You Should Be Dancing

Summertime is Dancing Time here in Nippertown, when Jacob’s Pillow launches their season of contemporary dance and the New York City Ballet holds court at SPAC.

But it’s not all about the watching. If you’re looking to brush up on your dancing skills, perhaps one of these workshops could get your feet moving:

For the ballerinas and ballerinos, the Saratoga Ballet Academy brings its fifth Spring Workshop Performance to the Empire Center at the Egg in Albany this Saturday, May 22, featuring a mix of classes and performances with former New York City Ballet soloist David Otto and area jazz teacher Christine Otto. 4-6pm. Admission: $25.00 Adults | $15.00 children

Perhaps belly dancing is more your thing? Habiba, well known in Nippertown for both her performances and classes, is at The Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy this Saturday, you can participate in Habiba’s Springtime Shimmies, a Middle Eastern and internationally inspired dance and music party that includes performances by professional and student dancers, as well as you (no experience necessary). Beer from Brown’s Brewery, Middle Eastern food from Arnet’s on Broadway and authentic henna hand painting will be available for purchase. 7pm. Admission: $5 Members | $5 Kids Under 12 | $7 Non-Members

If you’re a tap fan, you probably already know that Emmy Award-winning, performer, choreographer, director and outright tap dancing sensation Jason Samuels Smith is bringing his troupe Anybody Can Get It to SPAC’s Spa Little Theatre next Friday, May 28 as part of SPAC’s Extended Season. But they’re all arriving in town a little bit early to teach a master dance class at the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga next Thursday, May 27. Tap dancers of intermediate ability who are at least 10 years old are eligible to participate in the class which will be team-taught by Samuels Smith and his troupe of professional dancers. 6:30-8pm. Admission: $15 Reservations required: i[email protected] or 518-584-2225.