Things To Lou

Suya and Salsa @ NoRaeBar
2025-05-04 16:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | NoraeBar, 717 East Market Street, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States
Suya and Salsa: Wind down after Derby weekend with Noche Mexican Restaurant & Flame and Spice!
May 4th, 4-8PM. Free entry! #SuyaAndSalsa

"The Invisible String" | Ambo Dance Theatre (multiple shows)
2025-06-06 00:00 - 2025-06-07 23:59 | Kentucky Performing Arts, 501 W Main St, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States
The Invisible String
June 6-7 @ 7pm
Ambo Dance Theatre is humbled to close their 2025-2026 season with The Invisible String, their professional company’s evening-length dance production inspired by Attachment Theory.
Attachment Theory is a psychological framework that explains how our earliest relationships shape the way we connect with others throughout life.
Through evocative choreography and emotionally resonant storytelling, the work explores the four primary attachment styles, uncovering the impact of formative childhood experiences on our mental health, communication, and sense of belonging.
At its heart, The Invisible String is a testament to human resilience, emphasizing our capacity to heal from trauma and form meaningful, lasting connections.
***description from website

The Invisible String Jr.
June 7-8 @ 2pm
The Invisible String Jr. is a family-friendly, sensory-friendly adaptation of Ambo Dance Theatre’s professional company production of The Invisible String.
Inspired by and more closely based on the beloved children’s book “The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst, this inclusive version features performers of all ages and abilities from the Ambo Dance Theatre School program.
Using accessible choreography and narrative, the piece explores themes of love, connection, and emotional resilience.
The Invisible String Jr. invites audiences of all backgrounds to celebrate the invisible threads that bind us to the people we care about—no matter where they are.
***description from website

"The Invisible String Jr" (sensory-friendly, family-friendly) | Ambo Dance Theatre (multiple shows)
2025-06-07 00:00 - 2025-06-08 23:59 | Kentucky Performing Arts, 501 W Main St, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States

"Salsa on the Belle" | hosted by Meraki Dance Company & DJ Frank
2025-06-29 18:30 - 22:00 | Belle of Louisville, 401 W River Rd, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States
Salsa on the Belle, hosted by Meraki Dance Company & DJ Frank
Now in its 8th year, Salsa on the Belle is Kentucky’s largest Latin cultural event—bringing 500+ guests aboard the historic Belle of Louisville for a three-hour Latin dance cruise on the Ohio River.
This year’s event takes place on Sunday, June 29, 2025, and features a live salsa band (+FLOW), multiple DJs, two levels of dancing, and a high-energy afterparty.
We’d love your help sharing this story with your audience—whether through an event mention, feature coverage, or a quick segment. The event celebrates not just music and movement, but cultural connection, community, and joy.

***Facebook event
***Get Tickets Here

Free Belly Dance Class @ CIELO
2025-07-11 17:30 - 18:30 | CIELO Breathwork Studio, 12442 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY, 40243, United States
For the months of July 2025, we dance every Friday at 5:30 pm. Please join us! Contact organizer if you need more than 2 tickets for the same date. You can also use this offer TWICE, so feel free to book again next week.
You can also follow ZaffaHappy’s monthly meetup coffee group, which is and will always be free! Everyone is welcome.

UNDER 14 WITH PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN

Welcome to belly dance by ZaffaHappy ! You are invited to try a free lesson at Cielo Breathwork.

***Description from Eventbrite

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" | Louisville Ballet & Kentucky Shakespeare (multiple shows)
2025-08-06 00:00 - 2025-08-10 23:59 | Central Park, Louisville, 1340 S 4th St, Louisville, KY, 40208, United States
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
August 6-10 at Central Park, 1430 S. 4th St.
Pre-show performances at 7:15 p.m., performances at 8 p.m.
Choreography by Roger Creel | Music by Felix Mendelssohn | Performed by the Artists of Louisville Ballet
An original production by Roger Creel, A Midsummer Night’s Dream presents Shakespeare’s classic tale of magic, mischief, and mayhem through the art of ballet. Watch the enchanting characters of A Midsummer Night’s Dream navigate love triangles and meddling fairies on their way to happily ever after — all in the scenic setting of Central Park with free admission, pre-show entertainment, and more!
Production in partnership with the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival. Run time: approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including one intermission.

