ms. Yasuda has created works for both emerging artists and professional dancers. Her choreographic credits include Palm Beach Ballet (2026), Brasas Ardientes for Vitacca Ballet (2022), and Master Mind, presented at Houston Choreographers X6. Her work also received the Outstanding Ensemble Award at the 2022 UBC Grand Prix Final.

Learn the official National Dance Day routine led by a surprise celebrity dancer that will be announced prior to the event.