Part of the Los Angeles County's Music Center Summer series, Dance Downtown offers free dance lessons prior to the FREE MASSIVE DANCE PARTY with live music. On June 23, 2017, a professional instructor taught 45 minutes of Cumbia. She was AWESOME! Building on the most basic of Cumbia steps, then adding flairs, hand action, twists, turns and then partner action, within 45 of non-step lesson/practice, if you were paying attention and actually practicing the entire time, you will learn something and be able to dance the night away. Van Halen reference completely unintentional, I assure you. As mentioned before, it is free, on the grounds of Grand Park, right in front of City Hall. The grounds surrounding the area is a great place to picnic. There are also some picnic tables around but they are limited and you must arrive early enough to get one. We arrived 20 minutes before the event started and all of them were taken, There were also some food trucks nearby for your convenience. There is parking right at Grand Park for $10. The entrance to this lot is at Broadway. Or if that is too much, there are several parking lots that charge a bit less and are only a couple of blocks away. Can't wait for the next one! read more

Dance Downtown - Backdrop - Festivals Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I have been attending Dance Downtown LA every summer since it first began (in 2008?) and maybe missed one year. Although I'm still not a better dancer, at least I always have fun trying without ever feeling embarrassed or judged. I have tried getting friends to go, but to no avail. Eventually I learned to accept the fact that they don't know how to appreciate free fun in downtown LA, which means more dance floor for me! I do hope to run into a familiar face in the future though. It has gained popularity over the years and the best tip is to go early and catch the first lesson at 6:30p. My friend and I attended the first one for this year, which was 80s night. We were there just before 7p and it was already packed. Dressing up to the theme also adds to the fun, so I'll try to do that more. This was the first year they did 80s dance and a couple of new dances in the schedule, so I was really happy about that. I have tried pretty much all the different dances over the years. My absolute favorite is bollywood & bhangra (the instructor is just awesome) because it's so fun and a great workout. There was one year they had tango inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which was a great experience, but the room was too small so they don't hold dances there anymore. It's outdoor fun good for all ages, very safe, and it's freee! I don't even pay for parking. They have drinks and food for sale and they have a service to hold your things, but I try to not bring much stuff. They always have a live band and most of them have been pretty good. read more

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This is my first time going to this event. I love it. I didn't think L.A has this kinds of thing. It's better to come early before it get too crowded if you want to see the dance instructor. Because it did get super crowded and you just end up being stepped on and not be able to see anything. Maybe the instructor should be on a platform or have jumbotron that show his steps. Other than that the crowds are friendly and happy. I'll definitely go again. Plus that area is always nice especially for summer night. Perfect! We bought some tacos there which is also from "Patina" (btw Patina is always good) and it is da bomb only $6 for 3 tacos You can also bring your own wine, beer, whole picnic. There are table & chairs everywhere or you can just bring a blanket and have picnic. read more

Dance Downtown - Festivals Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This is a review for the salsa event. I went for the first time and really had a great time! There was a mixed crowd of all ages and it was great to see all kinds of people from all walks of life coming together to enjoy themselves by salsa dancing to the tunes of Son Mayor www.sonmayor.com which is reportedly one of the better salsa bands in L.A.. I took the beginning salsa lessons at 6:30 pm and thought I had it down but man, these people can really dance! I was humbled and entertained when all the salsa pros started arriving showing their stuff and swinging their partners all over the place! It was a good thing there were a bunch of novices trying too! It didn't matter actually because everyone was just having a good time! There were food and drinks and it was a perfect evening to be outdoors dancing the night away under the stars against the backdrop of the downtown skyline!! It was a very festive atmosphere and I'll definitely be going to the other upcoming events for this series through the summer! read more

Dance Downtown - Festivals Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Dance Downtown was SUCH a great way to spend a Friday evening during the summer! I went to the Bollywood night and had a wonderful time. Our instructor had sooo much energy, and was so enthusiastic, that you couldn't help but jump around and dance with her. Thank goodness for their "coat check" area - literally a roped off corner next to the info desk, with a couple of security guards standing by. I'd arrived with luggage in tow and would've danced around it had they not directed me to the info desk. I danced quite freely after that ;) I can't wait for Dance Downtown to come back next summer! read more

