Special to The Leader

National Dance Day of Southeast Texas is July 29, at the Beaumont Civic Center. The 4^th annual event is currently the only event listed for Texas on the Dizzy Feet Foundation’s directory of events. The only event listed for Louisiana is in New Orleans.

Lauren Froderman, winner of season 7 of “So You Think You Can Dance” (SYTYCD) is making a return trip.

“Last year, Lauren was a phenomenal guest and teacher,” said Penny LeLeux, event organizer. “Area dancers are excited about her return.”

Also making an appearance is Barclay Stockett, one of the newest up and coming “American Ninja Warrior” (ANW) sensations. Stockett is from Southeast Texas, hailing from Dayton. She recently competed on team ‘Iron Grip’ on “Team Ninja Warrior” and qualified in the top 30 for the city finals in San Antonio last month on American Ninja Warrior. The city finals are scheduled to air Monday.

The first three years of the event were held in Orange, Texas outdoors at the Riverfront Pavilion, but the extreme heat necessitated a move indoors and the decision was made to move it to Beaumont.

Things kick off with a free event from 9 a.m.-noon which is a combination of dance performances from area dance groups, line dances and mini classes in Belly Dancing and Salsa for all ages, plus a tutorial of the official National Dance Day choreography.

The Civic Center will be cleared for lunch. Ticketed events of dance classes and a meet in greet with Froderman and Stockett are scheduled for the afternoon.

The morning session is a celebration of dance with performances by area dance groups from Orange, Beaumont and Silsbee. Returning groups are Thayer Dance Academy, Lorna Badon school of Dance, Ingram School of Dance, The Belly Dance Studio, Orange Blossoms and Silsbee Jazzercize. This year we are joined by Silsbee Dance Academy, plus we are adding a Latin flavor with dancers from City Dance.

“It is sort of a recital/dance party and is loads of fun,” said LeLeux.

After lunch, dancers come back for a beginner (1:30pm-2:30pm) or advanced (2:45pm-3:45pm) contemporary dance class with Lauren Froderman. Classes are $75 and includes a meet and greet following at 4 p.m. with Froderman and Stockett. There will be a question and answer session, plus they will tell their story and offer a photo opportunity. Those wishing to observe the dance classes must purchase a ticket for $35 which also includes the meet and greet. Tickets are available at www.DiscoverBeaumont.com. For updated information check out: www.octx.info or the ‘4^th annual National Dance Day in SETX’ Facebook event.