There’s something beautiful about how joy spreads. What started as one man’s antidote to lockdown isolation has blossomed into Sacramento’s fifth annual California Dance Festival—a weekend-long celebration drawing hundreds to the DoubleTree by Hilton Ballroom to move, learn, and connect.
The origin story is what makes this special. Larry Tony couldn’t sit at home doing nothing during the pandemic, so he did what desperate humans do when they need community: he texted everyone. All 10,000 of them. His invitation was simple—come dance along the river. On the first Sunday at the Old Sacramento Riverfront, six people showed up. Then the next week brought about 230. Fast forward to today, and roughly 2,000 people participate in the festival every single year.
That’s not just growth. That’s a movement built on the idea that dancing together isn’t frivolous—it’s medicine.
This year’s festival spans the entire weekend with instruction classes ranging from beginner to advanced, taught by world-class dancers. But the real draw is the nightly performances and the chance to learn from teachers who’ve dedicated their lives to movement. Whether you’re a total newcomer or someone who’s been following Larry Tony’s journey from the beginning, there’s a place for you on that dance floor.
The DoubleTree is the place to be if you’re looking to shake off whatever’s been weighing on you. And honestly, after what we’ve all been through, who couldn’t use a little more dancing in their life?
What would you create if pandemic isolation pushed you to start something? Would you have the audacity to text 10,000 people?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
