'Dancing in the Streets' kicks off Santa Cruz Dance Week on Thursday

Santa Cruz is set to kick off a high-energy celebration of movement Thursday as Santa Cruz Dance Week brings back its “Dancing in the Streets” event downtown.

One of the male Senderos dancers smiles at his dance partner. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Senderos dancers rehearse ahead of their performance on Thursday evening at the “Dancing in the Streets” event in downtown Santa Cruz. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

The event is free, and participants are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, an open mind, and a willingness to move.

Steel and Grace pole dancers practice their moves in Harvey West Park. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

A Steel and Grace performer spins on a pole during practice at Harvey West Park in preparation for their performance at the “Dancing in the Streets” event set for Thursday evening in downtown Santa Cruz. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

The performances will be from 5 to 9 p.m. at Cooper Street and Pacific Avenue, with Afrobeats performing until 10 p.m. at Abbott Square. Dance Week begins Thursday and runs through April 24.

Members of Tannery World Dance limber up before rehearsing the routine that they will perform during the “Dancing in the Streets” event on Thursday evening in downtown Santa Cruz. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Thursday’s event transforms downtown Santa Cruz into an open-air dance floor, inviting the community to watch, dance and celebrate a wide range of dance styles. From salsa and hip-hop to contemporary and folklórico, local performers and instructors will showcase the diversity and creativity of the local dance scene.

Members of Pleasure Point Dance practice their moves ahead of Thursday’s street performance in downtown Santa Cruz. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

The performances serve as a preview for the full week of dance programming, which includes classes, performances and workshops across Santa Cruz County.

Organizers say the all-ages Dance Week showcases accessibility and connection, breaking down barriers between performers and the public while highlighting the vibrancy of Santa Cruz County’s arts community.

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