New Albany Dance Festival to offer 3 days of performances, workshops
When the New Albany Dance Festival debuted in 2022 , the single-day event proved so popular that, even before it began, dance studios and companies already were inquiring when the next one would take place.
The creation of Melissa Gould, artist director for New Vision Dance Company, the festival is in its third year and now spans three days highlighted by two concerts, a studio showcase and numerous free workshops.
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"I founded New Vision 17 years ago to help make the arts accessible to all members of the community and to give performers an opportunity to create meaningful performances onstage," said Gould, who's also the theater director at New Albany Middle School.
"The New Albany Dance Festival takes this even further by including health and wellness education and experiences tailored to every member of the community."
Dancers to put their best feet forward
The New Albany Dance Festival concert opens the event at 7 p.m. July 26 in the Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin Granville Road, New Albany. Adult dance companies from around central Ohio and the Midwest are set to perform styles including modern, contemporary, jazz, fusion, lyrical and more.
On July 27, the entertainment continues at 7 p.m. at the Hinson Amphitheater with an audience favorite, the Central Ohio Dance Studio Showcase. Gould said a sellout crowd usually fills the house for this show, which will feature dancers from 17 companies and studios.
Another popular event, the International Dance Concert, takes the stage at the McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Road, at 1 p.m. July 28. This celebration of multicultural dance will include styles from flamenco and folklórico to West African and belly dancing.
Ticket prices for each event are:
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July 26 concert: general-admission lawn, $16.50; full table, $312
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July 27 showcase: general-admission lawn, $11; full table, $312
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July 28 concert: general-admission, $5.
There is an eight-ticket limit per person/household for each event. To purchase tickets, go to cbusarts.com .
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The chance to dance
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just want to get moving, there are more than 30 free workshops to choose from the festival. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 27 and 8 a.m. to noon July 28, participants can learn dance and try activities including Zumba, movement for 50-plus, "Mommy & Me," yoga and many more.
Classes for beginners include hula, musical theater dance for children, ballet for adults, ballroom and hip-hop. There also will be intermediate and advanced classes.
Workshops will be held in both the Hinson Amphitheater and the McCoy Center. To register, go to bit.ly/4ePyqAn .
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: New Albany Dance Festival to take place July 26-28
