White Rock's Dancing at the Pier returns for summer with free Latin dance lessons and live DJs
The volunteer-run waterfront event runs three more evenings this summer, drawing dancers from across the Lower Mainland and even Bellingham.
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White Rock's Dancing at the Pier is returning for three more evenings this summer, offering free Latin dance lessons and social dancing along the waterfront at Memorial Park.
The volunteer-run event, which started in the summer of 2019, runs from 11 a.m. to roughly 5 p.m., though organizer Nora Hutt notes the crowd and energy shift throughout the evening. "You might get some older individuals and younger families and kids at the beginning, and as the evening goes on you get some more serious dancers," she said.
Upcoming dates are Saturday, July 25, then August 8 and 22. The event focuses on Latin dance styles — salsa, merengue, and reggaeton — with beginner-friendly instruction from volunteer instructors. "One of the reasons for that genre is because even if you don't know how to partner dance, the music is lively and so you can basically just get jiggy with it, even if you can't partner dance," Hutt explained.
The event draws residents from White Rock and South Surrey as well as visitors from Vancouver, Burnaby, and communities across the Lower Mainland. Some attendees even travel from Bellingham in Washington.
Hutt deliberately kept the event alcohol-free to maintain an inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere. While donations are accepted, she prefers to gain support through sponsors. "It's an event that kind of introduces people to dance and I want it to be inclusive and build communities and spirit," she said. "This is inclusive for everybody. It doesn't matter your ability or your age, it's just having a positive feeling and positive impact."
Hutt hopes to continue organizing Dancing at the Pier for years to come and would eventually like to see similar events in other communities. More information is available at dancingatthepier.com.
Before you go
When is Dancing at the Pier this summer?
Dancing at the Pier runs on Saturday, July 25, 2026, and August 8 and 22, 2026, at Memorial Park in White Rock.
What's the cost to attend?
Dancing at the Pier is free. The event is volunteer-run and accepts donations, but there is no admission fee.
What kind of dance instruction is offered?
Dancing at the Pier offers free beginner-friendly Latin dance lessons in salsa, merengue, and reggaeton from volunteer instructors.
What time does Dancing at the Pier run?
Dancing at the Pier runs from 11 a.m. to roughly 5 p.m., with the crowd and energy shifting throughout the day — older dancers and families at the start, more serious dancers as evening progresses.
