Hundreds of dancers will share their joy of movement during this year’s Amelia Island Dance Festival (AIDF) from September 4 to September 7. Festival performers will include acclaimed professionals, local up-and-comers and dance students, and swelling audiences of passionate fans. The festival features seven incredible, fully-staged performances, as well as 30 dance workshops in styles ranging from ballet and tap to belly dancing, and a full day of free dance, health, and fitness events in Fernandina Beach’s Central Park on Atlantic Avenue.
“The dance festival isn’t just an event,” says Susan Dodge, AIDF executive artistic director. “It’s a showcase of dance, unity, and artistic expression. Our goal is to make dance and healthy movement more vibrant and accessible here. This year, we’re reaching farther than ever before.”
A GIANT LEAP FOR AN ARTS-LOVING ISLAND
It’s amazing that just eight years ago, the Amelia Island Dance Festival was born from the dream of a few dance lovers. It started when Susan Dodge, a member of the legendary Paul Taylor Dance Company and other top troupes in New York, relocated to Amelia Island with her family in 2014. She expected to stay active in dance, but starting a dance craze on a small island was hardly the first thing on her mind.
But as she settled in, Dodge met a growing number of local dance teachers, students, and others seeking a more robust dance experience on the island. Annual jazz, chamber music and book festivals were incredibly popular. Even the venerable Shrimp Festival scored with its juried arts component. Music and arts seemed everywhere. So, they asked themselves, why not a festival for dance?
With that, the dance movement took off. With Dodge at the helm, AIDF formalized as a non-profit organization with an enthusiastic, multi-talented board of directors. Several are fellow dancers. Linda Loftis-Vrooman, AIDF president, studied, performed and choreographed in New York City. She now manages the Fernandina Beach studio of Royal Academy of Dance. Carey Dresser, a local realtor and theater buff, also danced in New York for many years, including with the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center.
Since then, Dodge’s cadre of dance enthusiasts have staged dozens of mostly sold-out performances. They’ve sponsored hundreds of workshops, conducted innovative programs in off-beat places, including a kayak launch in a marsh, tap rooms, and on the beach.
AIDF has showcased promising up-and-comers, collaborated with other organizations, and participated in everything from story times for kids, to parades, bicentennial celebrations, and operas. The group has also choreographed dance videos about the island, which you can view on their website and YouTube. Plus, they award annual scholarships to promising dancers. This year’s winner is Amanda Powell of Fernandina Beach. A graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Ms. Powell will soon begin her studies at the Boston Conservatory of Music.
Today, the Amelia Island Dance Festival is coming of age on the national scene. Thanks to word-of-mouth rave reviews from previous festival participants, accomplished dancers from as far as San Francisco applied to be part of this year’s festival. After reviewing their credentials and videos, AIDF invited five new soloists and companies to join the all-star lineup of performances at Amelia Community Theatre. Here’s who made the cut.
EXCITING NEW PERFORMERS FOR THE 2025 AMELIA ISLAND DANCE FESTIVAL
The magical Anubhava Dance Company of Boston and Milwaukee blends classical Indian dance with modern, contemporary themes and dazzles audiences around the world. The troupe’s founders, a medical student and Harvard professor of biomedical engineering, find the discipline of dance aids their research into strength, muscle memory, and movement.
Flamenco virtuoso Juana Calá captures the heart and spirit of Spain. Her fiery footwork, sensual moves, and expressive choreography captivate audiences across Europe and the Americas.
Colombian-born Sofia Forero brings a unique Latin vibe shaped by her training in classical ballet, contemporary, salsa, and more at New York’s Joffrey and Ailey Schools. Through dance, she tells stories of love, struggle, and celebration. Her recent production entitled Mosaïque premiered in Paris in 2024.
The Jon Lehrer Dance Company promises powerful, athletic modern jazz delivered with a witty, inventive approach. This New York-based ensemble performs to raves around the world and is a multiple award winner.
