The Dance element of GrassRoots is just as central as the Musical base. Most of the music represented at the festival has a parallel dance tradition (or traditions). Dance is an expressive and participatory way to enjoy the festival, whether wiggling in the meadow or tearing it up in the dance tent. We welcome you to move to the music!
The heart of the festival is our gigantic, gorgeous Dance Tent, featuring a dance floor and back-to-back bands representing a wide range of genres and styles. We’ve scheduled dance workshops each day with an incredible group of professionals who welcome you to drop by and try out some steps. Curious about swing dance? Want to try the two-step? Up your salsa chops? Hoop to your hearts content? We’ll be offering Salsa, Bacheta, Zydeco, & Hooping workshops preceding some seriously awesome dance bands, so get ready!
Zydeco - If GrassRoots had a definitive pulse it would be Zydeco and the Franks set the heart- beat. Returning instructors from last year and fixtures of the Florida dance world, Jerry Carrier & Jarene Williams will be leading the Zydeco dance workshops, don’t miss out! Dance Tent Friday 2:00pm and Saturday 4:00pm
Salsa - Learn the basics or brush up on your skills with Aubrey Griffith-Zill & Yin Song and get- ready for Jose Conde! Dance Tent Sunday at 2:45
Hooping - Come out to the hooping workshop and give it a whirl. Hoops provided. Sustainability Pavilion Saturday at 6:45pm
Bachata - Aubrey Griffith-Zills from North Carolina and Aja Estro from Tampa, FL will show you some moves you won’t forget, come join them and then stick around to try them out at Elastic Bond. Dance Tent Saturday at 10:45PM
2013 Dance Instructor Bios
Aubrey Griffith-Zill is also a professional dancer, dynamic performer and enthusiastic instructor on a global scale. Her unique philosophy, born from a passion in dance, creates a deep understanding of the unspoken communication between movement and rhythm. She has continued to cultivate a dynamic skill set which makes her one of the most sought after dance professionals today.
Jerry Carrier traces his roots, along with those of Cajun music, back to the original French settlers of Adacia. He found a passion in Cajun & Zydeco dancing and studied under legendary teachers at notable studios & dance camps across the country. Jerry has become a fixture in the dance world in Florida- he was the definitive answer when we asked around for “someone great to teach our Cajun & Zydeco workshops”. He has a welcoming, patient approach, sharing “If I can learn it, anyone can!”
Jerry will be assisted by Jarene Williams, who has a passion for dance that encompasses many genres. She’s studied West African and Caribbean Dance plus Swing, Latin, Zydeco,
and Cajun styles. She believes “if you never stop dancing you’ll never grow
old” and enjoys sharing her love of music and dance with others. Together they make it simple to learn. Laizzez les bon temps roulez!
Jasmine Marques, known as WhirlWind in the hooping community, has been hooping since 2006, and has since become an avid member of the Miami hooping scene. Her passion and love for hula hooping have led her to explore everything from teaching hoop classes to performing with fire. Come out to the hooping workshop and give it a whirl. Bring your own hula hoop or try one of WhirlWind’s.
