menu Home About Us Sponsors Artists Events Performances Workshops Choreography Submissions

Performances

Performances

Performances

Guest Artists Performances

September 4-6, 2025 @ 7:30 PM

×

Guest Artists Performance

September 4-6, 2025

Box Office

Amelia Community Theater (map)
207 Cedar Street
Fernandina Beach, FL, 32034

Time: 7:30 PM

Tickets: $50

A World of Dance on One Stage

Experience three unforgettable evenings celebrating cultural richness, artistic excellence, and bold innovation. This dynamic program features a curated blend of internationally acclaimed artists and beloved festival favorites—showcasing diverse traditions, cutting-edge movement, and unforgettable storytelling.


New to the Festival This Year

Anubhava Dance Company

  • Anubhava, meaning “the experience,” is a dynamic company founded by Shriya Srinivasan and Joshua George. Comprising award-winning, second-generation Indian-American artists, the company explores the full spectrum of human emotion through Indian classical dance and music.

Jon Lehrer Dance Company

  • Renowned for its “organically athletic” style, JLDC electrifies the stage with a bold fusion of jazz and modern dance.

Juana Calá

  • A passionate force in flamenco, Juana brings deeply expressive artistry that has captivated audiences across Europe and the United States.

Sofía Forero

  • A Colombian-born dancer, choreographer, and educator based in NYC, Sofía explores culture and human connection through movement.

Gigi

  • A lyrical belly dancer blending ballet, jazz, and Caribbean influences, Gigi uses dance as a storytelling medium enriched by women’s narratives and the essence of nature.

Festival Favorites

Mal Stein

  • A renowned accompanist and composer, Mal teaches at NYU and has worked with the Paul Taylor and Doug Varone Dance Companies, Tisch School of the Arts, and Marymount College.

East by North Dance Theatre

  • This NYC-based company returns with emotionally rich, elegantly crafted contemporary work that continues to resonate with audiences.

Marah Lovequist-Cooper

  • A seasoned aerial performer with over a decade of experience, Marah brings strength, grace, and artistic depth to every production she joins.

Kilowatt Dance Theater

  • A joyful blend of swing, Lindy hop, and Charleston fused with contemporary technique—offering a nostalgic yet fresh jazz dance experience.

Carlos & Marisa Garland

  • This dynamic husband–wife duo brings Contemporary Jazz to life with passion, precision, and vibrant stage presence.

John Manzari

  • A Broadway tap sensation, John is celebrated for his virtuosic rhythm and often performs live alongside jazz pianist Luther S. Allison.

James Boyd III

  • A Jacksonville native and internationally recognized choreographer, performer, and educator, has built a dynamic career spanning elite dance companies, global stages, and university faculty positions.

The Florida Ballet

  • A cornerstone of Jacksonville’s cultural scene since 1978, The Florida Ballet presents both classical and contemporary repertoire with technical excellence.

Jacksonville Dance Theatre

  • Known for their bold and innovative works, JDT continues to redefine and elevate contemporary dance in Northeast Florida.

Rhythm Tap Ensemble

  • With infectious energy and sharp musicality, this ensemble delivers fast-paced, high-impact rhythm tap performances.

John & Julia Boyd

  • Drawing from acrobatics, martial arts, yoga, and improvisation, this duo creates visually compelling, nature-inspired choreography. As founders of Acro Fit in Jacksonville, they teach and perform partner movement locally and internationally.

Sarah Wildes Arnett

  • A professor at Valdosta State University and certified aerial instructor, Sarah combines contemporary dance, aerial arts, and theatrical storytelling in powerful, multidisciplinary performances.

Don’t Miss This!

  • Three nights only: September 4, 5 & 6 at 7:30 PM
  • One epic program: Repeated nightly
  • An unforgettable journey through global traditions, innovation, and the future of dance

Emerging & Local Artists Program

September 6-7, 2025 @ 4:00 PM

×

Emerging & Local Artists Program

September 6-7, 2025

Box Office

Amelia Community Theater (map)
207 Cedar Street
Fernandina Beach, FL, 32034

Time: 4:00 PM

Tickets: $25

Amelia Island Dance Festival

A celebration of bold voices, hometown artistry, and the vibrant future of dance. This dynamic program features rising choreographers and beloved local talent from across Northeast Florida. From cultural traditions to cutting-edge experimentation, each performance reflects originality, passion, and community spirit.


