12th Annual
Brighton Dance Festival
Join us for three weekends of Classes, Performances, & Community Programming in beautiful
Brighton, Michigan USA.
June 19-20, 2021
July 17-18, 2021
August 14-15, 2021
Be Inspired at BDF
3 Weekends of Dance & Community
Summer 2021
#BeInspired
WELCOME,
Thank you for visiting the Brighton Dance Festival website! I am happy to announce that after moving our entire festival to a virtual format in 2020, we are officially back IN PERSON for 2021!
Last summer we were able to financially support a dozen professional dance artists through your donations and participation in our virtual programming. Thank you! Your support during one of the most trying times in the dance industry was so special, and we are forever grateful.
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Since launching in 2010, we have made our community a priority. Your outstanding support has helped us donate more than $36,000 to local arts organizations, plus another $25,000+ in festival tuition scholarships to help keep dance accessible to all. We have also supported two professional dance companies through our Artists in Residence Program (Christopher K. Morgan & Artists in 2017 & Boy Friday in 2019).
It has been my pleasure cultivating an atmosphere where students can feel at home and capable of anything they dream. I look forward to continuing our BDF traditions of community, kindness, and lots of inspiration! Happy dancing to you all!
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Kathy King,
Founder/Director
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About BDF
Brighton Dance Festival is a contemporary dance festival located in Brighton, MI USA. The annual summer event includes a wide range of intensive training classes taught by professional dance educators, company directors and choreographers. Classes are held in spacious, professionally equipped studios. In addition to technical training, students will be able to experience daily performances, professional networking opportunities, and career building talks with faculty. Each summer, in our efforts to put community first, BDF donates a portion of all festival proceeds to a local arts or charitable organization, totaling over $36,000 in the past decade.
#BeInspired with us this summer at BDF!
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It's all about celebrating THE ARTS, and dance is an expression of the soul. Kathy King motivates students to give their best. World-class dancers come to Brighton every year to share their talent. We can be very proud of our little town!
- J Michael Lenninger, patron & Brighton, MI resident
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Faculty &
Guest Artists
Proud to host inspirational artists from across the globe
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Festival News
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STUDENT TRAINING PROGRAMS:
Each BDF weekend includes 2 days of intensive training for experienced dancers ages 10 through adult, taught by professional dance educators.
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Attending students should have a minimum of 4 years prior experience.
MICHIGAN DANCE TEACHER RETREAT
July 17, 2021 | MI-based dance educators can enjoy a day of connecting, relaxing and self-care! If you are a dance teacher located in Michigan, or you work often in Michigan as a freelance choreographer, this is the day for YOU!
DANCE TEACHER DEVELOPMENT DAY
August 14, 2021 | Join us for a day of continued education for current dance educators. Open to dance teachers nationwide, and focuses on dancer wellness, curriculum development, studio management, dance business success, and more!
COMMUNITY EVENTS:
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BDF offers a variety of classes, performances and events for community members of all backgrounds and experience levels. Our community programming is free and open to the public (unless otherwise specified) and we look forward to engaging with you in 2021.
BDF cultivates a creative environment where everyone can feel safe to explore their artistry and push the limits of their physicality.