Chicago Winter Dance Festival

Learn how to ice skate at Millennium Park

Dance your way through the month of February on the ice or on the stage at the free Chicago Winter Dance festival in the award-winning Millennium Park. With ice skating lessons and late night ice dance parties at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink and the rare opportunity to enjoy open dancing and dance lessons behind the glass doors on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage, there will be something for everyone this winter in Chicago. "Free Chicago Winter Dance activities every weekend and great rates at hotels make Chicago an ideal destination for visitors looking for a refreshing and affordable winter getaway," said Dorothy Coyle, Director, Chicago Office of Tourism. "Millennium Park’s central location, superb facilities, and natural beauty provide the perfect setting for a winter dance festival." Visit <a href = "www.explorechicago.org"> Chicago's Official Tourism website </a>

for more information about Chicago Winter Dance or to book hotel accommodations. Following is a schedule of free Winter Dance events and programs taking place February 4 -27, 2011:

Ice Skating Lessons and Games Ice Skating: Saturdays, February 5 -26, 8 10 am Beginner Lessons: 8 8:30 am and 9 9:30 am Intermediate Lessons: 8:30 9 am and 9:30 10 am Ice Skating and Games: Sundays, February 6, 13 and 27 (no lessons on Sunday, February 20) Beginner/Intermediate Skating Lessons: 8 8:30 am and 9 9:30 am Ice Games: 8:30 9:00 am and 9:30 10:00 am (Get a head start on your ice skating skills at these early morning lessons and demonstrations. Learn the basics of ice skating, plus fun games, from experts. These family-friendly morning lessons are open to Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and skill levels. Instructions provided by IceReach and the Chicago Ice Dance Foundation.)

Late Night Ice Dance Parties, Ice Dancing Demonstrations, and Extended Rink Hours for Public Skating Fridays and Saturdays, February 4 26, 7 11 pm Ice Dancing Demonstrations: 7, 8:30 and 10 pm (Millennium Park is the scene of the hottest dance parties this winter! Join us on the ice for different themed celebrations each weekend in February, and enjoy extended skating hours, spectacular ice skating performances by Chicago Ice Dance Foundation, Shipstad Entertainment and IceTalent Inc., plus live DJ sets, giveaways, and fun with Collaboraction.) Dance Lessons and Dancing on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion Stage Saturdays and Sundays, February 5 27 Session I: Lessons 1 2 pm; Open dancing 2 3:30 pm; Session II: Lessons 5 -6 pm; Open dancing 6 -7:30 pm (Enjoy dance lessons in a range of styles, live music and DJ sets, plus the extraordinary view from inside the retractable glass doors of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage at this indoor dance party series. Dancing is preceded by one-hour lessons led by professional instructors. Food and beverages by Park Grill will be available for purchase. Doors open 30 minutes before the start of each session and admission is FREE, but space is limited. No reservations required.)

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