Newport Dance Festival

Newport Contemporary Ballet is joined by visiting companies from near and far, bringing innovative and inspiring dance to our community. Each evening, audiences will be treated to a diverse line up of works from the various companies including a world premiere by NCB’s own Emily Baker.

As the country celebrates its 250th anniversary, this year’s festival will carry a deeper focus than usual. Our overarching theme is “Freedom” — an idea that is profoundly American, yet ultimately universal. The theme is inspired by The Four Freedoms, the landmark speech delivered by Franklin D. Roosevelt, which articulated four fundamental human rights that must always be protected and pursued — in our case, through the power of our art form.

The Four Freedoms are: Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

Each work presented in the festival will connect in some way — whether directly, loosely, or abstractly — to the importance of these essential freedoms. Some pieces may reflect the joy and struggle inherent in the pursuit of liberty; others may explore the frustrations and injustices caused by prejudice, oppression, and ignorance. Still others may express the emotions, ideas, and experiences that emerge from living with freedom, dignity, and without fear.

Above all, this festival will highlight the progress that has been made over the years while celebrating the shared values that continue to unite us.

Patrons are invited to arrive early for pre-show entertainment. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy world class dance in a beautiful outdoor setting.

2026 Newport Dance Festival performance roster of artists:

In addition to Newport Contemporary Ballet, this year’s roster includes:

Alison Cook Beatty Dance (New York)

Artistic Ventures in Dance (Colorado)

Breathing Art Company (Italy)

DaYoung Jung Choreography (Oklahoma)

East Coast Contemporary Ballet (Connecticut)

INDIVIDUAL DATES & TIMES

• Jul 15, 2026 at 7:00pm - 9:30pm (Wed)

• Jul 16, 2026 at 7:00pm - 9:30pm (Thu)

• Jul 17, 2026 at 7:00pm - 9:30pm (Fri)

• Jul 18, 2026 at 7:00pm - 9:30pm (Sat)

• Jul 19, 2026 at 7:00pm - 9:30pm (Sun)

Additional time info:

Outdoor Stage on Lawn of The Great Friends Meeting House, 21 Farewell St, Newport.

Attendees are encouraged to picnic, bring chairs, etc. Chairs are available for a small fee.

Pre-show performers include:

Ben Shaw
Wed., 7/15

Bill Scavotto & Daniel Hill
Thurs., 7/16

Susan Young – Zumba, Freedom Style!
Fri., 7/17

Elizabeth Beisel & Jack Nichting
Sat., 7/18

Greg Tyndall & guest
Sun., 7/19