FREE ADMISSION: NO TICKETS REQUIRED!
DANCE IN OUR CITY PRE-SHOW
Thank you to our community partners providing pre-show entertainment before performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream!
Louisville Ballet’s Ballet Bound program
The Louisville Ballet School’s Junior Intensive
The Louisville Ballet School’s Mind Body Balance program
AND MORE community dance groups — coming soon!

Little Monsters Baby Rave
2025-09-28 14:00 - 20:00 | Portal + Art Portal, 1512 PORTLAND AVENUE, Louisville, KY, 40203, United States
The Baby Rave is back, this time with a creepy crawly twist!
Monster face painting, costume party, spooky treats for everyone, and spookier cocktails for the adults! Come celebrate the holiday season with us here at PORTAL + ARTPORTAL!
Baby Rave provides a unique experience for parents to introduce their little ones to the world of music, lights and dance in a safe, family friendly environment. It’s an all ages, family friendly dance party!
This event is geared towards kids 2-12 years old-each child must be accompanied by a guardian. Chaperones are free, each child is $10.
We prioritize the well-being of our tiny ravers by playing music at lower levels to protect their delicate ears but bringing hearing protection is encouraged. There will be flashing lights and bright light visuals for those sensitive to this.
All ages
Presented by PORTAL.
You can get a refund if:
It’s within 24 hours of buying tickets
This event is rescheduled or cancelled
You can’t get a refund within 24 hours of the event start time.

Va Va Vixens Present "VA VA Everlasting Darkness" (multiple dates)
2025-10-03 00:00 - 2025-10-11 23:59 | Art Sanctuary, 1433 S Shelby Street, Louisville, KY, 40217, United States
This Halloween Season, Join us in celebrating all that is DARK with this wild ride of a Variety show! Come experience the Va Va Vixens in a wicked dreamscape that is like none other! Treat yourself to a night you will NEVER forget!
Dates & Tickets:
October 3, 4, 5, 10, 11
VIP (Reserved Seats with Cocktail Service) $50
General Admission $35
18+

The doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm!
SEATING IS LIMITED!!! Get VIP seats quickly! They are always the first to sell out! 💜
Art Sanctuary
1433 S Shelby Street
Louisville KY 40217
502-386-7114

PURCHASE TICKETS:

10/03/25
10/04/25
10/05/25
10/10/25
10/11/25

About Va Va Vixens:

A luscious mix of neo-classic burlesque, daring and dangerous circus performances, uproarious comedy, variety acts, and stunningly choreographed group dance sequences, the Va Va Vixens are an entity of experiences that is sure to have you jumping out of your seats and begging for more!
We bring the mirth and merriment of good old fashioned Voix de Ville like no other!
As Louisville’s acclaimed Vaudeville-style burlesque and variety show, we feature a captivating cast of beautifully talented performers of all shimmies!
The Va Va Vixens will take you on a wild and risqué ride into the magnificent world of sizzling striptease, ethereal aerial acrobatics and contortions, show stopping vocal stylings of our sultry songbirds, divine dancers, and outrageous antics!
This is an ever evolving spectacle, drafted from scratch, so you will want to capture each tassel twirling season! Come play with us!
*A portion of the proceeds go to non-profit arts organization, Art Sanctuary to help local artists!
To any Va Va Virgins out there: Come experience what you’ve been missing!
Whether you are looking for a friends’ night out or a romantic evening with your special someone, this is the show for you and you and you and YOU!

Visit our website at http://www.vavavixens.com
Graphics by Carrie Foster

About Art Sanctuary:
Art Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit status community-oriented arts organization supporting local visual, literary, and performing arts through events, promotion, and education. Visit us at http://www.art-sanctuary.org
If you have an idea for a creative event or even need a place for your wedding or private party, let us know! Art Sanctuary is the place for YOU!
This Summer, Join us in celebrating all the vibes with this wild ride of a Variety show! Come VIBE with Va Va Vixens as this will be an experience like none other! Treat yourself to a night you will NEVER forget!

