Reviewed by:
Don’t miss the Alabama Dance Festival in Birmingham January 16-27
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
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
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
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
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
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.
