Global, celebratory, rigorous, and engaging, the Bates Dance Festival is dedicated to offering a transformative dance experience to all who participate, whether as practitioners, enthusiasts, or scholars.

Dance majors participate in the Bates Dance Festival at least once during their time at Bates, as part of their major requirement (DANC 300). Full participation in this summer program requires 30 weekly hours of technical training across multiple dance disciplines and theoretical practices. Festival courses are taught by leading scholars, artists, and practitioners in their fields. An integral part of this course is attending festival concerts, informal showings, discussions, and video presentations.

Additionally, Bates students have the opportunity to work with Bates Dance Festival artists-in-residence during the academic year through DANC 253 (Repertory) and DANC 270D (Studio: Repertory Styles). Through these residencies, students experience a variety of approaches to making and performing dance through intensive choreographic residencies with professional guest choreographers. DANC 253 culminates in the Marcy Plavin Dance Concert at the end of the semester, and students taking DANC 270D also have the option to participate in the concert. 

BDF Staff