Experience the Magic of Dance at the Battery Dance Festival 2025 in Rockefeller Park
The Battery Dance Festival returns for its 44th edition in 2025, offering a week-long celebration of dance performances set against the beautiful backdrop of Rockefeller Park in Battery Park City, New York. The festival, known for its free performances, will feature an exciting blend of local and international dance companies, showcasing everything from contemporary pieces to traditional cultural performances.
Dates and Location
When: August 12-16, 2025, at 7:00 PM
Where: Rockefeller Park, Battery Park City, New York
Price: Free, General Admission
Rain Date: Sunday, August 17
This year, the festival moves to the North Esplanade of Rockefeller Park, offering a stunning outdoor setting near the water. Performances will take place at sunset, providing a truly unique atmosphere for festival-goers. Whether you’re a seasoned dance enthusiast or someone new to the art form, the festival promises something for everyone.
International and Local Performers
The lineup is as diverse as it is exciting, with performers from around the world, including Netherlands, India, Bangladesh, Spain, South Korea, Germany, Taiwan, Romania, and Indonesia. John Manzari & Band, Faizah Grootens, and Battery Dance are just a few of the top names to look out for. One highlight of the festival will be the India Day program on Friday, August 15, which will feature traditional dances from the Kerala region, including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kalaripayattu, and Theyam.
Full Schedule of Performances
Tuesday, August 12
- John Manzari & Band, excerpts from Recenter
- Pace University Dancing to Connect
- Battery Dance, Sense of Belonging
- Faizah Grootens, While You’re Here
- Bulareyaung Dance Company, Colors
Wednesday, August 13
- UNARTE, Verso Roto
- Theater Plauen – Zwickau Ballet Ensemble, Eden
- Bulareyaung Dance Company, Colors
- Faizah Grootens, While You’re Here
- Platforma 13, Balkan Ballerinas
Thursday, August 14
- Kar’ mel Small, La Manta de Reina
- Theater Plauen – Zwickau Ballet Ensemble, Eden
- Platforma 13, Balkan Ballerinas
- UNARTE, Verso Roto
- Buglisi Dance Theatre, Sospiri
- Battery Dance, Empty Hand
Friday, August 15 (India Day – Dances of Kerala)
- Pallavi Krishnan with Jayasree Nair and Annie Sajayan (Mohiniyattam)
- Surjith Panikkar (Theyam)
- Pradeesh K. Thiruthiya (Theyam)
- Raam Kumar (Kalaripayattu)
- Sooraj Irinjakaluda (Kutiyattam)
- Kerala Kalamandalam with Thulasi Kumar and Adyattingal Harinarayanan (Kathakali)
Saturday, August 16
- Mofassal Al Alif, In Search of You
- Ô’tänamos, Aeternus Viator
- Battery Dance, Sense of Belonging
- Wan Dance, Mak Long
- Dorchel Haqq, Swallow
- Al-Dal’ouna Dabka Team, Dal’ouna Events
About the Festival
The Battery Dance Festival is New York City’s longest-running free public dance festival, drawing over 12,000 in-person attendees and 35,000 virtual viewers annually. It’s an opportunity to experience dance in its many forms, from contemporary to classical, in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
The festival kicks off with a special program on August 12, celebrating the reopening of Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park, before moving to the stunning Rockefeller Park for the remainder of the performances.
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