Ballet Austin's Free Day of Dance

Ballet Austin is opening its doors for Come Dance, a full day of free dance classes on Sunday, August 30, at the Butler Dance Education Center downtown. It's a tradition they've kept since 2008, offered back to the community under the tagline 'dance for the joy of it.' The day was inspired by Alvin Ailey's belief that dance is for everybody and should be delivered back to the people, and that's exactly what this is: a chance to get moving without having to commit to a full term or pay for a session.

The lineup is built for adults 16 and older, and it's wide enough to cover almost any style you're into. There's the classical side with ballet, and a whole lot of high-energy stuff: Broadway Cardio, JAM Dance Fitness, R&B Hip Hop, Contemporary Dance, Jazz, Hawaiian Dance, Heels, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Line Dancing, POM Dance, Tap Dance, THRILLER, West African Dance, and AfroBeats. Whether you're looking for a workout, something to dance to in your living room, or a style you've never tried before, you'll find it here.

Beyond the classes, there's a food drive running throughout the day in partnership with Black Women in Business, which collects non-perishable items for people on the margins. If you're planning to stop by, it's a good time to bring along a few cans or boxes to drop off.

Classes run all day from 1:00 PM to 5:45 PM at the Butler Dance Education Center, 501 W. 3rd St, 78701, in downtown Austin. Everything is free, but you do need to sign up in advance for each class you want to take, and many fill up to capacity, so it's worth getting your spots early. Free parking is available at State Parking Garage N, 300 San Antonio Street.