CarniVille Vol.2 An Evening of Mysterious Masquerade
2025-10-18 21:00 - 2025-10-19 01:00 | Louisville Palace, 625 S 4th St, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States
Think MET GALA KY STYLE with a twist!
This is a ticketed event and tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door!!!
CarniVille Vol.2 INTERNATIONAL is truly “An Evening of Mysterious Masquerade!” Must be 30 & Over to attend this enchanting & luxurious event that will transport you into a world of intrigue & allure.
Join us on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, from 9:00 PM – 1:00AM at The Historic Louisville Palace Theatre for an unforgettable evening filled with moonlit vibes & hidden identities. This event promises to be a night of enchantment, where you can indulge in the thrill of not knowing who is behind each mask.
Dress to the impress in your most alluring attire and don’t forget to mask yourself to add to the intrigue of the evening! Let your imagination run wild as you mingle with other guests, each adorned in their own unique disguise.
We strongly encourage creative and unique concept designs. Masks are a requirement for entry, no exceptions will be made. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience! Get ready to indulge in a night of mystery & elegance, in the fabulous Louisville Palace for an atmosphere that exudes luxury.
Ticket price includes: admission to Masquerade Ball, live music by Louisville’s very own ultimate cover band V-Groove, Special Performances by Pixie Pistola, Special Performance by Internationally known Carnival Dancers Phoebe Vecchioni and Phoebe Samba Dance Team, Special Appearance by Great Britain’s Super Model Apollonia Llewellyn, Special Performance by Tesia Mae, Special Performance by Lola Dee Licious, DJ K Karm on sound control, a living work of art by renowned MUA Richard Gore! Plus, lots of surprises!
Cashless Bar! Major credit cards and debit cards accepted for beverage purchases.

What To Expect
Upon arrival at The Louisville Palace, guests will be greeted by staff and there will be a brief security check.
All guests will be asked to remove items from their pockets and walk through a metal detector. All bags are subject to security search
Everyone must have pre purchased a ticket to enter the venue- no exceptions.
Everyone must have a valid ID to enter the venue – no exceptions.
Masquerade Masks will be required to be removed prior to entry (if applicable) for security and identification purposes.
Two VIP Sections are available with expedited entry.
VIP Tier 1 and VIP Tier 2! click on “Get Tickets” for additional information.
Be advised that the Venue charges a $3 Venue ticketing fee and Universe charges a $3 Universe fee, they have already been added to the price points for your convenience.

Prohibited Items:
Please note the following are not allowed at the Louisville Palace:
Weapons of any kind – including but not limited to pocketknives, guns, mace, pepper spray, or anything deemed to be used as a weapon by security staff.
Outside food or drink
No alcohol or illegal drugs (vaping is not allowed inside the venue)
Animals (except service animals)
Any other item that may pose a threat to other guests, staff, or performers.
This is a ticketed event and tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door!!! No refunds will be given! No re-entry allowed!
***description from website

Don’t you dare miss the Masquerade Ball to end ALL Masquerades!
CarniVille Vol. 2 returns at the Louisville Palace this year! It all goes down Saturday, October 18th, 2025 from 9pm-1am! Live music by V-Groove, Special Performances by Tiffaney Nesbeth, Tesia Mae White!
DJ K Karm on sound control, Special Performance by Maria Jade, special appearences by Apollonia Llewellyn from Great Britain, Maria Carla Cadotte, Phoebe Samba Dance Team Dance Company, Plus, lots of surprises you must see to believe!
Must be 30 & Over to attend this sophisticated affair!
Cashless Bar with major credit/debit cards accepted! We have several ticket options to fit your individual needs.

Facebook event

***description from Facebook event

Line Dancing Social
2025-10-24 18:00 - 22:00 | Copper & Kings Distillery, 1121 East Washington St, Louisville, KY, 40206, United States
Our Line Dancing Social is back at Copper & Kings Distillery on Friday, October 24 from 6–10pm!
Bring your friends for a full evening of country swing, classic favorites, and trail-ride line dances. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned dancer, you’ll have two instructor-led sessions to jump in and learn the moves.

