LILA Dance Festival 2025

Join us for a vibrant day of dance on the Rochester Commons! The festivities begin at 12pm with live music, setting the stage for a day of free performances designed to inspire and entertain. At 2pm, little ones will be swept into the magic of “Fairytales & Tutus”, where the youngest audience members are invited to dance alongside their favorite storybook characters. At 3pm, the spotlight turns to a unique program that brings together talented local students, emerging choreographers, and seasoned professionals from across New England. Through a dynamic mix of live dance, artist interviews, and demonstrations, audiences get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. At 4pm, “Elevate” showcases the bold work of professional companies and choreographers from New England and beyond. The evening culminates with “Celebration” at 6pm, a special anniversary performance featuring a new work by 2024 LILA Guest Artist Millie Heckler, along with original works by LiLaB resident choreographers Nate Buchsbaum and Sydney D'Orso. In honor of the Festival’s fifth anniversary, past LILA guests and companies will help mark this milestone with performances that reflect the Festival’s growth and community spirit. Music, local vendors, food, and a beer garden round out this festive day. The festival is free and open to the public. Bring a chair or blanket.

Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of movement, creativity, and connection!