Came here for the first time and had a blast! Learned how to dance to the Bee Gee's hit "You Should Be Dancing ". A lot of people. Dance floor got very crowded. A lot of good, positive energy. After that song, there was a rest period then got to learn some salsa. Not to many places to sit and long lines to get food, but I would do it again. Parking is underground of the Music Center unless you are lucky to find meter parking. read more

What a great way to spend a warm summer Friday night in DTLA! One of my most favorite things about living in L.A. is the abundance of free cultural activities to do on any given night. Dance DTLA does dance lessons and DJs on alternating Fridays in the summer. They have instructors but I wouldn't say it is totally for beginners. While the stage is elevated, it really isn't elevated enough to see any of the footwork in the back. If you are really serious about actually learning dance moves, you probably need to show up earlier to be in the front. It would be great if they could do some sort of projection from the foot level onto a big screen so we can see it in the back. There's tables/chairs so you can BYOB or food but they also sell food/beverages in the area. My friend and I ate ahead at Grand Central Market and walked over. Take the metro (Civic Center/Grand Park) to save the headache of traffic and parking! read more

#13fridays Bring Yo(ur) Own Dance Moves Oh, it's already been brought'n! Loving the new addition to Music Center's summer Dance Downtown series. On not-choreographed nights (think: salsa, two-step, swing, etc.), they have dublab DJs on the ones and twos spinnin' some sick tunes for your dancing pleasure. It's a free night of movin' and jivin' to the beats under the stars. The courtyard came alive last Friday for their first installment and I can see it getting bigger, badder, and boogier as the season progresses. I was surprised to find that not only do they sell alcohol (which makes already spectacular nights even more spectacular), BUT it's not quarantined off in a box to the side that you can't leave if you're holding an open bottle. You can be as free as a bird with your booze throughout the night. There's food for sale as well from the various Music Center eateries or you can bring your own and picnic as the sun sets! Another summer activity that will make you fall even harder for LA! read more

What a perfect summer evening activity. I wish they do this all the time. They hold this event every other week throughout the summer. Each event has a different dance theme. I went to the Line Dance & Two Step. It was a good mixed crowd of all ages. I went with my girlfriend but a lot of people came with friends, some even brought their kids. When they say "No experience necessary", they really mean it, but having some coordination and rhythm is a plus. My dancing knowledge only extends to the Electric Slide and maaaybe the Macarena, so I fit right in. When you show up at the plaza, they have a dance floor set up in the middle. You can jump in and leave the floor anytime you like. We were taught about 4-5 different choreography to different songs throughout the night with plenty of practice and break times thrown in between. There's a taco stand in the plaza that sells food and drink. The tacos are 3 for $6 and quite excellent. The only down side is that it gets pretty crowded towards the later part of the evening and it was really difficult for people in the back to see what the instructor was doing. It's understandable given that this is a free event. Maybe they should charge to control the crowd. I don't mind paying $5 if it means I'm sharing the floor with less people. All in all, it was still a lot of fun. The venue is beautiful at night and the dance floor is lit up with pretty little lanterns. The ambiance is amazing; filled with lively music and happy people having a good time dancing under the stars. read more

Review of the Bollywood dance event: We got there around 6. Many people were picnicking at the tables (mental note for next time). Around 6:35, the event started. The instructor was full of energy and VERY funny! The whole experience was just plain fun. All kinds of people, old/young, dressed up or in casual clothing. No obnoxious drunks here. They seemed to have valet, though I didn't have to use it. My favorite part was free coat check!! We didn't have to worry about our purses :) read more

So much fun in a beautiful setting in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles! You don't need to know how to dance, you just show up at 6:30 p.m., attempt to follow along, then find a dance partner who won't get mad if you step on his or her toes! You only have to pay for parking which, in the area, is usually about $10. After dancing the night away to wonderful live music surrounded by picturesque Downtown L.A., make sure to grab a late night snack at one of the famous late night eateries L.A. is known for. This is where memories are made! read more

No where to sit!!! My wife set up a to go out for dancing last Friday with friends; thought this would be a fun night. Not so much and didnt stay. We arrived at 6:15 and there were no tables available. Website said they have plenty of tables and chairs so not to bring our own. Wow whoever made that determination lives in a delusional world. Tables for maybe 300 people? One of my biggest annoyances is there were single people holding 3 to 4 tables for friends. Come on management is that really the right thing to allow? There was easily enough space to trebble the seating. If I could have brought my own chairs or DD would have provided enough seating this probably whould be a fun joint. Unfortunately I'd rather not dance then have to sit on the ground to rest. read more

