Amelia Island Dance Festival was back on stage and live around the island in a celebration of the creative world of dance.

The three-day Series of Performances and Workshops at Amelia Community Theatre and the Courtyard Springhill by Marriott Amelia Island was September 9-11, 2022. Following a busy year of delivering dance ‘to go’ through eclectic video performances on YouTube including an homage to The Beach Lady, a duet at the Fernandina Airport, hip-hop at the historic Post Office and an ethereal evening at Bosque Bello, the Amelia Island Dance Festival is excited to bring dance to life live and person for its 4th season. Saturday and Sunday matinees have been added and 12 workshops will be offered this year. Festival Founder Susan Dodge, a professional dancer and director formerly of the acclaimed Paul Taylor Dance Company in New York, said “What makes dance unique is that your craft goes everywhere with you......no need to carry an instrument or a paintbrush. The expression of dance is individual and ever evolving...and dance comes in all flavors, styles, feelings and dynamics.” This year’s program features acclaimed and accomplished dancers who have performed on international stages, up-and-coming regional talents. Participation is not limited to a seat in the audience (although it bears mentioning that tickets for previous Festival performances have sold out within days.). There is also a weekend of workshops highlighting different kinds of dance, and all are invited to participate. “Everyone is a dancer. You’re a dancer when you move to a beat, to the music that moves you You move....which is dance.”

• Carlos Garland, frequent dancer in Broadway shows and regular performer at Universal Studios and Walt Disney World.
• East by North Dance Theatre, a New York-based modern dance theatre noted for “perfect blend of movement and stillness.”
• Naomi Funaki, tap dancer with celebrated Caleb Teicher and Company, NYC.
• Jacksonville Dance Theatre, contemporary modern dance company, regularly performs in Jacksonville and has appeared in NYC, California, Texas Chicago and more.
• The Florida Ballet, 40-year-old classical ballet company whose “Nutcracker Suite” sells out in Jacksonville every year.
• Moving On LLC, (Nicole Loizides Albruzzese) acclaimed for athleticism, has danced for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles in Liverpool, and the royal family in Abu Dhabi.
• John Manzari, top tap dancer on and off Broadway, on TV specials, and world stages.
• Rhythm Theory Tap Ensemble, have performed their symphony-like dance compositions all over Florida and beyond.
• ValNeda Latin Ballroom, award-winning Professional American Latin Dancers.
• Mal Stein, musician and composer for NY’s Paul Taylor Dance Company, Joffrey Ballet and other noted companies.

Wonderful local artists include: Ballroom On Amelia, Bean School of Dance, Bodyworks of Northeast Florida, Royal Dance Academy-Fusion, A Chance to Dance and The Island Tappers.

The annual festival will be held each September and the Amelia Island Dance Festival will continue to form community relationships through the enjoyment of dance, inspired by the island’s natural beauty.