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About Us

About Us

About Us

The Amelia Island Dance Festival (AIDF) is a premier annual event celebrating the rich and diverse world of dance. Established in2019, this festival has swiftly gained recognition as a significant cultural highlight in the scenic backdrop of Amelia Island, Florida. With its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community, the festival offers a unique platform for dancers, choreographers, and audiences to unite in appreciation of the performing arts.

AIDF is committed to showcasing a wide variety of dance genres, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, and traditional folk styles. Each year, the festival brings together an array of esteemed guest artists and educators from across the nation. Through a series of performances, workshops, and master classes, participants of all ages and skill levels have the opportunity to learn from and interact with industry professionals, fostering an environment of creativity and collaboration.

In addition to its educational offerings, the festival features a robust performance lineup that highlights both established and emerging talents. Audiences are treated to breathtaking showcases that reflect the passion and innovation inherent in the dance community. The festival also emphasizes community engagement, with initiatives designed to involve local schools and organizations, thus nurturing a deeper appreciation for the arts within the region.

The Amelia Island Dance Festival not only enriches the cultural fabric of Amelia Island but also serves as a catalyst for artistic growth and inspiration. With each passing year, the festival continues to expand its reach and impact, firmly establishing itself as a vital contributor to the world of dance and a cherished event for artists and audiences alike.

Executive Artistic Director


Susan Dodge

Susan Dodge, dancer, choreographer, educator, and founder of the Amelia Island Dance Festival is originally from Jacksonville, Florida. She began developing her artistic talents at the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and continued at the Pinellas County Center for the Arts in St. Petersburg, Florida. After relocating to Dallas, Texas, she graduated Cum Laude from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. This transformative education led her to pursue her lifelong passion in New York City, where she sought to elevate her career in professional dance.

Throughout her career, Susan has had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed artists, including Patrick Corbin and his dancers. She was also a member of the prestigious Paul Taylor Dance Company and Taylor 2.

After transitioning from performance, Susan founded The Dodge Dance Company, where she served as Artistic Director. Her choreography has garnered critical acclaim, including reviews from The New York Times. She was selected for The Field Choreographer Residency at White Oak in Florida and has also led Dream Street, a performance company dedicated to adults with disabilities. Additionally, she worked on the independent short film The Breeder.

As an educator, Susan has taught at universities and conservatories across the United States. She has been an integral part of the faculty at The Long Island High School for the Arts and contributed to the Summer Youth Program at Walnut Hill Arts Academy. Her teaching legacy includes positions at The Paul Taylor School and co-founding The Dance Project of Washington Heights.

Recently, Susan has rediscovered her passion for performance in musical theater, showcasing her talents in productions such as Chicago (Annie), Xanadu (Eros), and A Little Night Music (Desiree Armfeldt). She has also choreographed for notable musicals, including Fiddler on the Roof, Xanadu,The Drowsy Chaperone, and Matilda. Excitingly, she made her directorial debut in June 2024 with the musical The First Date.

Susan has enjoyed guest faculty roles at Douglas Anderson and served on the faculty at The Florida Ballet of Jacksonville and the Royal Amelia Dance Academy on Amelia Island. She is currently serving as the Executive Artistic Director of the Amelia Island Dance Festival, where she is dedicated to fostering dance within her community.

Board of Directors

Executive Board


Linda Loftis-Vrooman, President

Royal Amelia Dance Academy

Lauren Templeton, Vice-President

Amelia Art Studio, LLC

Karen MacNair, Treasurer

Morgan Stanley

Chambers Waller, Secretary

White Arnold & Dowd P.C.

Members at Large


Carey Dresser

Berkshire Hathaway Chaplin Williams Realty

Alexandra Carroll

Royal Amelia Dance Academy

Troy Normandin

Sea Turtle Media, LLC

Kate Harris

Senior Account Director: Feathr

Janet Correa

Faculty Amelia Island Academy

Beverly Smith Davis, Ed.D.

Retired Educator

Lisa Dragonette

Executive Artistic Director


Susan Dodge

Susan Dodge, dancer, choreographer, educator, and founder of the Amelia Island Dance Festival is originally from Jacksonville, Florida. She began developing her artistic talents at the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and continued at the Pinellas County Center for the Arts in St. Petersburg, Florida. After relocating to Dallas, Texas, she graduated Cum Laude from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. This transformative education led her to pursue her lifelong passion in New York City, where she sought to elevate her career in professional dance.

Throughout her career, Susan has had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed artists, including Patrick Corbin and his dancers. She was also a member of the prestigious Paul Taylor Dance Company and Taylor 2.

After transitioning from performance, Susan founded The Dodge Dance Company, where she served as Artistic Director. Her choreography has garnered critical acclaim, including reviews from The New York Times. She was selected for The Field Choreographer Residency at White Oak in Florida and has also led Dream Street, a performance company dedicated to adults with disabilities. Additionally, she worked on the independent short film The Breeder.

As an educator, Susan has taught at universities and conservatories across the United States. She has been an integral part of the faculty at The Long Island High School for the Arts and contributed to the Summer Youth Program at Walnut Hill Arts Academy. Her teaching legacy includes positions at The Paul Taylor School and co-founding The Dance Project of Washington Heights.

Recently, Susan has rediscovered her passion for performance in musical theater, showcasing her talents in productions such as Chicago (Annie), Xanadu (Eros), and A Little Night Music (Desiree Armfeldt). She has also choreographed for notable musicals, including Fiddler on the Roof, Xanadu,The Drowsy Chaperone, and Matilda. Excitingly, she made her directorial debut in June 2024 with the musical The First Date.

Susan has enjoyed guest faculty roles at Douglas Anderson and served on the faculty at The Florida Ballet of Jacksonville and the Royal Amelia Dance Academy on Amelia Island. She is currently serving as the Executive Artistic Director of the Amelia Island Dance Festival, where she is dedicated to fostering dance within her community.

Board of Directors

Executive Board


Susan Dodge, President

Dodge Fitness, LLC

Linda Loftis-Vrooman, Vice-President

Royal Amelia Dance Academy

Karen MacNair, Treasurer

Morgan Stanley

Lauren Templeton, Secretary

Amelia Art Studio, LLC

Members at Large


Carey Dresser

Berkshire Hathaway Chaplin Williams Realty

Alexandra Carroll

Royal Amelia Dance Academy

Troy Normandin

Sea Turtle Media, LLC

Kate Harris

Senior Account Director: Feathr

Chambers Waller

White Arnold & Dowd P.C.

Deb Cunningham

Deb Cunningham Yoga

Janet Correa

Faculty Amelia Island Academy

About Us

Amelia Island Dance Festival endeavors to bring the joy and artistry of dance to historic Amelia Island through the professional presentation of the best in classical and contemporary dance. Our performances showcase talent from across the country, and the finest from local dance institutions of Northeast Florida.

The organization seeks to serve and engage the wider public through extensive dance education and community outreach programs. Our events draw together preeminent dance professionals, choreographers, and educators committed to celebrating and preserving dance as an art form in all its profound complexity and transcendent beauty.