If you’ve ever watched the Solstice Parade and looked longingly at the participants who seem to be having the time of their lives, there’s still time to experience that unbridled joy by joining World Dance for Humanity (WD4H) in this year’s parade.

Instructor Heather Williams, wearing a sparkly purple costume, leads World Dance performers in the Solstice Parade.
Instructor Heather Williams leads the World Dance performers in the Solstice Parade.

The Solstice Parade is two weeks away — on Saturday, June 21 — just enough time to learn the dances and put together a “wild” costume, fitting this year’s theme – Wild World.

“The Solstice Parade is a wonderful celebration of community, creativity and connection, and World Dance embodies the heart and soul of that celebration. We wholeheartedly welcome any and all dancers to join us,” said Heather Williams, WD4H instructor, and this year’s parade leader.

The Solstice Parade 2025 theme is Wild World, and World Dancers will express their untamed spirit with animal print DIY costumes, and dance to popular songs by Taylor Swift, and other strong female artists.

“You don’t have to be an experienced dancer to join. WD4H has dancers of all ages and abilities,” said World Dance instructor Liz Ricard.

You can learn the dances online and/or in class at 6 p.m. Wednesdays on the Oak Park stage, and 9:45 a.m. Saturdays on the lawn at the beachfront (between Garden Street and Calle Caesar Chavez). Classes are a $5 donation.

“It’s thrilling to celebrate summer, share my excitement with the community, bring cheer to people, and express my joy through dance,” said Monica Pessino, a long-time World Dancer and parade participant.

“Solstice Parade is the most amazing way to connect with our community,” said second time WD4H parade dancer Karen Chelini. “You can see the love and enjoyment on people’s faces when we dance. It’s truly inspiring,”

To register for the Solstice Parade with World Dance, learn the dances, and see costume ideas, visit https://www.worlddanceforhumanity.org/solstice, or email worlddanceforhumanity@gmail.com.

All class donations support WD4H’s humanitarian work in Rwanda and Ukraine.

To learn more about how World Dance helps communities in need, visit https://www.worlddanceforhumanity.org.

World Dance for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.