The Acadia Dance Festival returns to Mount Desert Island for its sixth season, presenting acclaimed contemporary dance company Nimbus Dance in collaboration with musicians from the Bar Harbor Music Festival. This annual celebration of movement and music brings world-class performance and dance education to Downeast Maine.

On Saturday at 11 a.m., Nimbus presents a Family Matinee, a relaxed and engaging program suited for children ages 3 and up. This colorful performance features narrative dances and includes appearances by local youth from Camp Beech Cliff and the Acadia Dance Festival Intensive.

Local students ages 14–22 can take part in the Acadia Dance Festival Intensive, held at ArtWaves MDI from July 28 to August 2. Participants train with Nimbus faculty in ballet and contemporary dance and engage in workshops covering improvisation, injury prevention, and more. Younger dancers can join the Nimbus Dance Specialty Camp at Camp Beech Cliff. Students from both programs will perform at the Criterion Theatre alongside Nimbus’s professional company.

Acadia Dance Festival - Performances
Friday, August 1, 7pm
Saturday, August 2, 11am (Family Matinee)
Location: Criterion Theatre, 35 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME

Acadia Dance Festival Intensive:
Monday, July 28 – Saturday, August 2, 2025
$450 – Merit and need-based scholarships available
Location: ArtWaves MDI, 1345-A State Highway 102, Bar Harbor, Maine
www.acadiadancefestival.org