The Amelia Island Dance Festival is raising the bar again, raising the curtain on seven performances and 30 workshops on September 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th.
"We are thrilled to welcome both returning and new performers to our sixth season," said Susan Dodge, Artistic Director of the Amelia Island Dance Festival. This year's festival promises to be a captivating celebration of the art of dance, showcasing the incredible talent and diversity within our community and beyond, with a rich variety of dance styles and performers."
The lineup includes John Manzari and the Atlanta Dance Connection, who have built a strong local following following their recent solo appearances on the island. Also returning to the festival are our audience favorites East by North Dance Theatre, Kilowatt Dance Theatre and Carlos Garland. In addition to professional guest artists, this year’s program will include spotlights on youth, local artists, and emerging talents. Audiences will experience a wide range of dance styles, from contemporary to hip-hop to classical ballet and beyond.
As the visionary creator of modern American dance Alvin Ailey said, dance "came from the people" and should "always be delivered back to the people." With a mission to bring movement and dance to everyone, the festival is not just about performances, but also about community engagement. It will expand its Saturday offerings, offering free workshops for the public, including vendors and food trucks in Central Park, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.This exciting addition will provide a festive and community-driven atmosphere. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 7th, attendees will explore the art of dance while enjoying delicious local cuisine and browsing unique vendor offerings. Additional workshops will take place at the Amelia Community Theatre.
For more information on the festival's schedule, ticket sales, and details, including ticket prices starting at $25 to $50, please visit the official website at www.ameliaislanddancefestival.org.
Amelia Island Dance Festival Returns for its 5th Season, Featuring Spectacular Guest Artists and an Exciting Lineup of Workshops
Amelia Island, September 8-10th, 2023- The Amelia Island Dance Festival is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 5th season, bringing together acclaimed guest artists and offering an array of captivating workshops. With a lineup of extraordinary talent and an extensive selection of dance genres, this year's festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for dance enthusiasts of all ages.
Returning to the stage are some of the festival's most beloved guest artists, including dance virtuoso John Manzari, the mesmerizing East by North Dance Theatre, the impeccably talented Carlos Garland, the dynamic Moving On Dance company, the explosive Rhythm Theory Tap Ensemble, the versatile Marco Tacandong, and the exquisite performers from The Florida Ballet and Jacksonville Dance Theatre. These artists have captivated audiences with their exceptional artistry and unique styles, and they are set to deliver awe-inspiring performances once again.
In addition to the returning stars, the Amelia Island Dance Festival is proud to welcome new talents to its stage. Kilowatt Dance Theatre, renowned for their innovative and electrifying performances, will showcase their boundary-pushing choreography. Also joining the lineup is the highly esteemed James L. Boyd III, MFA, CMAP, and the enchanting Dominique Guerra from United Ballet Théâtre, bringing their mastery of movement to captivate audiences.
But that's not all - the festival offers an array of workshops designed to inspire and educate dancers of all levels. Participants can choose from an exciting variety of styles, including Flagging, Flow Arts, Shuffle Dance, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Partnering, Fusion, Tap, Hip Hop, and Improv. Led by industry experts and renowned instructors, these workshops provide a unique opportunity for dancers to expand their skills, explore new techniques, and unleash their creativity.
"We are beyond thrilled to bring back the Amelia Island Dance Festival for its 5th season," said Susan Dodge, the festival organizer. "This year's lineup of returning guest artists, as well as the addition of outstanding new talent, promises to deliver an astonishing experience for dance enthusiasts. With an array of workshops covering a range of dance styles, we are confident that this year's festival will empower and inspire dancers of all backgrounds."
Don't miss your chance to be a part of this extraordinary celebration of dance. Sign up today and secure your spot for the greatest dance experience ever.
Three-day Series of Performances and Workshops at Amelia Community Theatre and the Courtyard Springhill by Marriott Amelia Island September 9-11, 2022. Following a busy year of delivering dance ‘to go’ through eclectic video performances on YouTube including an homage to The Beach Lady, a duet at the Fernandina Airport, hip-hop at the historic Post Office and an ethereal evening at Bosque Bello, the Amelia Island Dance Festival is excited to bring dance to life live and person for its 4th season. Saturday and Sunday matinees have been added and 12 workshops will be offered this year. Festival Founder Susan Dodge, a professional dancer and director formerly of the acclaimed Paul Taylor Dance Company in New York, said “What makes dance unique is that your craft goes everywhere with you......no need to carry an instrument or a paintbrush. The expression of dance is individual and ever evolving...and dance comes in all flavors, styles, feelings and dynamics.” This year’s program features acclaimed and accomplished dancers who have performed on international stages, up-and-coming regional talents. Participation is not limited to a seat in the audience (although it bears mentioning that tickets for previous Festival performances have sold out within days.). There is also a weekend of workshops highlighting different kinds of dance, and all are invited to participate. “Everyone is a dancer. You’re a dancer when you move to a beat, to the music that moves you You move....which is dance.”
Featured artists include:
Wonderful local artists include: Ballroom On Amelia, Bean School of Dance, Bodyworks of Northeast Florida, Royal Dance Academy-Fusion, A Chance to Dance and The Island Tappers.
The annual festival will be held each September and the Amelia Island Dance Festival will continue to form community relationships through the enjoyment of dance, inspired by the island’s natural beauty.
