“Nothing prepared you for the totality of Alvin Ailey: the aural, visual, physical, spiritual beauty…Heaven…Everywhere you looked: sensory pleasure…” ZADIE SMITH, NEW YORK TIMES Marvel at their virtuosity and grace, feel their passion, connect to the heart of dance with the iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. This evening of extraordinary dance, expounding on Ailey’s … Read more
Please note: the venue has changed for this performance to the Westbrook Performing Arts Center. Ticket holders will have their tickets re-issued via the original delivery method. Additional details have been sent directly to ticket holders via email. “Buck’s power derives from the ability to get to the bottom of what something feels like for him … Read more
“International festival aims to delight, unite, and inspire” – YALE NEWS Ovations kicks off the 92nd season with a lively and immersive community dance party. Featuring a high energy live band and guided dance instruction, this unique event invites all to enjoy the spirited Indian Gujarati folk dances of garba and raas. Clapping, spinning and … Read more
“Farruquito dances as if he has every answer at his fingertips.” THE NEW YORK TIMES Called “the greatest flamenco dancer of this new century” by The New York Times, Farruquito (Juan Manuel Fernández Montoya) is hailed by critics and audiences alike for his prodigious artistry, incredible stage presence, profound poetry and captivating beauty. Heir to … Read more
Portland Ovations dedicates this performance to the life and memory of our dear friend Jane C. Wellehan. “A cutting edge crowd pleaser.” WASHINGTON POST The nation’s renowned LatinX dance organization, Ballet Hispánico, brings audiences together to celebrate the joy and diversity of LatinX culture. Equal parts artistic excellence and catalyst for change, Ballet Hispánico is … Read more
“Riley Watts — an extraordinary dancer with silky athleticism..” NEW YORK TIMES WORLD PREMIERECommissioned Maine Artist by Portland Ovations Join us on opening night as we celebrate the world premiere. Hour Wolf in the Lighthouse is a collaborative dance work between Portland, Maine choreographers Riley Watts and Heather Stewart, and is the debut performance of … Read more
“What would dance look like if it were freed from the constraints of gravity?” – THE SEATTLE TIMES BANDALOOP re-imagines dance, activating public spaces and inspiring wonder and imagination in audiences around the globe. An innovator in vertical performance, BANDALOOP seamlessly weaves dynamic physicality, intricate choreography and climbing technology to turn the dance floor on … Read more
“Polyrhythmic groove and […] light, quick mystery. Mr. Sandoval and his five dancers shared a loose athletic grace.” THE NEW YORK TIMES Blurring the line between a dance and music performance, PARTIDO explores the convergence of percussive dance and live music with contemporary urban styles in African-American and Afro-Brazilian culture. Inspired by Leonardo Sandoval’s experience as an … Read more
Portland Ovations dedicates this performance to the life and memory of our dear friend Jane C. Wellehan. “Exciting and brilliantly choreographed.” THE NEW YORK TIMES A joyful mixture of songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation make STEP AFRIKA! so much more than a dance concert. The thrilling company of dancers blends percussive dance styles practiced … Read more