Article Text
More than 100 performers will converge on Capital One Hall in Tysons on Sunday, March 9, as the Aurora Dance Fest returns for its second year.
The one-night festival will feature 105 dancers, 16 choreographers and work by 10 dance companies from across the Washington, D.C., region. An atrium performance will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by the main concert hall program at 5 p.m.
Organized by Reston-based Gin Dance Company, the event will blend contemporary ballet, modern dance and flamenco from Southern Spain.
Gin Dance Company Executive Director Gary Cuff called the festival a rare opportunity to see a wide range of dance styles, choreographers and companies sharing one stage. The organization launched Aurora Dance Fest at Capital One Hall on June 14, 2024, with the goal of highlighting the local dance community’s diversity.
Luke Spring will return after appearing as the festival’s guest artist last year. His credits include Broadway’s “A Christmas Story,” Arena Stage’s 2019 production of “Newsies,” the Tony Awards and a 2014 Kennedy Center Honors tribute to Tom Hanks.
Other participating groups and artists include AEL Dance Project, Ballaro Dance, Ballet Embody, Capital Ballet, Company E, Conflux Dance Theater, Furia Flamenca Dance Company, IMR Dance, Kailei Sin, Movement Unscripted, Skye Ballet Center and Sydney Heldman/George Mason Dance Company.
“Each piece tells its own story,” Cuff said, adding that organizers hope the production reaches audience members in different ways and expands their imaginations.
Tickets cost $48.50. Doors open at 4 p.m. at 7750 Capital One Tower Road.
Shu-Chen Cuff founded Gin Dance Company in 2011, drawing inspiration from her father’s teachings and promoting work that combines Western and Asian dance traditions. She retired from performing in 2023 but remains the company’s artistic director and choreographer. ArtsFairfax honored the company with an achievement award in 2024.
Other March events at Capital One Hall include “Dirty Dancing in Concert” on Tuesday, March 11; a Neil Diamond tribute on March 15; and Fairfax Symphony Orchestra performances with folk singer Gregory Alan Isakov on March 21 and 22.