Nothing like dancing under the stars on a summer night with you significant other, my wife and I had the most fabulous experience here!!! Coming here made us feel young again, we had such a great time! I can't express how happy both of us were after coming here. read more

Summer in the city, its a hot town. Just as winter brings a host of activities, so does summer and one of those activities is outdoor dancing at the Music Center in downtown LA. Despite a warm, muggy night, a large crowd gathered by the statue in the Music Center garden. Mixing in with people there for a play at the Ahmanson, the Mark Taper, or the Opera house, and theres a good energy and a lively atmosphere to Dance Downtown. There's food and drinks avaialable, and with lights draped around trees and hanging lanterns illuminating walkways, its just a lovely spot to be. They have a new dance theme every other week, we went for Argentine Tango, and might go for Samba later. Not a bad place to bring a date, because the dancing is a great way to have some 'closeness', and even if you're new, lessons are given. However, the lessons are a sticky point, because indeed, the instructor is just standing in the middle of the dance floor. You have to get close, otherwise its impossible to see their steps. But other than that, I saw some couples only take one lesson, use those moves for the rest of the night, and it worked! They flowed around the floor very elegantly. So in general, Dance Downtown, a nice place to be out on a summer's evening. read more

I went for K-pop night, and the kid who taught the class from 6:30-7 was a hoot. He was great, and the moves were so fun. It's awesome that all kind of people come out: young and old, all races, and all types of people. there was a big crowd by the time the event started. I parked in the music center garage for $9. I didn't want to chance getting a ticket on the streets, but I did see meters. I love free events like this. I will probably go back for other dance events. read more

This a really exciting dance series put on by the museum. The thing I like is that everyone is there to have fun. People check their attitudes at the door. read more

This event is one of the most exciting venues that occur during the summer. As the years have progressed, it has changed in themes and molded into a lively spot. Back in the day it was strictly Latin music then slowly they mixed it up into a variety of dance types. Although I do not picture myself as pro dancer with two left feet, it is most enjoyable starting off the weekend. Perfect place to people watch with a nice picnic dinner and glass of wine. If anyone has ever been to the Music Center plaza, the exterior is spectacular with a gorgeous backdrop of the Dorothy Chandler Pavillon, Ahmanson Theater and Disney Concert Hall. The night creates a very picturesque atmosphere as it draws many different faces from across the city. The majority of the nights include a live band and dance lesson. To be honest, lessons are not always necessary, as most peeps don't even notice. For the introvert dancer, you can blend into the crowd and dance as if no one is watching. This is certainly a great venue. Highly recommend arriving no later than 5 pm to reserve your table to picnic. Otherwise you are subjected to picnicking on the benches or stairs. This event is very popular and free to the public. Parking at the Music Center is generally $9, worth the price for live music. Great spot to check out on warm summer nights in downtown. read more

Dance Downtown - Packed house! - Festivals Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Simply fun , fun, fun!..learned some Tango tonight and talked to very friendly people. Live professional musicians playing tonight.We arrived at 5:30pm and there were few tables left. Very clean and lots of security all around and you can bring your own food or purchase some there. There is also a Starbucks at walking distance.You don't really need a table though if you are not eating. There are plenty of steps you can sit on for a break after dancing. Some professional dancers tonight but many also just trying it and and having fun with their dance partner or friends. Free event , only pay for parking $9 before 8pm $5 after 8pm. Its an outdoor dance floor with fun people no one cocky just plain enjoyment. You see some people in formal wear but most in everyday casual summer clothes. Great ambiance for kids too. read more

