The Downtown Youngstown Partnership and Youngstown CityScape will host the February edition of First Fridays on Feb. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The free community event, titled "For the Love of Dance," will take place at several locations downtown and features a variety of performances, instructional classes, and local vendors.

In collaboration with the city and local businesses, the monthly program aims to provide residents with arts and culture experiences in a central setting. The February event focuses on dance as a form of creative expression, offering activities for both children and adults.

Much of the evening’s programming is located at Ballet Western Reserve and Concept Studio. Ballet Western Reserve will provide a series of short classes on its first floor to introduce visitors to different dance styles.

The schedule begins at 5:30 p.m. with an open-level ballet class for children aged 6 to 10 in Studio A/B. At the same time, children aged 3 to 5 can participate in a creative movement class in Studio C. Later, at 6 p.m., the studio will host an adult ballet class in Studio A/B. In contrast, teenagers aged 10 and older can attend a combined ballet and jazz session in Studio C.

At 6:30 p.m., guest speaker Reagan Nevels will present a talk titled "Diversity in Dance" in Studio A/B. Nevels, a local dancer featured in a documentary about her experiences in the performing arts, will speak for 20 minutes before the studio transitions to live performances.

Other organizations will also offer lessons during the event. At Concept Studio, Y-town Swing Dance will teach Lindy Hop basics at 6 p.m. and Balboa basics at 6:30 p.m. These sessions are intended for beginners and focus on social dancing techniques that have been part of the Mahoning Valley’s culture for several decades.

Visitors can view several live dance and theater performances throughout the night. The Youngstown Playhouse Youth Production will offer a preview of its upcoming musical, "HONK! Jr.," on the second floor of Ballet Western Reserve in Studio E. Performances are scheduled for 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. The play is a modern adaptation of "The Ugly Duckling" and focuses on themes of self-discovery and acceptance.

Canfield High School’s Canfield Players will also perform scenes from their production of the musical "Mamma Mia!" at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Studio C. Following these sessions, Ballet Western Reserve will hold its own featured dance performances in Studio A/B starting at 7 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m.

At Concept Studio, USA Dance Local Chapter #2015 will present a ballroom dance performance at 7 p.m. This nonprofit organization promotes both social and competitive ballroom and Latin dancing. Representatives from the Youngstown State University Dance Club will also be present at Concept Studio to provide information about social dance techniques taught to university students.

A vendor market will be open at Concept Studio from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring items appropriate for the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday. The participating local businesses include Rust Belt Candle Company, Charmed by Parris, and Alyssum & Ash. Other vendors, such as Mydlo and Everything’s Glossy, will sell homemade soaps, lotions, and lip care products.

On the second floor of Ballet Western Reserve in Studio F, a "Sensory-Tactile Zone" will allow guests to interact with dance costumes and props. The zone is designed to provide a hands-on experience where visitors can see and feel the materials used in professional stage productions.

The February event coincides with the launch of the Live Music Initiative. Funded by the Youngstown Foundation and facilitated by the Economic Action Group, this program supports live music at selected downtown venues through May 2026. For the February event, live music will be hosted at The Avalon, The Draught House, Penguin City, and Twisted Roots. Additionally, a concert by Keith Sweat is scheduled at Powers Auditorium for the same evening.

Free parking is available on various city streets, with public lots located near West Commerce Street and North Phelps Street. An ADA-compliant drop-off area is in the alley in front of the Ballet Western Reserve entrance for those with mobility needs. Individuals with questions about accessibility accommodations can email dyp@youngstowncityscape.com.

First Fridays is a recurring event held on the first Friday of every month. Future themes for 2026 include "OH WOW! Neon Light" in April and a "Cinco de Mayo" celebration in May.