Featured artists include:

  • Noise Complaint – high-energy tap ensemble blending rhythm with storytelling
  • John & Julia Boyd (AcroFit) – gravity-defying acrobatics and movement innovation
  • Sarava Dawson – choreographer and coach known for expressive, emotionally rich work
  • Fire Sacral Flow – blending movement and meditation in a powerful fusion
  • Florida Ballet Trainee Program – showcasing the technical excellence of young classical dancers
  • Three Hearts Dance – contemporary collective driven by heart and connection
  • Ballroom on Amelia – elegant, social dance stylings with local flair
  • Island Aerial Danceworks – featuring Casey Valencia on lyra, soaring with grace
  • Leilani Leo – honoring her heritage through Polynesian dance, inspired by her mother’s group, Kona Revue
  • Kate Havel – presenting a new ensemble work highlighting artistic collaboration
  • The Island Tappers – rhythm-filled, joyful community tap
  • Casey Valencia – performs a Lyra piece honoring the legacy of her family’s beloved dance school, Julanne’s School of Dance
  • Meghan & LuSynda – offering American Tribal Style-inspired group improvisation rooted in global dance traditions
  • Honey Deacon and Dancer – Local Singer performs with dancer

From contemporary to classical, aerial to flamenco, ballroom to tribal fusion—this program is packed with originality, spirit, and the unmistakable energy of artists on the rise.

Join us in cheering on the future of dance—and witness the creative force growing right here in our own backyard.

Young Artists Series

September 6-7, 2025 @ 2:00 PM

×

Young Artists Series

September 6-7, 2025

Box Office

Amelia Community Theater (map)
207 Cedar Street
Fernandina Beach, FL, 32034

Time: 2:00 PM

Tickets: $25

Amelia Island Dance Festival

Celebrate the future of dance at this inspiring matinee featuring talented middle and high school performers from across the region. The Young Artists Series spotlights rising choreographers and emerging ensembles, with original solos and group works from outstanding schools and youth programs, including:


  • A Chance to Dance
  • Royal Amelia Dance Academy
  • House of Divas
  • LaVilla School of the Arts
  • Dancelook Apprentice Program
  • Island Aerial Danceworks
  • Bean School of Dance
  • Florida Ballet Conservatory
  • Oceanway School of Dance
  • First Coast Ballet Theatre
  • Venezuela Marka Foundation
  • First Coast Ballet Conservatory
  • Selected solo and duet works from exceptional young artists

Bursting with passion, creativity, and promise, this performance is a heartwarming highlight of the festival. Come cheer on these next-generation stars as they take the stage with talent well beyond their years!

Silent Disco Dance Party

June 30th, 2025 @ 6:00p

×

Silent Disco Dance Party

June 30th, 2025

Tickets

Time: 6-9:00 PM

Disco Witch Brewing (map)
464073 State Road 200
Yulee, FL 32097

Tickets: $25

Limited Tickets!!!

Get ready to dance like never before at the Silent Disco, a great event of the Amelia Island Dance Festival! Step into a world of music, movement, and glowing headphones as you groove to your own beat in a high-energy, immersive experience.

With multiple music channels to choose from, you control your vibe—all while the dance floor lights up around you. Whether you’re flying solo, dancing with friends, or bringing the whole family, this is an unforgettable way to connect through rhythm and joy.

This exciting event not only promises a night filled with fun and dancing but also supports a worthy cause. All proceeds will go towards the Amelia Island Dance Festival, an initiative dedicated to the promotion and celebration of dance in our community. Set in the vibrant atmosphere of Mocama Beer Company, enjoy craft brews, community spirit, and a night of glowing fun.

Gather your friends, embrace the joy of movement, and contribute to the arts while reveling in a distinctive disco experience. We look forward to seeing you there as we dance the night away for a fantastic cause!

John Manzari & Luther S. Allison

May 9 & 10, 2025 @ 7:30p

×

John Manzari & Luther S. Allison

May 9th & 10th, 2025

Box Office

Time: 7:30 PM

Amelia Community Theater (map)
207 Cedar Street
Fernandina Beach, FL, 32034

Tickets: $25

Amazing Tap Dancer John Manzari and Jazz Pianist Luther S. Allison to Perform at Amelia Island Dance Festival

AMELIA ISLAND, FL May 2025 - The Amelia Island Dance Festival is proud to present an exceptional performance by acclaimed tap dancer John Manzari and world-renowned pianist Luther S. Allison on May 9 and 10, 2025 on Amelia Island.

Manzari, known for his dynamic and rhythmic tap dancing, will showcase his impressive technique and musicality alongside the virtuosic playing of Allison, whose skilled and soulful piano performances have captivated audiences worldwide.

"We are thrilled to welcome these two remarkable artists to the Amelia Island Dance Festival," said Susan Dodge "Their collaborative performance will be a true highlight of our event, blending the power and precision of tap dance with the emotional depth and artistry of live piano music."

The Manzari and Allison performance will take place on May 9 and 10 at the Amelia Community Theatre. Tickets will be on sale in the New Year and can be purchased through the Amelia Community Theatre.