TJDF 2025

The Junction Dance Festival Returns to Ignite the Upper Valley and Barre!

Get ready to move and be inspired! The Junction Dance Festival (TJDF) is back, transforming the Upper Valley and Barre, Vermont, into a vibrant hub of dance from July 12th to July 20th. This annual event champions joy, connection, and gratitude, making the transformative power of movement accessible to all. TJDF is a true community cornerstone, celebrating local spirit and the rich tapestry of dance across various locations in the Upper Valley and Central Vermont, thanks to incredible support from fundraisers and donors.

Unleash Your Inner Dancer: Free Workshops for All Ages and Levels

A hallmark of TJDF is its commitment to accessibility, showcased through an abundance of free workshops. These sessions remove financial barriers, ensuring everyone can experience the joy of dance, regardless of background or experience. Explore a vast array of styles, from Flamenco, Hip Hop, Ballet, and Tap to Contemporary, Indian, Improvisation, Baroque, Butoh, African, Jazz, Contemplative, and Composition. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or taking your first step, the festival welcomes kids, seniors, beginners, and advanced practitioners alike, enriching the region’s cultural landscape.

Captivating Performances: A Journey Through Movement

Beyond workshops, the festival offers a captivating series of performances designed to inspire and celebrate the diversity of dance.

The performance series kicks off on July 12th with a charming, family-friendly story/ballet, “Thumbelina,” presented by Avant Vermont Dance at the Norwich Green. This by-donation event sets an inclusive tone for the festival.

On July 14th, experience a distinguished double bill featuring Upper Valley-based contemporary choreographer Rachel Bersen and Burlington-based dance ensemble “soft rocks”. Admission is $20 online+fee, $25 at the door.

July 19th offers a day of in-depth artistic discovery with two separate performances. A matinee at the Lebanon Ballet School studio will feature four experimental artists (suggested $15-$20 donation). The evening culminates at the Briggs Opera House in White River Junction (WRJ) with eight curated performances, including Butoh guest artist Meshi Chavez. Admission is $20 online+fee, $25 at the door.

The festival grand finale on July 20th is the highly anticipated ChoreoLab performance. This event showcases the talents of four ChoreoLab artists-in-residence alongside guest choreographers Elizabeth Kurylo and Michael Bodel, highlighting TJDF’s role in nurturing new works and emerging talent. Admission is $20 online+fee, $25 at the door.

Join the Movement: Connect and Celebrate

The Junction Dance Festival thrives on community support, enabling its abundance of free workshops and donation-based or low cost performances. This creates a virtuous cycle, fostering deeper community engagement and reinforcing the festival’s mission of connection and transformation through dance.

To explore the full list of participants, detailed schedules, and plan a joyous movement  experience, visit our event page submenu. For ongoing updates, follow The Junction Dance Festival on Facebook @TheJunctionDanceFestival, Instagram @the_junction_dance_fest_vt.