Free Groove dance parties part of Music Moves Us

When she’s not traveling to lead dance retreats worldwide, Heather Winia is teaching sessions across West Michigan. During the second week of August, many of her students will travel from around the world to join her for a week-long celebration of her 55th birthday.

“We will have dance parties all week long,” says Winia, whose dance class schedule can be found at www.heathergrooves.com.

During her birthday week, she’s gifting the Holland community a Groove dance party as part of Music Moves Us. On Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Centennial Park, Donna Lowry will lead a kids' Groove party from noon to 12:45 p.m., followed by Winia’s adult Groove party from 1-2 p.m.

The free two-part Groove dance party is part of 10 Music Moves Us events in Holland from Aug. 6-10. These events encompass a variety of music and dance experiences, including salsa, hip-hop, and big-band swing dance lessons. They culminate in the symphony’s “Music Unites Us — Brazil!” program at Kollen Park on Aug. 10.

Winia has been a pivotal figure in the World Groove Movement since its inception in 2012, helping it grow to 450 Groove facilitators worldwide, including 21 in Michigan.

Explaining the essence of Groove, Winia describes it as “a really simple dance party that everybody can do where we tell you the move, but you get to do it any way that feels good in your body. "There is no choreography to follow, just guided movement to great music!"

Heather WiniaHeather Winia regularly leads Groove Parties in Holland.

There is also an online streaming app called Body Groove On Demand, where people can dance in the comfort of their own homes.

“I teach one Zoom class a week, so people from all over the world can join from their homes,” Winia says. 

Among her students is Lowry, who leads Groove classes tailored for children, emphasizing creativity and personal expression.

Lowry, the founding medical director of Reach Out and Read Michigan and former CEO of Holland Ready for School, has spent her career focused on families and health. As a new Groove facilitator, she has added  Wi Move Family Dance Parties to her offerings.

“Dance gives you the energy to affect the world for good,” Lowry says. “When families dance together, they become physically stronger, mentally sharper, and their social emotional mood is uplifted.”  

For her Music Moves Us session, she’s partnering with Herrick District Library to include a dance-inspired storytime.

"We're excited to partner with Music Moves Us this summer. Music, movement, and play are so important for children's development, including the development of literacy, so it's something we're really passionate about!” says HDL librarian Aaryn Bierly, who will be leading the storytelling portion.

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.