Two weeks of dance in the middle of a Southeast Texas summer sounds like a dare, and honestly, I am here for it. When we heard that Aimed Dance is bringing back its Summer Fest for the sixth year, partnering with the Lamar University Department of Theatre & Dance from July 6-18, our first thought was: that is a hot commitment in every sense of the word. But that is exactly the kind of energy we love. This is not a passive retreat; it is a full-on celebration of movement, bringing choreographers, performers, students, and dance lovers from across the U.S. into one space to sweat, create, and support each other. It reminds me of the raw, intimate work we saw in Seen, Supported, and Strong: Adia Anselmi's NYC Performance Explores Connection, where the whole point was showing up as you are and letting the art do the talking. This festival feels like that, but with more humidity and a whole lot of Texas charm.
What we love most about ADSF is that it is not just for the pros. Yes, there is a two-week intensive for the serious dancers, but the festival also opens its doors to dancers of all levels. That is the kind of inclusive, body-positive, "come as you are" energy we build our whole brand on. You do not need to be perfect; you need to be present. You do not need to have the "right" body; you need to have a body that wants to move. This is about falling in love with what your body can do, not punishing it for what it is not. And that is a lesson that goes way beyond the studio. We would tell any of our readers who are even a little curious: sign up. You will learn from innovative choreographers, see some seriously inspiring contemporary work, and probably leave with a few new calluses and a whole lot of confidence. It is the kind of experience that stays with you, much like the new works we saw from Chicago Dance Company Celebrates New Works and Rising Talent in 2026-27 Season, proving that fresh voices deserve a stage.
There is something magical about a festival that mixes training with performance. It is not just about taking class; it is about being seen. It is about sharing a space where everyone is a little nervous and a little excited, and that is okay. This is the kind of event that makes you remember why you started dancing in the first place. And honestly, it is a reminder that art is a community effort. Whether you are in the back row of a master class or front and center in a showcase, you are part of something bigger. We would tell you to go for the experience, but honestly, go for the glow. Go to sweat, to laugh, to maybe cry a little when you nail that combination. And if you are worried about the heat, just think of it as an extra layer of cardio. The concrete takeaway here? This July, give yourself permission to be a little bold, a little brave, and a lot unapologetic. That is the only way to dance.
