National Dance Day

Posted onAuthorLesley Calvert

Get Ready to Move: National Dance Day is Here!

Come move, laugh, and celebrate the joy of dance with us. Bring a friend, bring your energy, and let’s make some noise!

September 19, 2026
12:45pm to 2:45pm
FREE- open to the public.

Click here to register.

12:45-1:30pm
Precision Jazz (ages 14+, MP3) with Katelyn Gaffney
Elevate Jazz (ages 7-13, MP1) with Cori Swanson

1:30-1:45pm Dance Team Performance
(All Are Welcome in MP3)

1:45-2:30pm
Precision Jazz (ages 7-13, MP3) with Katelyn Gaffney
Elevate Jazz (ages 14+, MP1) with Cori Swanson
Creative Movement (ages 3-6, MP2)

2:30-2:45pm National Dance Day Family Dance Time!
(All Are Welcome in MP3)

Precision Jazz
Take your jazz technique to the next level! Precision Jazz focuses on clean lines, sharp movements, strong technique, musicality, and performance quality. Dancers will work on kicks, turns, leaps, jazz combinations, and detailed choreography while building strength, flexibility, coordination, and confidence. This class is perfect for dancers looking to refine their technique and develop a polished, powerful performance style.

Elevate Jazz
Designed for dancers who are eager to challenge themselves, this technique-forward jazz class blends strong technical training with musicality, artistry, and performance. Dancers will be encouraged to move with intention, precision, and confidence while exploring dynamic movement and individual expression. Rooted in a supportive and welcoming environment, this class offers an engaging, educational experience that inspires growth, celebrates versatility, and empowers every dancer to bring their unique style to the room.

Katelyn Gaffney has been a Radio City Rockette for the past sixteen years. In her rockette career she has performed in both the Christmas Spectacular, New York Spectacular, Spring Spectacular, and a variety of live performances and televised events. Along with dancing as a Rockette, Katelyn has danced in a variety of commercials, tours, film, and music videos including Rebel Wilson’s “isn’t it Romantic”, FX “FUED”, Kristina Orbakaite World Tour, Taylor Swift’s “ Fate of Ophelia” music video, and FIFA World Cup.

 When she isn’t on stage she loves to share her passion for dance and fitness through teaching and coaching. She has been teaching in all varieties of dance for over a decade now at studios and conventions across the country. She believes a strong foundation and versatility is of the upmost importance and ensures her students get the most out of every experience with her.

 

Cori Swanson is a New York City-based creative and Co-Founder of Creative Streak Entertainment, with expertise spanning creative direction, choreography, casting, development, and performance. Her extensive industry background includes serving as Associate Choreographer for Cabaret: The Musical (Arden Theater), producing shows at The Producer’s Club, and working on the design and costuming team for Royal Caribbean International. Previously, Cori spent four years in the casting departments at RWS Entertainment Group and Binder Casting, specializing in dancer casting for high-profile clients like Holland America Line’s “Step One Dance Company,” Virgin Voyages, Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard Line, and Hershey Park.

Through Creative Streak Entertainment, Cori delivers live entertainment across corporate, nightlife, and theme park sectors. Her notable projects include providing creative direction and casting for the grand opening of Tin Building by Jean-Georges in NYC, producing custom shows for Soho House NYC and Hard Rock Hotel Times Square, and serving as Associate Choreographer and Casting Director for the touring “SPLASH! Waterworks Parade.” Additionally, Cori is a passionate educator who shares her knowledge across all ages and levels as a faculty member at both Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center.

 

This education program is made possible in part by a 2026 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Email Kristina at kristina.kain@theconnectionnj.org or call the front desk at 908 273-4242 with any questions.