THANK YOU to everyone who came out for Dance Day 2026
We are so grateful to all the dancers, performers, teachers, musicians, revelers and spectators that joined us for Dance Day 2026. And a special thank you Yerba Buena Gardens Festival for being an amazing partner. This is what dance in community looks like!
Scroll down for more sights and sounds from the day!
What is Dance Day?
Art, culture, a workout, a party and a communal celebration, Yerba Buena Gardens Dance Day is a portal to a joyous dance-filled world! Presented by the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival and Rhythm & Motion, YBG Dance Day transforms the Gardens into an outdoor dance center where participants can sample dance in a variety of forms and flavors with some of the Bay Area’s most talented teachers.
This year, Dance Day honors the life and legacy of Rhythm & Motion founder Consuelo Faust (1953-2025). We celebrate the spirit she championed – living the belief that anyone can dance and that dance has the power to bring people together in joy. Following the day of classes, there will be a celebratory music and dance performance that uplifts her vision and the vibrant SF Bay Area dance community she deeply loved and helped to nurture throughout her life.
DANCE DAY CLASSES
A huge THANK YOU to our incredible Dance Day 2026 teaching artists who kicked off the day with movement, music, energy and JOY!
On Sunday, October 11, the Yerba Buena Gardens was buzzing with energy, moving bodies and music - setting the tone for a beautiful day of celebrating dance together.
A big round of applause for our teaching artists:
✨ Rhythm & Motion with Eyla Moore, Leila Easa, Maggie Connard & Zach Isen
✨ Tropicali Dancehall with Aimee Rose
✨ Bachata with Monica Ascencio
✨ Jazz Funk with Jess Bozzo
✨ Soul Line Dance with Chocolate Platinum
PERFORMANCE PROGRAM
Thank you to the performing artists for sharing their talent, passion, and creativity with our community and helping make Dance Day 2026 so special!
✨ MJ’s Brass Boppers
✨ Gregg Castro, t'rowt'raahl Salinan / rumsen & ramaytush Ohlone
✨ Jill Parker & Mind’s Eye Bellydance Company
✨ Theater Flamenco of San Francisco
✨ Latin Dance Grooves
✨ Brandon “Private” Freeman and Rachel Furst of ODC
✨ Grupo Afro Dendê
✨ Allie Heal
✨ Rhythm & Motion
Emcee: Tamika Banks
ASL Interpretation: Pilar Marsh, Valerie Avila
