Dancing Under the Stars! FREE Community Dance Hosted by the Small Planet Dancers Studio!
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Dancing Under The Stars
Free Summer Community Dance in Downtown Westfield
Join us for a magical summer evening of music, movement, and community under the stars in downtown Westfield!
Dancing Under The Stars is a free outdoor social dance experience at Elm Street Plaza in the Downtown Westfield Cultural District, open to everyone — dancers, beginners, and anyone who just wants to enjoy the atmosphere.
Come for the energy, the music, and the fun! Whether you’re dancing all night or simply soaking in the summer vibe, this is a welcoming community event for all ages and experience levels.
We gather on the 4th Saturday of June, July, and August for a lively evening of recorded DJ music, social dancing, and downtown connection.
6:00 PM — Start the night with a 30-minute beginner-friendly dance lesson with Josephine Sarnelli and Jeff Lander. No partner needed!
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM — Stay for free social dancing under the stars.
A dance card will be provided so you can see the styles of music and dance featured throughout the night, making it easy for beginners to jump in and feel confident. The lesson can be tailored to the group’s interest or highlight a specific dance style in advance.
Led by Josephine Sarnelli, founder and Artistic Director of Small Planet Dancers, this event reflects her longtime commitment to making dance accessible, inclusive, and fun for adults of all ages and experience levels.
Bring a friend, wear comfortable shoes, and join us for a summer night to remember in downtown Westfield!
About Josephine Sarnelli:
Josephine Sarnelli is the founder and Artistic Director of Small Planet Dancers, a community-focused dance troupe based in Westfield, Massachusetts. Since its inception in 1986, Sarnelli has led the group with a mission to make dance accessible to adults of all ages and experience levels, emphasizing a non-competitive and inclusive environment. Her motto, “No dancer left behind,” reflects her dedication to fostering a welcoming space for all aspiring dancers.
With a deep passion for cultural and historical dance forms, Sarnelli has developed a diverse repertoire that spans Middle Eastern belly dance, Celtic, African, Flamenco, Argentine Tango, and American historical dances, including Civil War-era ballroom and World War II USO performances. Her choreographic work often draws inspiration from global traditions, blending elements from Eastern European gypsy dances, South African tribal movements, Indian Bollywood styles, and Moroccan fusion.
Beyond choreography and instruction, Sarnelli is also an accomplished dance critic, contributing reviews for notable performances at venues like Jacob’s Pillow. Her insights reflect a profound understanding of dance as both an art form and a cultural expression.
Under Sarnelli’s leadership, Small Planet Dancers offers a wide range of adult dance classes, including ballet, tap, ballroom, and belly dance, as well as private lessons and wedding choreography. The troupe performs at various community events, sharing the joy of dance with audiences across Western Massachusetts.
Sarnelli’s commitment to dance education and performance continues to enrich the cultural landscape of her community, inviting individuals to explore the world of dance in an inclusive and supportive setting.
Dancing Under The Stars is a production of ArtWorks of Westfield Inc., an all-volunteer, non-profit community organization committed to promoting diverse art and cultural experiences in the city in collaboration with Small Planet Dancers and supported by a grant from the Westfield Cultural Council, a local agency, supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
About ArtWorks of Westfield Inc.:
ArtWorks of Westfield Inc., a local arts & cultural organization promoting the rich and talented artistic diversity of Westfield and the surrounding communities, is a tax exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501 (c) (3). Membership and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Our mission is to create and promote the widest variety of Cultural Arts, Literary Arts, Musical Events, and Performing Arts for the Westfield Community and to collaborate with businesses and invested groups to develop and maintain venues for presentations and performances.
We aspire to bring together creatives and community to engage, inform, inspire, empower, educate and entertain in the heart of downtown Westfield.
Free Summer Community Dance in Downtown Westfield
Join us for a magical summer evening of music, movement, and community under the stars in downtown Westfield!
Dancing Under The Stars is a free outdoor social dance experience at Elm Street Plaza in the Downtown Westfield Cultural District, open to everyone — dancers, beginners, and anyone who just wants to enjoy the atmosphere.
Come for the energy, the music, and the fun! Whether you’re dancing all night or simply soaking in the summer vibe, this is a welcoming community event for all ages and experience levels.
We gather on the 4th Saturday of June, July, and August for a lively evening of recorded DJ music, social dancing, and downtown connection.
6:00 PM — Start the night with a 30-minute beginner-friendly dance lesson with Josephine Sarnelli and Jeff Lander. No partner needed!
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM — Stay for free social dancing under the stars.
A dance card will be provided so you can see the styles of music and dance featured throughout the night, making it easy for beginners to jump in and feel confident. The lesson can be tailored to the group’s interest or highlight a specific dance style in advance.
Led by Josephine Sarnelli, founder and Artistic Director of Small Planet Dancers, this event reflects her longtime commitment to making dance accessible, inclusive, and fun for adults of all ages and experience levels.
Bring a friend, wear comfortable shoes, and join us for a summer night to remember in downtown Westfield!
About Josephine Sarnelli:
Josephine Sarnelli is the founder and Artistic Director of Small Planet Dancers, a community-focused dance troupe based in Westfield, Massachusetts. Since its inception in 1986, Sarnelli has led the group with a mission to make dance accessible to adults of all ages and experience levels, emphasizing a non-competitive and inclusive environment. Her motto, “No dancer left behind,” reflects her dedication to fostering a welcoming space for all aspiring dancers.
With a deep passion for cultural and historical dance forms, Sarnelli has developed a diverse repertoire that spans Middle Eastern belly dance, Celtic, African, Flamenco, Argentine Tango, and American historical dances, including Civil War-era ballroom and World War II USO performances. Her choreographic work often draws inspiration from global traditions, blending elements from Eastern European gypsy dances, South African tribal movements, Indian Bollywood styles, and Moroccan fusion.
Beyond choreography and instruction, Sarnelli is also an accomplished dance critic, contributing reviews for notable performances at venues like Jacob’s Pillow. Her insights reflect a profound understanding of dance as both an art form and a cultural expression.
Under Sarnelli’s leadership, Small Planet Dancers offers a wide range of adult dance classes, including ballet, tap, ballroom, and belly dance, as well as private lessons and wedding choreography. The troupe performs at various community events, sharing the joy of dance with audiences across Western Massachusetts.
Sarnelli’s commitment to dance education and performance continues to enrich the cultural landscape of her community, inviting individuals to explore the world of dance in an inclusive and supportive setting.
Dancing Under The Stars is a production of ArtWorks of Westfield Inc., an all-volunteer, non-profit community organization committed to promoting diverse art and cultural experiences in the city in collaboration with Small Planet Dancers and supported by a grant from the Westfield Cultural Council, a local agency, supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
About ArtWorks of Westfield Inc.:
ArtWorks of Westfield Inc., a local arts & cultural organization promoting the rich and talented artistic diversity of Westfield and the surrounding communities, is a tax exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501 (c) (3). Membership and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Our mission is to create and promote the widest variety of Cultural Arts, Literary Arts, Musical Events, and Performing Arts for the Westfield Community and to collaborate with businesses and invested groups to develop and maintain venues for presentations and performances.
We aspire to bring together creatives and community to engage, inform, inspire, empower, educate and entertain in the heart of downtown Westfield.
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Where is it happening?
Elm Street Plaza, Westfield, MA, United States, Massachusetts 01085
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherArtWorks Westfield
