HSO’s Music Moves Us brings 10 free events to Holland Aug. 6-10

People can learn or practice their dance moves with “HSO Presents Music Moves Us,” a weeklong celebration of music and movement from Aug. 6-10. This unique series will offer free dance demonstrations and classes in a variety of styles, including swing, Dutch Dance, Zumba, and more, with activities designed for all ages.

These free family-friendly events include several activities focused on children, such as Polynesian dance lessons and a kids’ Groove dance party. A sensory-friendly art and music experience will also be available for children with sensory needs. In a first for Holland State Park, salsa lessons will be held on the beach. Additionally, yoga enthusiasts can enjoy a serene yoga session paired with a blissful sound bath at Tunnel Park. 

“This multiday event is made possible with the support of the city of Holland and embraces the transformative power of music and movement to unite, enrich, and celebrate the diversity of our community in shared spaces of accessibility and enlightenment,” said Michael Naess, HSO’s new CEO/president.

“More than half of the events will be held at Kollen or Centennial city parks, and we are partnering with existing events such as the Downtown Street Performers and the Summer Concert Series. Additionally, we are collaborating with over 20 organizations, from I AM Academy to Evergreen Commons, to create a festival of accessible and inclusive activities drawing on the many talents of our community members that combine music and movement for the enjoyment of everyone.” 

Prompted by community demand

“Music Moves Us” originated from feedback following HSO’s mariachi concert in 2021, which led to the “Music Unites Us” concert last year. Inspired by community requests for more, HSO has developed 10 events over five days, encompassing a variety of music and dance experiences. The week will culminate with the symphony’s “Music Unites Us — Brazil!” concert with the Brazilian folk trio Choro das 3 at Kollen Park on Aug. 10. 

For the second year in a row, Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks will give the welcome at the Music Unites Us concert.

For Bocks, HSO’s efforts in community building align with his goal of making Holland feel welcoming for everyone.

“Holland is a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions,” says Bocks. “The diversity of threads makes us stronger and more beautiful.  The Music Moves Us events provide an incredible opportunity for Holland residents to not only watch and listen to diverse artists but also to participate and engage with the culture and traditions of their friends and neighbors.  By working together, living together, and celebrating together, we build a stronger community where we can all exclaim, ‘And we get to live here!”

HSO worked closely with city staff to provide the events in walkable locations.
“We are glad to see Music Moves Us featuring city parks as the locations for several of its events. We are glad to see our parks used for this event, which brings the community together,” says Andy Kenyon, Holland’s Parks and Recreation Director.

Patricia Strachan, CEO and founder of Smooth Running Event Planning, one of the Music Moves Us sponsors, has worked behind the scenes with the HSO team. She has also devoted countless hours to coordinating the event with 20 more organizations. 

“Being able to support this event is very special because it comes as I grieve the recent closure of the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, where I worked on the staff for years,” Strachan says. ”I first began working with HSO as part of LEDA for last year’s Music Unites Us concert, where LEDA was a community sponsor. This project feels like a full-circle moment.”
  
Event Schedule:
Tuesday, Aug. 6

• 10-11 a.m. – Sound bath + yoga at Tunnel Park: Experience a blissful sound bath by Rebecca Wierks and a serene yoga session led by Jasmine Jelsema. Supported by Women of Color Give. Bring a mat or towel.
• 12-12:45 p.m. – Kids’ Groove dance party at Centennial Park: Donna Lowry will get children grooving with dance and storytime from Herrick District Library.
• 1-2 p.m. – Adults’ Groove dance party at Centennial Park: Join Heather Winia, a master trainer from The World Groove Movement, for a fun dance session under the trees.

Wednesday, August 7

• 9:30-10 a.m. – Kids’ Polynesian story and dance at Holland Farmers Market: Minnie Morey and the Pacific Island Dancers will engage kids with music, dance, and stories. Sponsored by West Michigan Asian American Association and Community Action House.
• 7-8 p.m. – Salsa dancing and lesson at Holland State Park: Join Juan and Julie Mascorro from LAUP Salserines for a fun-filled salsa dance lesson on the beach. Sponsored by Latin Americans United for Progress.

Thursday, August 8

• 10-10:45 a.m. – Dutch Dance lesson at Centennial Park: Celebrate 90 years of Tulip Time’s Dutch Dance with a lesson from Jenn Ryckbost. Sponsored by Tulip Time.
• 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Hip-hop lesson and dancing at GDK Park/Downtown Holland Street Performers: Learn hip-hop moves with Lauren Beck and the I AM Dance team. Sponsored by  I AM Academy and supported by the Summer Street Performer Series.

Friday, August 9

• 10:15-11 a.m. – Zumba Gold class at Evergreen Commons: Join Amy Vande Poel for a morning of Zumba Gold. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers. Sponsored by Evergreen Commons.
• 5:30-6 p.m. – Swing dance lesson before big band concert at Kollen Park: Warm up with a big band dance lesson from Walker Wilson, founder of the Wilson Dance Studio, before the Lakeshore Big Band concert. Sponsored by Wilson Dance Studio and supported by the Summer Concert Series.

Saturday, August 10

• 10-11 a.m. – Kids’ sensory art and music experience at Holland Museum: A sensory-friendly event with art, music, and fun for children with sensory needs, led by Liz Donoghue. Limited spots available; register early by emailing Ketzi at zylstraketzi@gmail.com (subject: Music Moves Us). Sponsored by Disability Network Lakeshore, Holland Museum and CultureWorks.

Grand finale at Kollen Park: “Music Unites Us – Brazil!”

• 4-5 p.m. – Capoeira dance demonstration and lesson: Learn about Brazilian capoeira with Leandro Lemos, sponsored by Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates.
• 5-6 p.m. – Holland Samba School performance: Enjoy a lively samba performance led by percussionist Christopher Fashun and his students.
• 7 p.m. – Holland Symphony Orchestra with Choro das 3: Enjoy a performance by this Brazilian folk music trio, accompanied by the Holland Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor Christopher Fashun.

The concert is made possible by the sponsorship of Corewell Health, Macatawa Area Coordinating Council, and Gentex, with support from MillerKnoll and the Brooks Family Foundation.

For more information about the Music Moves Us events, visit the Holland Symphony Orchestra’s website.

The Lakeshore WM is the media sponsor of Music Moves Us.