More than 100 performers will take the stage when the Aurora Dance Fest returns to Capital One Hall in Tysons this Sunday (March 9).
Organized by the Reston-based Gin Dance Company, the one-night-only festival will showcase work by 10 different dance companies, 16 choreographers and 105 dancers from around the D.C. area.
After an initial performance in the atrium at 4:30 p.m., the action will shift to the main concert hall at 5 p.m.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the 2025 Aurora Dance Fest at Capital One Hall,” Gin Dance Company Executive Director Gary Cuff said in a press release. “… This event promises to be an exciting mix of contemporary ballet, modern dance, and the fiery passion of Flamenco from Southern Spain. It’s a rare opportunity to see such a variety of dance styles, choreographers, and dance companies all sharing the same stage.”
The Gin Dance Company introduced the Aurora Dance Fest last year, holding the inaugural event at Capital One Hall on June 14. By featuring a range of dance styles and companies, the organization hopes to draw attention to the diversity of the local dance community, Cuff said.
Highlights for the 2025 festival include an encore from Luke Spring, a dancer who also served as the guest artist last year. Among other work, he appeared on Broadway in “A Christmas Story,” in Arena Stage’s 2019 production of “Newsies,” and in performances at the Tony Awards and the 2014 Kennedy Center Honors for a tribute to actor Tom Hanks.
In addition to Gin Dance Company, organizations participating in this year’s fest include:
- AEL Dance Project
- Ballaro Dance
- Ballet Embody
- Capital Ballet
- Company E
- Conflux Dance Theater
- Furia Flamenca Dance Company
- IMR Dance
- Kailei Sin
- Movement Unscripted
- Skye Ballet Center
- Sydney Heldman/George Mason Dance Company
“Each piece tells its own story,” Cuff said. “It’s our hope that this production will touch the audience in different ways and expand their imagination.”
Tickets cost $48.50 and can be purchased online. Doors to the concert venue at 7750 Capital One Tower Road will open at 4 p.m.
A modern dance company, Gin Dance Company was founded in 2011 by Shu-Chen Cuff, who was inspired by her father’s teachings to promote works that blend western and Asian dancing styles, per its website. Recognized with an achievement award from ArtsFairfax last year, Shu-Chen Cuff retired from dancing in 2023 but still serves as the company’s artistic director and choreographer.
Other notable shows coming to Capital One Hall this month include “Dirty Dancing in Concert” on Tuesday, March 11, a Neil Diamond tribute on March 15, and two nights of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra performing with folk singer Gregory Alan Isakov on March 21 and 22.
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