The largest annual outdoor dancing series in the United States, Chicago SummerDance returns for its 16th year of jumping, jiving and bringing joy to Chicago’s residents and visitors. Presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Chicago SummerDance brings people of all ages and skill levels together on the 4,900 square-foot, open-air dance floor made of 100% recycled materials each summer. The series offers free, introductory one-hour dance lessons by professional instructors followed by music and dancing. The diverse musical lineup showcases dance styles from all corners of the globe.

New this year, Chicago SummerDance kicks off at the 32nd annual Taste of Chicago, July 11 – 15, with DJs spinning a different genre of music each night in Grant Park, midpoint between Jackson St. and Congress Pkwy. Then, Chicago SummerDance moves to the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave., July 19 – September 15 for introductory one-hour dance lessons taught by professional instructors followed by two hours of live music and dancing. The final evening of Chicago SummerDance is scheduled to take place in Millennium Park on the AT&T Plaza in front of Cloud Gate.

The 16th annual Chicago SummerDance will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoons from 4 to 7 p.m., weather permitting, from July 19 through September 16. Further details on the kick-off events, July 11 -15, and grand finale September 16 event, will be announced at a later date.

Dates: Jul 19, 2012 – Sep 16, 2012

Hours:

• Thursday – Saturday, 6 pm – 7 pm: Dance lessons led by professional instructors; 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm: Live music and dancing
• Sunday,4 pm – 5 pm: Dance lessons led by professional instructors; 5 pm – 7 pm: Live music and dancing

Public Transportation: Encourage all visitors to use public transportation. With stops nearby, CTA buses and trains, and Metra trains provide convenient alternatives to driving. The closest stops include the Red Line “Harrison”, Blue Line “LaSalle,” Orange, Pink & Brown Line “Library,” and Green, Pink, Orange & Brown Line “Adams/Wabash” stops. There are also many Michigan Avenue bus lines that stop just steps from Chicago SummerDance in Grant Park’s Spirit of Music Garden.