Built on Stilts exemplifies the shared language of dance through a beautifully egalitarian and inspiring eight-night festival. This season features the work of dozens of professionals and amateurs, young and old. What began in 1997 as a one-night concert featuring the work of seven choreographers has since ballooned into an Island institution that reflects the Island’s remarkable artistic spirit.
The festival’s all-inclusive philosophy has attracted an enormous range of choreographic sophistication and technical ability, defining Built on Stilts by its collective energy and creative output as a home in which professional participants are free to experiment and fledgling performers can discover the joy of creation. The program varies each night, and might include ballet, hip-hop, modern, tap, belly dance, lyrical, spoken word, improvisation, live music, and more. There’s sure to be something for everyone. For this anniversary year, each evening will open with a short commemorative film following the drum circle and dancers’ warm-up. Support at the door is encouraged.
Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs, August 6-9 and 14-17. Free to the public. No reservations or tickets required to attend. Doors open at 7:30 pm with a drum circle and dancers’ warm-up. Dance shows start at 8 pm and are a little over an hour, without intermission. More info at builtonstilts.org.
