City in Motion Dance Theater invites Kansas Citians to their 23rd annual “Dance in The Park” concert on Sat., Sept 10, 6:30 p.m. at Roanoke Park, 3600 Roanoke Rd, KCMO .

This event will start with youth performances from “Ailey Camp The Group.” Performances will lead to a combination of dance styles from Hip Hop, Drill Team, Contemporary, Folkorico, Cox, and more to dance the night away. 

With nearly 50 dancers from 10 performing groups, dance performances from KC Canaries to Pythons Drill Team.

Darron Story, emcee and host of “After Dark” and “Sunday Inspirations” on 107.3 KC’s R&B and Hip-Hop, will host the event.

Dance in The Park was “born” from Judy Widener, who noticed that Kim Shope, owner of the former Midtown School of Dance, would have dance recitals in the Midtown School of Dance parking lot. Widener was intrigued by this idea and asked Shope if she would like to do a similar recital in Roanoke Park.

The City in Motion has five neighborhoods, Volkner, Roanoke, Coleman Highlands, West Plaza, and Valentine still help and support the production today. 

“We [City in Motion] really want the feel of a concert theater, but outdoors with the beautiful scenery of a park and the main light after dark,” said Ann Shaughnessy, director of Dance in The Park and artistic co-director of the City In Motion Dance Company.

While the event is free for all, City in Motion Dance Theater is accepting donations to help continue running this unique outdoor experience.

Attendees are encouraged to come early for a good seat and bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. However, animals are not allowed.

Simone Garza is a Report for America corps member based at The Community Voice covering Wichita’s African-American community.