Join the Nantucket Atheneum in celebrating the eleventh annual Nantucket Atheneum Dance Festival July 24- 28, 2018. The festival includes four days of free community events, culminating in two extraordinary performances on Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28, 6 p.m. at the Nantucket High School Auditorium.

This year’s performances feature 17 remarkable dancers from the New York City Ballet, Houston Ballet, and the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Tyler Angle, Principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, is returning as Artistic Director for the festival.

This year’s dance program features classic work from George Balanchine as well as contemporary pieces from Melissa Barak, Christopher Wheeldon, Crystal Pite, Stanton Welch, Jean-Christoph Maillot, Pam Tanowitz, and a new work from Alex Goodwin.

In addition to two evening performances, there will be a free screening of the documentary film

Danseur on Tuesday, July 24 at 5 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Atheneum. The film explores the gender barrier for boys interested in pursuing ballet. Director Scott Gormley will be present for Q & A following the film.

A dance-themed Story & Craft for children ages 4-10 will be held at the Nantucket Atheneum on Wednesday, July 25 at 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. This program is an excellent primer for the Children’s Performance & Program on Friday, July 27 at 11 a.m. which gives children an opportunity to see world-class dancers perform and learn about ballet. The Children’s Performance will be held at the Nantucket High School Auditorium.

For experienced young dancers, the youth master class offers a unique opportunity to learn from the best dancers in the world. The Youth Master Classes on Wednesday, July 25 at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Nantucket High School Auditorium are open to those ages 5 to 18 with two years of dance experience.

Dance Festival Artistic Director Tyler Angle brings participants into the process of creating a dance with A Close Up On Choreography on Wednesday, July 25 at 5 p.m. in the Great Hall. Join us for an intimate program featuring choreographers and dancers.

For a special preview into the evening performances attend A Look Behind The Curtain on Thursday, July 26 at 4 p.m. in the Nantucket High School Auditorium. This program gives attendees an insider’s view of the dance works and is led by Dance Festival Artistic Director,Tyler Angle.

The Dance Festival is the Atheneum’s primary fund-raising event. The proceeds enable the Atheneum to bring vibrant programs and services to the Nantucket community year round.

Please visit www.nantucektatheneum.org for complete information. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office in the Great Hall of the Nantucket Atheneum starting July 1. The Dance Festival benefits the library and proceeds go directly to support programs and services all year.