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A MidSummer Night's Salsa Invites Community to Dance in the Streets of Proctorsville PROCTORSVILLE, Vt. — On Saturday, August 8, the heart of Proctorsville will come alive with Latin music, dancing, local food, and community connection during A MidSummer Night's Salsa, an outdoor celebration hosted by Planet Axis and SuperRoasted at 73 Depot Street from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For one summer evening, Depot Street will be closed to traffic and transformed into an open-air dance floor under the stars. The idea for the event grew out of the community block party held following the devastating floods of 2023. "The last time we celebrated together in the street was after the 2023 floods," said Wendy Reynolds of Planet Axis. "It was a difficult time, but we came together to celebrate what makes this community so special. That evening reminded us how important it is to gather, connect, and support one another. We don't need a tragedy to remember that we're neighbors, friends, members of the same community, and ultimately, all part of the same planet.” The inspiration for a salsa celebration came from fellow Planet Axis organizer Stefan Beaumont, who has been taking dance lessons in Rutland with Embodied Arts by Rix. "I kept thinking what a fun and unexpected way this would be to bring people together," Beaumont said. "Dance has a way of breaking down barriers. You don't need experience—you just need a willingness to have fun and connect with the people around you." The evening begins with a beginner-friendly salsa lesson from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., taught by Julia and Jano Rix of Embodied Arts by Rix. The lesson is designed for complete beginners while offering plenty of enjoyment for experienced dancers as well. Following the class, the street will become a lively social dance featuring Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue until 9:30 p.m. Designed to celebrate culture, movement, and community, A MidSummer Night's Salsa welcomes participants of all ages and experience levels. Whether attending with family, friends, or arriving solo, everyone is invited to enjoy an unforgettable summer evening filled with music, dancing, and connection. Local food vendor Moon and Stars VT will serve freshly prepared corn arepas and empanadas made with locally grown ingredients, while SuperRoasted will offer coffee, beverages, snacks, and sweet treats throughout the evening. Complimentary water and seltzer will be available for dancers, and locally crafted salsa and hot sauce will also be available for purchase. Organizers are also making sustainability part of the celebration by hosting the event as a plastic-free gathering. Guests are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, cups, or utensils. As a thank-you for supporting environmentally friendly practices, attendees who bring reusable items will receive a complimentary ice cream ticket. A suggested donation of $20 helps support the event, although contributions of any amount are welcome. Children 12 and under attend free, making the celebration accessible for families and the entire community. Whether you're taking your very first salsa steps or you're an experienced social dancer, A MidSummer Night's Salsa promises an evening of joyful movement, vibrant culture, delicious local food, and meaningful community connection. Advance donations and event registration are available at:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/a-midsummer-nights-salsa |
