The James P. Gills Family YMCA kicked off the new year with music, movement and meaningful connections during its Second Annual Open House Dance Party on January 9.
The Open House is designed to bring families together while introducing them to all the YMCA has to offer. This year’s Dance Party theme embraced a fresh approach focused on family engagement and connection.
By creating a fun, inclusive environment, the James P. Gills Family YMCA aimed to not only share information about membership and program offerings but also to strengthen relationships with current members and welcome new faces into the Y community. The result was a lively evening that felt less like an information session and more like a shared experience.
Families filled the gym as kids showed off their best and funniest dance moves, parents laughed along and connections formed naturally on the dance floor. With approximately 80 people in attendance, the energy in the room reflected the YMCA’s mission of bringing people together through shared experiences that support healthy living and strong families.
“It was a really fun night where we saw kids connect and families connect and share a night at the YMCA,” shared Michael Whitten, Executive Director at the James P. Gills Family YMCA. “The funniest moments were seeing the kids bring some fun and crazy dance moves. My personal favorite was spending time with my family and dancing with my kids during the event. These types of events are when we see the Y come full circle.”
The evening featured creative themes inspired by Wicked, adding an extra layer of excitement and imagination to the celebration. More than just a dance, the Open House highlighted how the YMCA continues to evolve its programming to meet families where they are, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, connected and inspired to belong.
To learn more about the James P. Gills Family YMCA or joining one of the YMCA of the Suncoast branches, click here!