Smile and Connect Dance Festival Celebrates Inclusive Rhythms This April
- Community Submission
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Smile and Connect Dance invites people of all abilities to celebrate the joy of dance at a vibrant four-day festival, happening April 24–27, 2025.
Hosted in partnership with Grupo Cultural Latinos en Rochester (GCLER), community leader Julio Pabón, and a dynamic team of professional artists, the festival will spotlight a variety of dance styles including salsa, bachata, merengue, kizomba, semba and konpa.
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a curious beginner, this is a unique opportunity to learn, connect and celebrate through movement. Guests will have the chance to dance alongside both local and internationally recognized artists—all while supporting a meaningful cause.
All proceeds will benefit GCLER, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to cultural enrichment in Rochester. Smile and Connect Dance also welcomes local and national sponsors to help expand the festival’s impact.
Festival Schedule
Thursday, April 24 at The Avalon– Dance Lessons: 8:30 p.m.– Social Dancing: 10 p.m.
Friday, April 25 at the Rochester Marriott Airport– Dance Lessons: 8 p.m.– Social Dancing: 10 p.m.
Saturday, April 26 at the Rochester Marriott Airport– Dance Workshops: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Two rooms, eight hours of instruction)– Social Dancing: 10 p.m.
Sunday, April 27 at the Rochester Marriott Airport– Performances by local and international artists: 1 p.m.
Since its founding in 2016 through the Latin Rhythm Dance Club at Rochester Institute of Technology, Smile and Connect Dance has brought communities together through the power of partner dancing. The group has taught, performed, and hosted events across the U.S. and abroad.
This year’s festival celebrates a simple mission: “For the community, by the community.”
Tickets are available now on the Smile and Connect Dance website. Join us for four unforgettable days of rhythm, culture and connection.
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