Seaside Dance Festival

The Merchants of SEASIDE invite you to join them Friday through Sunday, May 4-6, for one of Seaside's most exciting times of the year, Seaside Dance Festival weekend. This annual dance festival features dance artists from professional companies around the globe to the newly constructed Seaside Lyceum Stage for a weekend celebration of exceptional dance artistry. All events are free and open to the public.

Seaside Dance Festival: three nights of dance themed evenings in the Seaside Lyceum
Friday, May 4 | 6:30pm Performance Showcase
Saturday, May 5 | 6:30pm Performance Showcase
Sunday, May 6 | 7:30pm Dance Movie Night - Newsies

In its fourth year, the Seaside Dance Festival continues the tradition of hosting world-class talent in Seaside to showcase the latest dance trends as well as the beloved classics. Performer and New York Dance Project Artistic Director, Davis Robertson, returns to direct the Seaside Dance Festival this year with new and returning talent who will perform famous choreographed works. Robertson is an International Program Director of Bolshoi Ballet Academy of Moscow, former Director of Joffrey Ballet School and Joffrey Ballet Concert Group, and repetiteur for the Gerald Arpino Foundation.

The Seaside Dance Festival offers a variety of dance style performances by professionals which include ballet, contemporary, tap, hip hop, jazz, modern, neo-classical and more. “Every year proves to be an exciting opportunity to bring new talent to Seaside,” said Robertson. “Our past years’ success has made it easier for me to procure dancers, they’ve heard how great of a weekend it is from the past performers.”

This year, the Seaside Dance Festival features performances from New York Dance Project, Paul Taylor II, Complexions, Rasta Thomas, Gwen Gussman, Sarah Wolff, and Florida Ballet.

Seaside Dance Festival offers three exciting dance-themed evenings for the serious dance aficionado and those who simply enjoy the performing arts. Seleta Hayes Howard, Seaside Ballet Mistress and Special Projects Director, says there is a great energy around the weekend’s events. “This festival brings together talented professionals and celebrates dance artistry in the magical surroundings of Seaside,” says Howard. “ The eclectic range of dance styles, carefully put together by our director, Davis Robertson, excites and captivates the interest of all.” Howard will also be performing as a guest with New York Dance Project. 

On Sunday, May 6th, the Seaside Dance Festival comes to a close with a screening of the full-length family musical movie, Newsies. Guests can bring lawn chairs, and blankets to enjoy another relaxing evening under the stars.

All Seaside Dance Festival activities take place on the Seaside Lyceum Stage next to the Seaside Neighborhood School. The weekend is produced by the Merchants of Seaside and there is no admission to attend the performances. Guests can book accommodations by visiting www.seasidefl.com/vacation/rentals.

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