More than two years later, the same outdoor class—taught by Walter and completely donation-based—takes place in the Panhandle each Saturday. The major difference is that the crowd has only continued to grow.
More than two years later, the same outdoor class—taught by Walter and completely donation-based—takes place in the Panhandle each Saturday. The major difference is that the crowd has only continued to grow.
“It’s bigger than ever,” said Walter.
On any given weekend, dozens of dancers gather at 11 a.m. to shake, squat and sashay to popular throwbacks, including “Countdown” by Beyonce and “Good Love” by City Girls.
Some of the tracks are songs Walter listened to while growing up in Sonoma.
“As a closeted child, I loved dancing to pop music—NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears. I’d dance until dad came home, and then I’d shut everything off real quick and pretend like nothing was going on,” recalled Walter.
Today, Walter’s philosophy is all about embracing individuality and self-expression.
Walter simply asks that participants show up with water, a towel and a positive attitude.
For Coby Anderson, 25, who discovered Walter’s class in the summer of 2020, it’s been a nonstop party ever since.
“From then on, it was like every Saturday. That was like my church, if you will,” said Anderson.
You can join Turn Up SF’s email list by emailing kennyfitsf@gmail.com. The class takes place most Saturdays at 11 a.m. in the Panhandle at Masonic and Ashbury streets, east of the basketball courts. Walter suggests a $15 donation.
Sophie Bearman can be reached at sophie@sfstandard.com