Outdoor dance parties and events in Toronto this summer offer a mix of culturally rich showcases and full-out parties under the sun. Most events include both performances and lessons, so get ready to sit back and enjoy, and then let loose and dance like no one is watching!

Here are my picks for the top outdoor dance parties and events in Toronto this summer.

The Blue Party (June 18, Sunnyside Pavilion)
This ticketed event right on lake Ontario and next to the pool features Sydney Blu and 11 other techno, house, tech-house and deep house DJs. The fun starts at 4 p.m and ends at 11 p.m., so you'll be dancing under the sun and the moon inside two outdoor courtyards.

Porch View Dances (July 13 - 17, Seaton Village)
Kaeja d'Dance is a contemporary dance company here in the city and they've created this innovative dance fest putting the spotlight on local non-dancer residents in the front yards, porches and courtyards of their own homes. It's like watching the story of the neighbourhood unfold through guided tours and commissioned dance routines. Pretty cool stuff.

Dancing on the Pier (June 23 - September 1, Harbourfront Centre)
Every Thursday this summer the Harbourfront hosts social dance events combining live music and dancers with you and your body. From flamenco to swing, celtic to Latin house, learn to dance for free right next to the water. Sounds like a glorious dancefloor to me.

Soul Sunday Street Party (June 26, Kensington Market)
Dance in the street from 2:30 - 7p.m. during Kesington Market's Pedestrian Sunday. Trinity Common (at 303 Augusta) is the place to be with soul, funk, afro, house, disco edits from Gentlemen Soul Brothers. Be free!

Pride (July 1- 3, various locations)
Head to the Green Space Festival in Barbara Hall Park at the 519 and Treehouse Party at the Ryerson Quad for some of the biggest and most uplifting dance events this summer. There's an amazing lineup of local and out-of-town dance music DJs and performers.

Salsa on St. Clair (July 9 - 10, St. Clair Ave. West)
I know this one is officially a street festival, but there is such a high concentration and spotlight on dance during this two-day event that it's impossible not to include it here. Stages, dance floors and tents scatter the street while experts show off their best hip movements and give salsa and bachata lessons.

Dusk Dances (August 1 - 7, Withrow Park)
This is an outdoor dance festival in a lovely east end park jam packed with contemporary and traditional performance and lessons. Live music and dance happens all week long, so bring a chair, blanket and hips.

Did I miss an outdoor dance event this summer that you're excited about? Let our readers know in the comments

Photo of Salsa on St. Clair by Irina No.