The Global Destination for Dance

Welcome to the Bates Dance Festival.

 

Young Dancers Intensive

 

Professional Training Program

 

Scholarships

 

Youth Arts Program

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“BDF is a gathering of students, teachers, and dance makers from across the country and the world. It is an intensive time of classes, performances, talks, and events that deepens your knowledge of the current dance field, our history, and the community that makes up our field.” 

-2026 BDF Faculty Member

About the Festival

Training Programs

We offer programs for dancers of all ages, backgrounds, and levels. Check out the 2026 Training Programs now!

Summer Performances

Bates Dance Festival presents a full Performance Series of innovative contemporary artists each summer.

The 2027 Season will be announced in February.

Last summer was amazing!

About

Learn more about BDF and its history.

Training

BDF offers programs for all ages.

Visit

Take a virtual tour of the campus and schedule your visit.

Support

Help support BDF.

“

The festival opened up a new pathway to experience creativity in teaching, dancing, and witnessing new perspectives on dance. This is what I call a haven for care of the body, being kind to oneself and taking a chance on trying something new in both teaching and learning. I learned just as much from the students and those around me. I felt I could give 100% of myself with no judgement.

2026 BDF Faculty
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Fabulous people, fabulous teachers, fabulous dancing - just fabulous!

2026 BDF Student
“

BDF was a highlight of my summer, and my dance training to date. The space created by the festival to work hard, but also meet so many new people and be in community was so special!

2026 BDF Student
“

BDF has changed my life so many times over... My artistry, my teaching, even my whole career path, shifted for the better, because of this festival. It's an incubator, and a rare space to make work and cultivate long-term relationships that last a lifetime.

2026 BDF Faculty