The 2024 season of Grand Performances was a living testament to the fact that dance truly is a universal language. A language that brings people together, no matter their background, culture, or where they come from.

Across every show, dance became the thread that wove audiences and performers into one united experience, proving that movement is something we all share and understand on a deeper level.

We kicked off the season with iLe, whose soulful voice and graceful movements immediately drew the crowd into a shared rhythm. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from, the energy in the plaza was undeniable as everyone moved in sync to the music.

Soulnic took that energy to another level, turning California Plaza into one massive groove. House music lovers from different walks of life came together, dancing side by side, whether they were seasoned ravers or newcomers just feeling the beat.

The vibes were pure joy, reminding us that dance is something that transcends time and place—it’s a connection we can all feel.

Then came The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, whose second line parade didn’t just fill the air with the sounds of New Orleans brass—it filled the plaza with movement. People waved handkerchiefs, joined the rhythm, and danced their way through the crowd, as if they’d been part of that tradition their whole lives. And when the legacy of Celia Cruz took the stage, the energy shifted but stayed just as electric. Salsa lovers from all backgrounds came together, moving to timeless rhythms as though the night sky itself was urging them to dance.

Even the performances that explored deeper emotions were tied to the universal power of dance. Jay Carlon’s choreography reflected life’s struggles, and yet it reminded us all that movement is a way to express even the most complicated feelings.

And even in quieter moments, like during our classical preludes, dance was still very much alive. Whether it was grand sweeping movements or the smallest gestures, the connection between artist and audience was tangible. It didn’t matter if the movements were big or small, dance was the common language that kept everyone in sync.

One of the most powerful moments of the season came when we partnered with local dance collectives for an interactive event, inviting the audience to learn new steps from different cultures. People from all walks of life came together, sharing in the joy of movement, and creating something new out of their combined experiences. It was a beautiful reminder that no matter where we come from, dance speaks to us all, inviting us to move together in unity.

This season wasn’t just about watching performances—it was about feeling them. It was about realizing that dance is in all of us, that it transcends genres, and that it has the power to unite people in ways words can’t. From the first beat to the last step, the 2024 season of Grand Performances showed us that dance isn’t just something we do—it’s something we share, a universal language that connects us all. Thank you to everyone who danced along with us.

Photos credit Farah Sosa and Sandy Altamirano, 2024

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