Dancing in the Streets - St. Louis Festival

So, I went with my dad and two sisters to the Dancing in the Streets Festival at the Grand Center in downtown St. Louis...wow!  Everytime I go to that area I am so amazed and remember just how much I love it down there!  There is, of course, nothing like the Fabulous Fox Theatre... but there is so much more to see down there than just the Fox!  

This festival really came at a great time for me.  I had been desperately needing a creative outlet, and a break from all the homework!  

It had been raining all day so they delayed many of the performances to let the stages dry, but it was lovely to walk around and see the different booths and variety of dancers that had gathered to perform.

I can still remember my first trip to the Fox....to see Cats!

These girls must have been freezing, because it was actually very very cold this day!  The rain brought some of those fall breezes through the streets and you could taste the crispness of the air!

My sisters both look very dazed and lost here!  This was right after it had rained, and many of the dancers were still inside.  We were trying to figure out where to go to wait....hard to do when there aren't crowds and groups of people to follow!

I couldn't help it!  This adorable little family and their dog at the pretzel stand...I like the little stories going on in this picture. 

The clouds had cleared and everyone had gathered at the main stage.  We ended up having to wait for awhile while they finished drying the stage with huge fans.  The atmosphere was just mesmorizing in a weird way....everyone patiently waiting for the dancers, hoping the rain wouldn't re-appear!

Dancers waiting to take the stage...

Such very very talented young dancers!

This little group of girls was so charming and adorable!  They had such joy on their faces (along with lots and LOTS of makeup! lol)

These 3 dancers were my favorite... Surprise!  They were a vintage-style tap dance group that used mainly the old techniques and steps.  I am so predictable =)

I really enjoyed watching this gal perform.  She danced very passionately and really felt the music... She was lost in her own world.  Isn't it wonderful to see an individual express herself/himself, and to watch the happiness and joy on their faces from doing so?

I just love the architecture and condition of this building....

I don't really know why, but this is my favorite shot of the day.  Must be the older guy in the hat...doesn't he look like he has stories to tell?

Makes me want to dance.....   

xoxo!