The Traverse City Dance Project's final performance on its 2025 summer tour will be an exciting and rare opportunity for Northern Michigan audiences to experience professional dance at its best, right here in downtown Traverse City! Set against the stunning backdrop of Grand Traverse Bay at the Open Space, attendees are in for an evening of artistry at this captivating, FREE performance. Before the main event, guests can enjoy pre-show tunes by DJ Eric P, setting the perfect mood for the evening ahead.
The program boasts an impressive lineup of professional dancers from across the country, showcasing new dance works by choreographers, including recent Juilliard graduate Julia Ciesielska, in collaboration with cellist Kyle Stachnik. Resident Choreographer Jennifer McQuiston Lott will premiere a new work for four dancers. The second half of the program will feature choreography by Artistic Director Brent Whitney, set to the iconic music of Queen.
Following the performance, attendees are invited to participate in a Q&A session with the dancers, musicians, choreographers, and crew, providing insight into the creative process and behind-the-scenes experiences. This promises to be a highlight event of the summer, offering a unique and unforgettable experience that combines live performance with the beautiful setting in downtown Traverse City.
6:30 PM Pre-show Music
7:30 PM Performance
The rain date for this performance is August 4th, 2025. Please check the website for updates regarding inclement weather three hours before the performance. Please bring your own blankets and chairs, as there is no seating provided. This event is accessible to all, but please reach out to us in advance if there are specific needs we can prepare for. All donations will go toward supporting the Traverse City Dance Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your support will ensure the TCDP can continue to bring world-class dance to Northern Michigan communities.
Performance Sponsors: Begonia Charitable Foundation
Season Supporters: Michigan Arts & Culture Council, Begonia Charitable Foundation, Kettering Family Foundation, Rotary Charities of Traverse City, and Dance Arts Academy.
*This project is funded in part by Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
