Don’t miss the Alabama Dance Festival in Birmingham January 16-27

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Programs Image Large 800x450 1 Don’t miss the Alabama Dance Festival in Birmingham January 16-27
Photo via the Alabama Dance Council’s website

Calling all dancers and dance enthusiasts: the Alabama Dance Festival, one of the largest gatherings of dance-minded folks in the Southeast, is coming up in Birmingham January 16-27. Here’s what you need to know, from classes to performances and more. 

The Festival

alabama dance council 2 Don’t miss the Alabama Dance Festival in Birmingham January 16-27
Photo via the Alabama Dance Council on Facebook

The Alabama Dance Council, whose mission is to promote the study, creation, performance and enjoyment of dance in all forms, hosts the festival each year. The festival has brought together a diverse dance community from across the state for more than 20 years. 

Performances

Performances are a large part of the festival and open to the public. Tickets are available through festival registration packages for dancers and spectators. Single ticket sales will be available starting January 16. 

Birmingham Dance Showcase: Celebrating Our Cultural Perspectives

This FREE showcase highlights the talent and diversity in the Birmingham dance community. There are also free community dance classes available. 

When: Saturday, January 11 at 12:30PM (Showcase). Classes start at 9AM
Where: Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex Theatre. 1001 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
More information.

Screendance

alabama dance festival logo Don’t miss the Alabama Dance Festival in Birmingham January 16-27
Photo via the Alabama Dance Festival 

New this year, the Alabama Screendance Festival showcases dance on camera. Invited and submitted films will be presented.

When: Friday, January 24 at 8PM
Where: Dorothy Jemison Day Theater at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. 800 19th Street North. Birmingham, AL 35203
More information.

New Works Concert

alabama dance festival Don’t miss the Alabama Dance Festival in Birmingham January 16-27
Last year’s New Works Concert. Photo by Clark Scott via the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater’s website

Enjoy selected works by regional choreographers during this performance. 

When: Saturday, January 25 at 8PM
Where:
Dorothy Jemison Day Theater at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. 800 19th Street North. Birmingham, AL 35203
More information.

Alabama Dance Festival Showcase

alabama dance festival showcase Don’t miss the Alabama Dance Festival in Birmingham January 16-27
Catch performances by talented regional dancers at the festival’s showcase. Photo by Clark Scott via the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater’s website

This festival finale showcases regional schools, companies, studios and colleges. 

When: Sunday, January 26 at 2:30PM
Where:
Dorothy Jemison Day Theater at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. 800 19th Street North. Birmingham, AL 35203
More information.

Guest Company: Wideman Davis Dance

Wideman Davis Dance Don’t miss the Alabama Dance Festival in Birmingham January 16-27
Wideman Davis Dance. Photo by Jason Ayers via Wideman Davis Dance’s website 

Road trip, anyone? The festival is partnering with Klein Arts and Culture in Harpersville to present renowned South Carolina dance company Wideman Davis Dance

According to the festival website, Wideman Davis Dance “is committed to revealing social and political issues through an African American perspective.” Performance information is below. 

When: January 20-26, 2020 at 7PM
Where: Klein-Wallace House. Harpersville, AL
More information.

Classes

The Alabama Dance Festival also offers a variety of classes for pre-professional (grades 6-12) and professional dancers at Alabama Ballet, Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) and The Dance Foundation (TDF). Examples include Musical Theater, Hip Hop, AfroJazz Fusion and Modern. A full class list is available on their website

Auditions

Dance students (age 11 through high school seniors) can also audition for opportunities during the festival. Auditions are for local, regional, national and summer programs. More information

Learn More

To learn more about The Alabama Dance Council and its programs, visit their website

Inspired to learn how to dance yourself? Check out this guide on Birmingham dance studios. 

Taylor Babington
Taylor Babington
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