9 dance events to attend this summer

This summer, step outside the routine of daily life and experience a transformation through dance. In Boston and around New England, dance troupes will stage performances that consider the world through a different lens, from an adaptation of the “Firebird” story, imagined with the intention of bringing disability culture forward, to a series of Asian American folktales that depart from the European myths that are such a dominant part of the narratives we hear. These productions, and more, might change the way you think this season.

Abilities Dance Boston shares the world premiere of “Firebird, Part 2,” the sequel to a 2021 performance where they radically reinterpreted the original 1910 ballet. Now, this new interpretation has been envisioned by writer and choreographer Ellice Patterson, with new music by Andrew Choe. Abilities Dance strives to advance disability justice in the world, and this inclusive show has been brought to life by an all-disabled artistic team. The ballet in its oldest form tells a story about a magical bird, captured and then freed by the character Prince Ivan, before then helping him to defeat an evil sorcerer. Abilities Dance’s work puts forth a provocative question that bends the narrative of the classic tale: "Once the Firebird is liberated from the Prince, what if the Firebird saves herself and not everyone else?" Viewers will take in modern dance and aerial silk technique along with animation by Will Machado.

Choreographer and performer Shakia “The Key” Barron leads a production called “The Gathering,” brought to life by western Massachusetts-based organization Kia The Key & Company. The show is guided by African Diasporic social dance traditions and pays tribute to gathering spaces where street and club dance first emerged, at basketball courts, parks and other venues. Using DJ sets, poetry and other narrative elements, “The Gathering” invites audience members to become more than spectators, building “an immersive environment, where rhythm, memories and shared communal presence take center stage,” according to a press release. Welcoming them into the circle, they become part of the performers’ community.

Every summer, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival unfolds like an elaborate dream. When visitors make the journey out to western Massachusetts, they’re immersed in a vibrant celebration of movement and artistry. This year, the San Francisco Ballet will return to Jacob’s Pillow for the first time since 1956, performing at the Ted Shawn Theatre and the outdoor stage. The Martha Graham Dance Company, considered to be the oldest dance company in the country, will celebrate its 100th birthday by honoring Graham’s commitment to “democracy, women’s rights and freedom of expression,” according to a press release. Akram Khan Company, based in London, will be appearing in the festival for the first time in over 20 years, presenting “Thikra: Night of Remembering,” about the power of ritual, performed by an international cast of female dancers. As part of the season’s recognition of groundbreaking women in dance, New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck will receive the 2026 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award. Shamel Pitts, founder and artistic director of Brooklyn-based, afrofuturist arts collective TRIBE, will be honored with the biennial Jacob’s Pillow Men Dancers Award. Expect pre and post-show talks, exhibits, tours, family-friendly experiences and workshops.

A trip to Maine may be in order for those who enjoy contemporary dance. The Bates Dance Festival, currently in its 44th season, activates the Bates College campus with five weeks of performance, classes and community building. Choreographer Cynthia Oliver, a 2025 artist in residence at the festival, debuts a world premiere of her work “Turn. Turning. TURNT.” Former Martha Graham Dance Company member Jesse Factor brings “The Marthaodyssey,” which integrates drag performance and Graham technique set to pop music. There will also be opportunities to undergo training, with workshops in floorwork and momentum, as well as Umfundalai contemporary African dance technique. Welcoming students, dancers and anyone with a curiosity about the art form, Bates Dance Festival is bracing for a bold program.

Our understanding of fairytales tends to come from European writers Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. Now, Asian American Ballet Project shares four original ballets centered around Asian folktales. Works featured include “Suho and the White Horse,” about a shepherd boy and his cherished white horse, telling a story about sacrifice and the power of music. “Gabi sa Gubat/Night Jungle” explores creatures of the night from Filipino folklore. The program is rounded out with “Lon Po Po,” which may very well have been the original “Little Red Riding Hood,” and “Tấm Cám,” a Vietnamese version of “Cinderella.” Choreography from Michael Lowe, Alexa Capareda, Adrienne Chan, and Lauren Huynh will delight audiences, as will live music from Bostonian composers.

Island locals and visitors alike will enjoy this year’s Nantucket Dance Festival. On the program is an “Up Close with the Artists” session, where dancers and musicians from the Rossini Club will teach audiences about different styles such as ballet, tap, Irish step and Jookin’. A country line dancing celebration will be held at Cisco Brewers, allowing participants to grab a beer and join in the fun of dancing. In addition, there will be open classes held at Nantucket High School, a “Social Dance Night” at the Nantucket Island School of Design and the Arts with live music and food trucks, and a benefit performance showcasing “world-class artists.” Participating performers include Irish step dancer Kaitlyn Sardin, who just came from a world tour with Beyoncé, tap dancer Emiko Nakagawa and Memphis Jookin’ star Dra’em Hines.

Janelle Gilchrist Dance Troupe presents a sanctuary in “Summer Solace,” a dance concert that revolves around the idea that comfort can be “found after fear.” In this show, Boston-based choreographers will be featured and have created a combination of ballet and modern stagings. Drawing from personal experience, founder Gilchrist explained that, as an artist, she navigated the feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, while elevating the feeling of solace that one finds after “making it to the other side.” Choreographers include Spencer Keith, who will present on the emotional release delivered after a moment of fear, as well as Emma Frank, whose “Soften To Steel” is about the way that we protect our hearts, while also allowing ourselves to be vulnerable to those we trust. Ava Grebe, drawing from themes of friendship, yearning and memories, as well as Izzy Thompson-Pomeroy, developing the concept of how we push ourselves to keep going through exhaustion, will also offer highlights. Note: My original composition “Fantasy on Shadow” will be performed by a trio of Horizon Ensemble musicians for the final piece of the concert, choreographed by Gilchrist.

Stop by the Great Friends Meeting House Lawn to discover the Newport Dance Festival in fine form. The theme of this year’s event is “Freedom,” as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary. In particular, it centers around “The Four Freedoms,” a speech that was delivered by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who outlined four fundamental human rights. Newport Contemporary Ballet will perform and will be joined by dance companies and artists from around the country and globe, including New York’s Alison Cook Beatty Dance, Colorado’s Artistic Ventures in Dance, Italy’s Breathing Art Company, Oklahoma choreographer DaYoung Jung and Connecticut’s East Coast Contemporary Ballet. The festival takes place outdoors, and audience members are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs along with meals or snacks.

In Puerto Rican culture, a Batey Comunitario is a communal space meant for open creative expression, centering around traditional “bomba” dance, an African-derived musical tradition. As part of the Mission Hill Arts Festival, Hyde Square Task Force has organized a celebration where participants will learn steps from a group of teaching artists, musicians and dancers, as well as youth. The event is intended to “honor and highlight cultural heritage, history, resistance and community solidarity.” Through performance, members of the public who join in will gain an understanding of what movement meant to Indigenous people who created the art form. This event is co-presented with Vivo Performing Arts.