September Amelia Island Dance Festival - Bigger, Bolder

Seven fully staged performances will entertain dance fans from Sept. 4-7 on the Amelia Community Theatre stage. Additionally, 30 dance workshops in styles ranging from ballet to tap and belly dancing are being offered.

Hundreds of dancers will share their joy of movement during this year’s Amelia Island Dance Festival weekend. There will be acclaimed professionals, area up-and-comers, local dance students, and audiences of passionate fans. In addition to the stage performances and dance workshops, a full day of free dance, health and fitness events will take place in Fernandina’s Central Park.

The annual festival brings together guest artists from around the world alongside emerging and local talent. The next generation of dancers will share the stage with today’s stars. This year’s lineup features 15 regional ensembles and soloists — totaling 55 performers — presenting evening performances from 7:30-9:30 p.m., Thurs. through Sat. On Sat. and Sun., the spotlight shifts to the community, with 100 middle and high school students from 12 area dance programs performing from 2-3 p.m., followed by emerging and local artists from 4-5:30 p.m. All performances are on Amelia Community Theatre’s main stage.

Free celebrations all day Sat., Sept. 6

Get set for a full day of inspiration and connection for all ages with a focus on health, fitness, and fun! At Central Park, you’ll find youth performances, music, art and wellness booths, food trucks, and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Down the street at the Atlantic Rec Center, join in and test your moves in flamenco, belly dancing, swing, hula, and more. No reservations or experience needed — these workshops are designed for fun.

Just eight years ago, the Amelia Island Dance Festival was born when Susan Dodge, a member of the legendary Paul Taylor Dance Company, moved to Amelia Island in 2014. She joined others interested in dance and followed the dream of a dance festival on Amelia Island. Other supporters include

Linda Loftis-Vrooman, AIDF president and manager of Royal Academy of Dance, and Carey Dresser, a local realtor who danced in New York for many years.

As the dance festival has grown, an increasing number of participants have
staged dozens of mostly sold-out performances. They’ve sponsored hundreds of workshops; conducted innovative programs in off-beat places: a kayak launch in a marsh, tap rooms, and island beaches. They’ve showcased promising up-and-comers, collaborated with other organizations, and participated in everything from story times for kids to parades and operas. The organization awards annual scholarships to promising dancers.

Quick Highlights

All performances will be on the main stage of the Amelia Community Theatre, 209 Cedar Street, Fernandina Beach.

Headlining guest artists evening shows: Sept. 4-6, 7:30 p.m.
Emerging and local artists showcase: Sept. 6-7, 4 p.m.
Young artists matinees: Sept. 6-7, 2 p.m.

Dance workshops: Sept. 4-7, various locations
Free outdoor celebration and community workshops: Sat., Sept. 6 – Central Park and Atlantic Rec Center

For tickets, full schedules and workshop registration, visit Amelia Island Dance Festival.