Then there’s Gigi, a radiant belly dancer who superbly blends ballet, jazz, and Caribbean styles to explore the female experience. Gigi has trained with New York’s leading dancers and enjoys performing with her husband, acclaimed percussionist Mal Stein, who will accompany guests throughout the festival.
RETURNING STARS AND FESTIVAL FAVORITES FOR 2025
These crowd-pleasers have made a lasting impression on Amelia Island. “We love them, and they love us,” says AIDF President Linda Loftis-Vrooman. “We’re delighted to have them back!”
Skilled in ballet, modern, jazz, and other styles, Carlos and Marisa Garland are celebrated regulars on stages from Disney World to Broadway. Watch them fuse it all together for another show-stopping performance.
New York’s jazzy Kilowatt Dance Theater returns to Amelia Island with its signature mix-up of swing, lindy hop, shag, Charleston, and blues.
The versatile James Boyd III is a Jacksonville native and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts graduate known for his explosive style and gravity-defying moves. He has danced on “So You Think You Can Dance” and alongside global icons Elton John, Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Misty Copeland, and others.
Tap sensation John Manzari returns from Broadway to Amelia Island for the seventh time. His special performances in May brought the house down at Amelia Community Theatre. One reviewer wrote, “With his grace, skill and incredible athleticism, Manzari skims across the stage making music with his feet. You will love him.”
Also returning are the evocative Jon Eden and Sarah Nachbauer of NYC-based East by North Dance Theatre, with their sensuous, fluid, intimate style of contemporary dance. They are always a festival highlight.
You don’t have to love the classics to treasure Florida Ballet’s romantic pas de deux from Swan Lake. Also, Jacksonville Dance Theatre, the region’s premier contemporary company, shines with another innovative, unforgettable show.
Sarah Wildes Arnett, an aerial dance artist and choreographer from South Georgia, combines contemporary dance and theatrical storytelling. Choreography credits for musicals include Spamalot, Annie, Mamma Mia!, Hello, Dolly!, and more.
Acrobatics, martial arts and even yoga inspire the innovative performance art of Jacksonville duo John and Julia Boyd. Amelia Island’s multi-talented aerial artist, Marah Lovequist-Cooper, will enthrall us again on the silks. And Rhythm Theory Tap Ensemble always adds pizzazz with their trademark snap and swing.
2025 FESTIVAL SHOWCASES EMERGING AND LOCAL TALENT
Blockbuster names always grab the spotlight, but one of AIDF’s special joys is throwing the limelight on the next generation of dancers. To them, AIDF proudly offers a professional stage. And for you, you’ll discover a great way to catch some rising stars. Watch them as put their best feet forward.
Fifteen regional ensembles and soloists with a total of 55 performers will share their skill, originality, and passion for dance on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7 from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Preceding them will be over 100 middle and high school students from twelve area dance programs performing in matinees at from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Get set to be impressed!
SHAKE IT UP WITH THE STARS: YES, EVEN YOU!
Not only will big-name performers inspire you on stage, they will also lead a record thirty workshops, offering everything from flamenco, ballet, jazz, and swing to belly dancing, tap, and even country line dancing. You can try out something new, brush up your existing skills, learn new dances, and have a ball. Click on “Workshops” at ameliaislanddancefestival.org for details.
FREE CELEBRATIONS ALL DAY ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Get set for a full day of inspiration and connection for all ages with a focus on health, fitness, and fun! At Central Park on Atlantic Avenue in downtown Fernandina Beach, you’ll find youth performances, music, art and wellness booths, food trucks, and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.
Down the street at the Atlantic Rec Center, join in and test your moves in flamenco, belly dancing, swing, hula, and more. No reservations or experience needed. These workshops are designed purely for fun!
PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND
With high-octane shows, dozens of workshops, and free healthy fun under the Central Park oaks, the Amelia Island Dance Festival 2025 promises to be an extraordinary event. For tickets, full schedules, and workshop registration, and to help keep dance growing here, visit ameliaislanddancefestival.org.