Special to The Leader

What’s Happening Orange County? and the Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau are once again teaming up to host the 3^nd annual National Dance Day event in Orange. This year, Neighbors Emergency Center has come on as a sponsor bringing season 7 winner of “So You Think You Can Dance,” Lauren Froderman, to headline the event.

“We are thrilled to add Lauren to this year’s event,” said event organizer, Penny LeLeux. “It started out two years ago as a desire to bring some fun to Orange County and it has doubled in the number of performance groups participating each year. This year we already have over 12 groups planning to perform.

“‘So You Think You Can Dance’ is the show responsible for the start of National Dance Day,” she said. “With the addition of a winner from that show, we have the opportunity to truly turn this into a regional event.”

After the main event, that afternoon, dancers also have the opportunity to take a contemporary class with Froderman for only $30. The location is still to be announced, but will also be in Orange. Dancers can register for the class now through Eventbrite. Plans are also underway for a meet and greet. Details will be released once finalized.

This year, National Dance Day will be held in the morning, 9 a.m.- noon, on Saturday, July 30, at the Riverfront Boardwalk and Pavilion, 601 Division Ave. in downtown Orange.

“The first year, with only three weeks preparation time, around 50 dancers participated and over 300 people attended the event,” said Penny LeLeux, founder of What’s Happening Orange County?. “This year, we are probably already nearing the 150 mark for dancers.”

This year, we will be adding belly dancing, Mexican folk dancing, jazzercise, Taekwondo and more to the mix.

The 2016 National Dance Day tutorial is online and can be found on YouTube, octx.info or the What’s Happening Orange County’s National Dance Day event page. It is a simple routine that can be learned by all and could even be adapted for those with limited mobility.

There will be vendors on site offering cooling refreshments such as ice cream and snow cones. Special Angels Rodeo will be hosting a link fundraiser for those looking for something more substantial.

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes.

Sorry no pets permitted.

For more information email penny@octx.info or contact Brandy Judice at the Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau 409-883-1011. Event updates will be posted on octx.info and on the What’s Happening Orange County? Facebook page and event page.