🎵 What’s happening:
• Country swing
• Classic & trail-ride line dances
• Two instructor-led sessions
• Western merch available for purchase
• Fun photo ops
🎟️ Cover: $6
Tickets available at the door or on Eventbrite
Dust off your boots, grab a cocktail, and dance the night away at the distillery!
***description from Facebook event

Jubilee Hoedown with Yelp Louisville
2025-10-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Jubilee Field, 529 E Burnett Ave, Louisville, KY, 40217, United States
Event Name:
Jubilee Hoedown
Event Date:
2025-10-26
Website / Ticket Link:
https://www.yelp.com/events/louisville-jubilee-hoedown
Location:
Jubilee Field 529 E Burnett Ave, Louisville, KY 40217
Event Host:
Yelp Louisville + Jubilee Field
Event Description / Other Info:
Ready for a good ol’ time? Join us for a free event at Jubilee Field for the Jubilee Hoedown!
Start the evening with an upbeat hour of a contra dance lesson and social (all skill levels welcome), then discover delicious complimentary sips at their gorgeous bar and yummy eats from the My Three Sons food truck out on their lawn.
All guests must RSVP and be confirmed through the event page or via the link in @YelpLouisville Instagram bio.

Keen Dance Theatre Presents 'The Brown Sugar Dream': A Reimagined Nutcracker with an Urban Twist (multiple shows)
2025-12-04 00:00 - 2025-12-07 23:59 | The Russell Theater at New Directions, 516 S 17th St, Louisville, KY, 40203, United States
Event Name:
The Brown Sugar Dream: A Reimagined Nutcracker with an Urban Twist
Event Date:
Dec 4 – 7, 2025
Website / Ticket Link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/keen-dance-theater-presents-the-brown-sugar-dream-tickets-1965632599017?aff=oddtdtcreator
Location:
Russell Theater
Event Host:
Keen Dance Theater
Event Description / Other Info:
Keen Dance Theatre Presents ‘The Brown Sugar Dream’: A Reimagined Nutcracker with an Urban Twist
LOUISVILLE, KY – Keen Dance Theatre is proud to announce its new production, “The Brown Sugar Dream,” a creative and urban re-imagining of the classic holiday ballet, The Nutcracker.
This exciting new show is set to debut at The Russell Theater at New Directions this December.
“The Brown Sugar Dream” takes the timeless story of The Nutcracker and infuses it with a modern, urban aesthetic, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved tale.
The production promises to be a vibrant and engaging experience for audiences of all ages, blending traditional dance with contemporary styles.
Performance Dates and Times:

Wednesday, December 4th: 7:30 PM
Thursday, December 5th: 7:30 PM
Friday, December 6th: 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 7th: 4:00 PM

The show will be held at The Russell Theater at New Directions, located at 516 S 17th St, Louisville, KY 40203
Ticket information will be announced soon. The show is sponsored by Faith WORKS Performing Arts.

About Keen Dance Theatre:
Keen Dance Theatre, based in Louisville, KY, is known for its storytelling through dance, blending modern dance with ballet and African influences.
The company focuses on creating productions that are more than just movement, but are narratives drawn from personal experience

The Graham Cracker: A Nutcracker Parody (multiple show times)
2025-12-12 00:00 - 2025-12-14 23:59 | University of Louisville Thrust Theatre, 2314 S Floyd St, Louisville, KY, 40208, United States
Event Name:
The Graham Cracker: A Nutcracker Parody
Event Date:
Dec 12 – 14, 2025
Website / Ticket Link:
https://www.ambodancetheatre.org/event-details/the-graham-cracker-a-nutcracker-parody-1-1
Location:
University of Louisville Thrust Theatre
Event Host:
Ambo Dance Theatre
Event Description / Other Info:
Ambo Dance Theatre is proud to premiere its FIFTH full-scale run of the The Graham Cracker: A Nutcracker Parody!
This comical origin story of the beloved campfire treat, the s’more, is family-friendly, full of ridiculousness and spectacle, and follows the same story structure of The Nutcracker that you know and love!
SHOW DATES/TIMES:
There will be four showings of The Graham Cracker:

Friday, December 12th @ 7pm
Saturday, December 13th @ 2pm
Saturday, December 13th @ 7pm
Sunday, December 14th @ 2pm

Lobby doors open 1 hour before the start of the show. Theatre doors open 30 minutes before the start of the show. All seating is General Admission unless you are a Season Subscriber!

