The 2024 PNC New Year’s Eve Kids Countdown, presented by Better Built and OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois, is back at the Peoria Civic Center on Tuesday, December 31st.

The festivities begin at 3:00 pm with the PNC Kids Countdown activities in the Peoria Civic Center Exhibit Halls, with a variety of events and entertainment for the whole family. Activities will include Superhero & Princess photo opportunities, Unique Twist Balloon Twisting, Wild Style Face Painting, Hair Tinsel, & Henna Tattoos, Fun on the Run Inflatables, Peoria Playhouse Imagination Playground, GameOn, Joe the Art Guy Caricature Drawings, Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters, First Ascent, Peoria Rivermen, and more!

 

Stage performances will include Communication Junction, Flynn School of Irish Dance, Safari Joe, and the Magic of Joel Shoemaker. 

 

After the festivities, join us in our Sonar Tide Courtyard & Patio for a ball drop and fireworks presented by Better Banks. Admission to the event is free to the public.

For more info: https://www.peoriaciviccenter.com/event/2024-pnc-new-years-eve-kids-countdown/2/

Contemporary Art Center
New Year’s Eve Salsa at CAC
Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Welcome in the New Year with complementary party favors and a champagne toast. Bring in the New Year with us!

Dance lesson 8:30-9:30 pm
Open dancing 9:30-1:00 am
to music of DJ Ed Caballero

$12.00 nonmembers
$8.00 CAC Members

Thinking about attending a dance? Below are answers to common questions:

What are the dances like?
In addition to this special event, we offer a Salsa dance on the 3rd Friday of each month. Everyone is here to enjoy the dance and improve their skills in partner dancing. The dance appeals to all ages and cultures. Chairs and small tables are placed along the walls while the middle of the 2600 sq. ft. room is open for dancing.

Do you serve food or drinks?
Bottles of water, soda and ice are offered for $1.00 each. Bottle openers are available. Guests may also bring their own drinks and food. Another option is to order food and drink as carry out from the Rhythm Kitchen, the restaurant/bar on the 1st floor, and bring it up the dance.

Should I come to a dance considering I have no dance experience?
At the beginning of every dance, we offer a complimentary dance lesson to teach the basics of Salsa, Merengue and Bachata. The dance lesson is designed for those with no dance experience. Don’t worry about being embarrassed or standing out! Most everyone will be dancing for the first time. 

Do I need a partner?
Partners are not required to attend a dance. For the lesson, we divide the students into leaders and followers facing each other. The person across from you will be your partner for the lesson. Of course, if you come with a partner, you can dance with them. Throughout the night, ask others to dance or stand at the edge of the dance floor watching the action. This signals to others you want to dance.

What kinds of music does the DJ play?
Mostly Salsa is played but also Cha Cha, Bachata, Merengue, Tango, Reggaeton, R&B, Cumbia. Occasionally popular tunes with a Latin twist and R&B are thrown into the mix.

What do people usually wear to the dances?
There is a variety of attire. Some people come in jeans and t-shirts. Some come dressed up; in pretty dresses with high heels and dress pants and shirts. Inexperienced dancers should wear simple, flat, dress shoes with smooth bottoms that fit tightly to the foot. Carrying in the shoes you will wear to dance is a good idea, especially in the winter. In general, we recommend wearing clothing that is light and cool, even if it is cold outside. Since you will be spinning, wear something tighter around the torso and waist area. 

Questions:
William Butler 
CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER
305 SW Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602 • 309-674-6822 • cac@peoriacac.org • www.peoriacac.org

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1113104693578935