Dancing Across Massachusetts

Posted by Lia Jackson, guest blogger of Fitchburg State University

With world-renowned dance companies and iconic venues – think Boston Ballet and Jacob’s Pillow – Massachusetts is proud of its innovative dance scene. This season you’ll find dynamic dance events taking place across the Commonwealth. From performances and competitions to workshops and nonstop dancing, check out these events and enjoy the dance!

Jacob’s Pillow Festival

Since 1931, Jacob’s Pillow Festival has been a popular dance destination that features contemporary, tap, jazz, hip-hop and musical theatre with some of the world’s best dancers. This year’s festival features over 200 free performances.
jacobspillow.org | June 20 – August 26, 2018

Performance at Jacob’s Pillow, Ida Praetorius and Andreas Kaas, in the pas de deux from Bournonville’s Kermesse at Bruges. Photo credit: Christopher Duggan

New England Dance Festival

Located at the Boston Marriot Newton, the New England Dance Festival offers dance styles in Ballroom, Country and Swing. Celebrating its 10 year anniversary, participants can partake in competitions, workshops and dance socials.
nedancefestival.com | August 2-5, 2018

Boston Salsa Festival

The ever-popular Boston Salsa Festival features workshops and performances by talented dancers from all over the world. Dance the night away as you practice the Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba with some of the best instructors.
bostonsalsafest.com | August 3-5, 2018

Beantown Tapfest

Established in 2007, the Beantown Tapfest is a celebratory, educational festival for dancers from all over New England to join in and pay tribute to the art of tap dance. Classes run through the whole week and feature world-class tap dancers.
beantowntapfest.com | August 6-12, 2018

Performance during Beantown Tap Fest 2015. Photo credit: Liza Voll

Boston Contemporary Dance Festival

This year the Boston Contemporary Dance Festival has a total of 36 performances and two showcases. Filled with emotion and heart, the Boston Dance Contemporary Festival is a prime experience to enjoy the art of contemporary dance.
bostoncontemporarydance.org | August 11, 2018

The Dance Mile

Grab your friends and start making your costumes because The Dance Mile is back! This one mile event takes place in the streets of Boston, and is filled with music, high energy and of course DANCING. Start off the day with some Zumba warm ups and then make your way downtown by dancing in the streets. Finish off with a cool down with some live performances and a post-event party at a local bar or restaurant.
thedancemile.com | September 15, 2018 in Boston

Boston Salsa Festival performance. Photo credit: Carven Boursiquot Photography

Boston Brazil Fusion Dance Festival

This year the Boston Brazil Fusion Dance Festival celebrates its five year anniversary! With styles featuring Samba, Bachata, Kizomba and Forro, you can enjoy a full weekend of dancing taught by professional instructors from around the globe.
brazildancefest.net | November 8-12, 2018
Can’t get enough of dance? Discover more about this performing art style in Massachusetts.
Lia Jackson is a recent graduate of Fitchburg State University and an intern at the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.
Feature photo: Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, photo source: BCDF facebook

TOPICS: Berkshires, Boston, Culture, Dance, Entertainment, Performing Arts