Opening Reception: "Marking It: A NACHMO Exhibition"
2026-01-24 18:00 - 22:00 | Portal + Art Portal, 1512 PORTLAND AVENUE, Louisville, KY, 40203, United States
“Marking It” pairs the energy of the Kentucky NACHMO Festival (National Choreography Month) presented by Ambo Dance Theatre with a photography exhibition curated by Chenoa Works.
Artists include Chenoa Buster, Layla Gritton, Jeanne Freibert, and Susanne Firestone.
The show captures the intersection of movement and stillness, translating choreography into striking visual form.
***description from website

India Fest 2026 | presented by Deloitte
2026-01-31 14:00 - 21:30 | Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY, 40209, United States
Get ready for a vibrant celebration of Indian culture, food, music, and traditions at India Fest 2026, presented by Deloitte.
Experience the vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, lively music, colorful dances, and traditional arts and crafts of India. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and diversity of this beautiful country.
Don’t miss out on this exciting event at the KY Expo Center where you can explore, learn, and enjoy everything India has to offer! Mark your calendar for January 31 from 2:00 pm – 9:30 pm. Admission is $5.00.

Event Name:
India Fest 2026, presented by Deloitte
Event Date:
2026-01-31
Website / Ticket Link:
https://events.sulekha.com/india-fest-2026_event-in_louisville-ky_397515
Location:
Kentucky Exposition Center
Event Host:
Heritage of India Foundation

Va Va Vixens Presents "Va Va au reVoir - Until We Meet Again"
2026-02-06 19:00 - 23:00, 2026-02-07 19:00 - 23:00, 2026-02-13 19:00 - 23:00, 2026-02-14 19:00 - 23:00, 2026-02-20 19:00 - 23:00, 2026-02-21 19:00 - 23:00 | Art Sanctuary, 1433 S Shelby Street, Louisville, KY, 40217, United States
This Valentine Season, Join us in celebrating all that is in your HEART! Come experience the Va Va Vixens in a truly beautiful variety show send off to what has been our HOME for more than a decade!
This will truly be a night you will NEVER forget!

Show Dates: February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
VIP (Reserved Seats with Cocktail Service) $50
General Admission $35
18+

More About the Show
A luscious mix of neo-classic burlesque, daring and dangerous circus performances, uproarious comedy, variety acts, and stunningly choreographed group dance sequences, the Va Va Vixens are an entity of experiences that is sure to have you jumping out of your seats and begging for more! We bring the mirth and merriment of good old fashioned Voix de Ville like no other! As Louisville’s acclaimed Vaudeville-style burlesque and variety show, we feature a captivating cast of beautifully talented performers of all shimmies! The Va Va Vixens will take you on a wild and risqué ride into the magnificent world of sizzling striptease, ethereal aerial acrobatics and contortions, show stopping vocal stylings of our sultry songbirds, divine dancers, and outrageous antics! This is an ever evolving spectacle, drafted from scratch, so you will want to capture each tassel twirling season! Come play with us!
Brought to you by the producers of sold out performances: “Va Va eVerlasting Darkness”, “Va Va VIBE”, “Va Va FeVer”, “Va Va Vision”, “Va Va Cotton Candy CarniVal”, “Va Va Valentine: AnniVersary of LoVe”, “Va Va Vampy and Campy”, “Va Va Vittles: A Feast for the Eyes”, “XXX OOO”, “Va Va ExtraVaganza”, “Tunnel of LoVe”, “Va Va ReVerie”, “Tapestry of Variance”, “Va Va Vizard of Voz”, “Va Va Views from the Vault”, “Va Va Venus”, “Va Va Vamp”, “Va Va ReVolutionary”, “Va Va InVincible”, “Va Va FestiVus”, “Va Va adVenture”, “Va Va Vunderland”, “Va Va Vortex”, “Va Va CarniVale”,, “Va Va ReVue: Naughty and Nice”, Art Sanctuary and The Va Va Vixens have returned for yet another original production with “Va Va au reVoir- Until We Meet Again!”
*A portion of the proceeds go to non-profit arts organization, Art Sanctuary to help local artists!
To any Va Va Virgins out there: Come experience what you’ve been missing!
Whether you are looking for a friends’ night out or a romantic evening with your special someone, this is the show for you and you and you and YOU!

Art Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit status community-oriented arts collective supporting local visual, literary, and performing arts through events, promotion and education.
If you have an idea for a creative event or even need a place for your wedding or private party, let us know! Art Sanctuary is the place for YOU!

