Dancing Through History, presented by Young Dance
Step onto the dance floor! Dancing Through History is a lively multigenerational workshop where children, friends, parents, and grandparents can discover dances from different eras together.
Led by teaching artists from Young Dance, this free, drop-in experience is designed for all ages and abilities. The workshop features five 15-minute dance modules, each introducing a different style and moment in dance trend history. Join for a single session or stay for all five!
Whether you’re twirling, laughing, learning, or simply moving together, this joyful experience celebrates connection across generations and reminds us that dance has always been a way to tell stories, build community, and have fun.
Free
• No dance experience required • All ages welcome • Register to secure your spot
ABOUT CHILDREN & FAMILY WEEKEND:
Join Hope Arts Center and House of Hope Presbyterian Church for Children & Family Weekend, a joyful two-day celebration centered on the theme “Creativity, Resilience, and Your Unique Voice.”
Designed for parents, children, grandparents, educators, caregivers, mentors, health professionals and those interested in the intersection of arts and health, the weekend brings together nationally acclaimed speakers, outstanding Twin Cities arts organizations, and hands-on experiences that celebrate the creativity and potential of every child while equipping the adults who help them thrive.
Saturday features ERIN WALSH, nationally recognized child development expert and co-founder of Spark & Stitch Institute, will present a talk titled, “It’s Their World: Raising Resilient Kids in the Digital Age”, offering practical, research-based insights on children’s mental health, resilience, and healthy relationships with technology. While adults attend Erin’s presentation, children and youth can participate in engaging poetry workshops led by teaching artists from The Loft Literary Center.
On Sunday, Newbery Medal-winning author and poet KWAME ALEXANDER joins moderator Arleta Little of The Loft Literary Center for an inspiring conversation about creativity, storytelling, and discovering your unique voice. Children and youth are admitted free to Sunday’s keynote.
Throughout the weekend, enjoy performances by Hope Arts Center music students, family puppet-making with Heart of the Beast Puppet Theatre, a multigenerational dance workshop with Young Dance, book sales and signings with Red Balloon Bookshop, a parade with Heart of the Beast artists, poetry slam, art gallery visits, receptions, and a lively dance party.
Children & Family Weekend reflects a shared belief that creativity is more than artistic expression—it bolsters confidence and resilience, fosters connection, and helps young people build healthy, happy lives. Whether you are raising children, teaching them, mentoring them, or simply care about the next generation, this weekend offers inspiration, practical ideas, and meaningful opportunities to create, learn, and celebrate together.
We hope you’ll join us for this special community event as we celebrate creativity, resilience, and every person’s unique voice.