Dance Downtown - 5:30pm..before everyone got there - Festivals Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Dance Downtown is synonymous with summer nights in Downtown LA. You can literally dance under the stars and you don't need any dance experience. The instructors will guide you to get you started. I've been to this event for 90s Night and Argentine Tango night and they were really fun. Dance Downtown is also a great way to meetup with friends and family and have a potluck in addition to eating the refreshments that are sold at the venue although they can be pricey. With the magical power of dance, you can meet/make new friends and find a fun way to get active. :-) Parking is $9 at the Music Center garage but I've been taking the Metro rail and bus system, which helped me save on gas and the stress of driving to Downtown LA during rush hour. For anyone coming from the Southeast LA area park your car at Metrolink Norwalk Station (the one by Imperial Highway & the 105 Freeway), take the Green Line westbound to the Harbor Freeway/Artesia Transportation Center, get off and go downstairs to catch the Metro Silver bus to Downtown LA (end stop is 1st & Hill Street). To get back: there's a bus stop on 1st street (on the westbound side of the street) and you may have to wait 20-60 minutes for the Southbound Metro Silver Bus to Harbor Freeway/Artesia Transportation Center on a Friday night. read more

This event is getting bigger every year. Last night was salsa night. Good to see people from all walks of life come together for dancing and fun. Takes your mind away from the daily grind and work week bullshit. Bollywood night is usually the best night. The environment is super laid back. If you want a spot on the dance floor or a picnic table come early! The dance floor gets incredibly packed quick with the beginners. But if you don't mind dancing in the open there are people dancing in between tables, in the corners, on the stairs, wherever you want. The sight of this is pretty amazing. If you are a timid dancer you can always come and watch also. It really is a dance party in a plaza. They have an open drink policy. Bring your own drinks or they have bars set up there. It's super classy not trashy. Love these events. Also very family friendly. Only thing is the restroom has 3 stalls for this event (one was out of order). So you can imagine what the woman's line looked like. read more

Dance Downtown - Just a glimpse of the dance floor. - Festivals Near Me - Los Angeles, California

If I could give this place 10 stars I would! My boyfriend was visiting me from out of town and I wanted to take him to somewhere different and this was the perfect place to do so! It was 90's night so the songs were so much fun to dance to and with all of the different ages, everyone was just having a good time. And the place was so beautiful with all the dangling colorful lights combined with a summer's night it was the perfect setting to just shake it! And it didn't hurt that it was FREE!! They would even stop the music and teach you and your partner some choreography. Whether you're a child or an adult trust me you'd have fun. read more

Salsa night had great songs to dance to. Every single one would make you want to get on the dance floor that was provided and dance. Dancers of all levels came together to share their passion for salsa. Everyone was friendly. If you came alone, no problem, someone would invite you to dance. Salsa dancers like to have a good time and want everyone to do so as well. Plenty of space to dance. Easy access to outdoor refreshments, bathrooms and garage/valet parking. And even benches to sit could be found around the dance area. read more

Just went to this for the first time, and it was the best time I have had in LA since getting here a month ago. And zydeco dancing--who would have thought?? The band was fantastic, and the crowd was super super fun--little children, 20-somethings, people my parents' age, people my grandparents' age, of all backgrounds. Enthusiastic beginners and experienced dancers alike. Can't recommend this enough! read more

Free dance lessons. Awesome! So finally made it out to one of their events and it was for the samba event. Too bad I wore the wrong shoes, I thought they would work. Wrong. I went solo since none of my friends were interested but the crowd was friendly and nice so it's okay to go by yourself though friends are always nice. It's a good mix ranging in cultures to age. I did have to pay $9 for parking but free lessons, that's what you get and since I was solo I didn't want to park too far. Hope they continue to have these again in future years. read more

Amazing place to spend a warm LA night! We love to bring a picnic and a bottle of wine. Last year, however, we were not allowed to set up our own chairs because of the large crowds. Get there early and get a table!! read more

sickkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk. you should do this alll year round!!! came here for the samba night and it was very very lively. the lights on the trees and the hanging round lanterns and the warm end of summer night would make any dance under the stars like gone with the wind. make sure to check for next summer, cant wait!! park down the street for $6, not in the lot under. there is a mini market for food, as well as a satellite restaurant that serves fusion food and also a taco stand that sells tacos. so no worries if you dont eat before. also, there were 2 lesson times about an hour apart, so if you cant be there by 630 get there by 730 and you can still try to learn, although it got much more crowded. read more

I'm disappointed that I missed the Salsa nite with one of my favorite bands. Loved the Tango evening and looking forward to other events coming up. This is a beautiful way to spend an evening under city lights, fountains and views. People are friendly. I just discovered this venue and hope to attend many more in the future. Five star events in my view. read more