Galentine's Goddess Gathering | feminine movement meditation, charcuterie, bevies, giveaways, goddess oils, & heart-opening breathwork
2026-02-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Core Pilates and Yoga, 9506 Norton Commons Blvd, Prospect, KY, 40059, United States
Rose are red 🌹 , violets are blue💙 ; who needs a lover when you’ve got your crew!
Bring your gal pals for a special night! Charcuterie, bevies, giveaways, goddess oils, heart- opening breathwork, and the main enchilada a feminine movement meditation.
Lindsey will curate a kick-a$$ playlist to awaken the divine feminine within. A movement meditation that’s all about feeling good, rather than looking good.

February 12th 6:30pm-8pm
At Core Pilates and Yoga
Led by Embodiment Facilitator Lindsey

Surrounded by candlelight to set the mood.
Limited spots to 13 women.
Think ecstatic dance or sensual movement experience.
Surrounded by like-hearted women.
Reserve through link in bio

***description from IG post

Heart Throb: Dance (Therapy) Party
2026-02-14 10:00 - 12:00 | The Whirling Tiger, 1335 Story Ave , KY 40206, Louisville, KY, 40206, United States

Lunar New Year | hosted by KBop Cafe
2026-02-15 12:30 - 15:00 | Logan Street Market, 1001 Logan Street, Louisivlle, KY, 40204, United States
🐉🎉 Ring in the Lunar New Year with us at Logan Street Market!
Join us for a day of culture, community, food, and festivities as we welcome the new year together. With lion dance performances by @riverlotusliondance.
All are welcome—come celebrate! 🧨🏮
#louisvillekpop #LoganStreetMarket #CommunityCelebration #502 #louisville

Kentucky Center Presents: Urban Bush Women "THIS IS RISK"
2026-02-27 20:00 - 22:00 | Kentucky Performing Arts, 501 W Main St, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States
THIS IS RISK, looks forward and back in celebrating four decades of operating at the vanguard of movement and social activism.
THIS IS RISK takes the audience through intentional storytelling to the next space of collective brilliance.
This energetically charged evening includes iconic works by Founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, which feature live music including the return of Shelter, a full performance of Batty Moves last performed in 2022, and a new commission, Contemplations on Legacy, by long-time UBW collaborator and choreographer Vincent E. Thomas.

Event Date:
2026-02-27
Website / Ticket Link:
https://tickets.kentuckyperformingarts.org/25447?queueittoken=e_tnewsafetynet~q_8d3d009d-2924-4a69-83dc-7f280290c256~ts_1768391472~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_eff46e6719f2a15fce685e1a1d69078221083af6e9ec6a4a4a43fe9e4e3c9793
Location:
Bomhard Theater – 501 W Main St
Event Host:
Urban Bush Women

Kentucky Dance Festival | Ambo Dance Theatre
2026-03-13 19:00 - 23:30, 2026-03-14 09:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-15 09:00 - 16:00 | Actors Theatre of Louisville, 316 W Main St, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States
Ambo Dance Theatre is kicking off the 2026 year by hosting the inaugural Kentucky Dance Festival, the first and only professional contemporary dance festival in the state!
This three-day festival features a curated selection of professional choreographic works in diverse dance styles, as well as professional development and networking opportunities!

Presented in partnership with Actors Theatre of Louisville, the Kentucky Dance Festival will include:
* Two professional evening concerts
* A student showcase featuring dancers from schools and private studios
* Guest artist master classes and workshops
* Outreach to rural and underrepresented communities
* A larger, more prestigious venue to match our growing impact
The shows are on March 13-15, 2026. On March 13 and 14 the professional shows are at 7pm.
On March 15 the student show is at 2pm.

Details:
Showtimes:

March 13 & 14, 2026 @ 7pm Professional Showcase
March 15, 2026 @ 2pm Student Showcase

Tickets:

Pay-What-You-Can https://www.actorstheatre.org/

About the Kentucky Dance Festival
The Kentucky Dance Festival is the first and only professional contemporary dance festival in the bluegrass. This three-day festival shares the artistic voices of creators across the entire
state, plus guest choreographers from surrounding states across the South and Midwestern regions.
The Kentucky Dance Festival is open to all styles and forms of dance, and any kind of choreographic processes. Creators are invited to apply to present works that are fully developed and completed, as well as works in progress that are looking to make their stage debut. Applications undergo rigorous adjudication by a panel of professionals who select works based on their artistic merit as stand alone works, as well as in conversation with other submissions. Festival curation is centered on quality, diversity of style, subject matter, and dancers, and the overall arc of the concert.
Professional creators who are invited to present their work at the festival are given the opportunity to apply to lead master classes during the festival weekend. Master class applications are adjudicated similarly to choreographic works in order to provide festival participants and spectators with a high quality and diverse experience.
MISSION STATEMENT:
The Kentucky Dance Festival strengthens Kentucky’s professional dance ecosystem by elevating local choreographic voices, fostering meaningful exchange with regional artists, and positioning Louisville as a vital contributor to the contemporary dance landscape.
VISION STATEMENT:
In alignment with Ambo Dance Theatre’s vision of transforming Louisville into a Dance Hub, the Kentucky Dance Festival envisions a thriving, interconnected dance community where Kentucky artists are professionally supported, contemporary dance is accessible to the Kentuckiana region, and emerging dancers are equipped with clear pathways to build sustainable careers.

Background and Origins of the Kentucky Dance Festival:
Since 2021, Ambo Dance Theatre has been hosting the Kentucky NACHMO Dance Festival, a dance festival in partnership with the National Choreography Month (NACHMO) organization. In 2025, the Kentucky NACHMO Dance Festival experienced a 46% growth, featuring 121 performers from 12 groups and doubling our audience engagement. While the consistent growth of this small, local festival highlighted the demand and interest for high quality, accessible contemporary dance experiences, the NACHMO format wasn’t always accessible for under-resourced groups. Thus, Ambo Dance Theatre split NACHMO into its own event while launching the Kentucky Dance Festival as a larger, more accessible statewide and national platform.
The Kentucky Dance Festival is open to all styles and forms of dance, and any kind of choreographic process. The application process invited creators to submit works that were fully developed, as well as works in progress. This represents a step towards building the much-needed infrastructure to boost the local dance economy and connect Louisville to the larger professional contemporary dance network.
The Kentucky Dance Festival will:
● Amplify underrepresented voices and bring dance to new communities across Kentucky
● Give students, emerging artists, and companies & studios of all sizes a statewide platform to shine
● Provide paid opportunities for local dancers, choreographers, and technicians
● Build long-term creative infrastructure that fuels cultural and economic growth
● Spotlight Kentucky on the national stage as a hub for contemporary dance excellence

Kentucky Dance Festival – Full Weekend Schedule:
Friday, March 13, 2025

7pm – PERFORMANCE: Professional Concert #1
10pm – KDF Community Meetup: A Networking and Social Outing

Saturday, March 14, 2025

9am – MASTER CLASS: Flirt: A Dance Theatre Workshop
10:45am – MASTER CLASS: Nontraditional Partnering
1:30pm – MASTER CLASS: Contemporary Chinese Fusion
7pm – PERFORMANCE: Professional Concert #2

Sunday, March 15, 2025

9am – MASTER CLASS: Grounded: Contemporary Modern Dance Floorwork
10:45am – MASTER CLASS: Tennis Ball Magic
2pm – PERFORMANCE: Student Concert

All Master Classes are 90 minutes long and will be held at Ambo Dance Theatre, located at 812 Clarks Lane.
Tickets can be purchased at http://www.ambodancetheatre.org
All Performances will be approximately 2 hours long (including at 15 minute intermission) and will be held at Actors Theatre of Louisville in the Pamela Brown Theatre, located at 316 W Main St.
Tickets will be available for purchase at http://www.actorstheatre.org beginning on February 15th.

Riverdance 30 - The New Generation
2026-03-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Kentucky Performing Arts, 501 W Main St, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States
Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerising choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.
To celebrate this incredible 30th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago. John McColgan, Director of Riverdance said “It is both a privilege and a delight to celebrate 30 years of Riverdance and the unique journey it has taken us on. In those 30 years the show has transformed from a spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon – continuously evolving yet remaining true to its Irish roots.
On this upcoming tour we look forward to welcoming ‘The New Generation’ of artists while paying tribute to the talented performers, creators, dedicated crew, and the millions of fans who have made Riverdance a worldwide celebration of music and dance.” Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance which blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class of dancers, musicians and singers in the Riverdance ensemble. Composed by Bill Whelan. Produced by Moya Doherty. Directed by John McColgan.
PNC Broadway in Louisville: Riverdance 30 – The New Generation
