NMU Hosts North Coast Dance Festival

Northern Michigan University's 2026 North Coast Dance Festival will include two public performances featuring Giordano Dance Chicago, professional ballet dancers Julia Feldman and Mate Szentes, and NMU's CO/LAB Dance Company. The shows will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, June 25-26. They will be preceded by a jazz master class with Nan Giordano Wednesday evening-pre-registration is required-and followed by a free showcase presented by high school students participating in the Wildcat Performing Arts Academy summer intensives Saturday night.

The centerpiece of the festival is the North Coast Dance Festival performance program, which brings nationally recognized artists to the Forest Roberts Theatre stage alongside NMU student dancers. Giordano Dance Chicago will perform two concert jazz works: a musical theater piece titled Dumb Luck!; and a Latin-flavored ballroom number, Sabroso. Both will highlight the company's signature athleticism and artistry. Sacramento Ballet dancer Feldman and freelance performer Szentes will present the world premiere of a new classical ballet.

NMU's CO/LAB Dance Company will perform assistant professor Chris Houston's previously choreographed piece INIT: LOOP (code for "initialize loop"), with the song "Blue Monday" by the UK band New Order as the musical backdrop. CO/LAB artistic director Karina Johnson has choreographed a new classical ballet, Symphonia, and a contemporary piece for a trio that will also be featured during the show.

"One of the things that makes this year's festival especially exciting is that our entire CO/LAB Dance Company is coming back for the summer performance," Johnson said. "In previous years, I've selected a handful of students. It's rare to have the full company together outside the regular academic season, and it will create a special energy in the studio and on stage."

Johnson added that opportunities like the festival are transformative for NMU students. They are able to rehearse, perform and interact with artists who have built careers in major dance companies across the country.

"That kind of exposure helps students understand what professional artistry looks like on a daily basis," she said. "They see the work ethic, the commitment to excellence and the collaborative spirit that drives successful performers. Just as importantly, they gain confidence in their own abilities by realizing they belong in these artistic spaces."

Festival Artistic Director Jill Grundstrom of NMU Theatre and Dance agrees that the interaction between students and guest artists is one of the defining strengths of the event.

"The North Coast Dance Festival was created to bring world-class dance experiences to our community while providing meaningful educational opportunities for our students," Grundstrom said. "Having professional artists interact and perform with NMU dancers creates an environment where learning happens constantly. Students are able to ask questions, observe professional processes and build relationships that can influence their future careers.

"Our students rise to the occasion when they share the stage with professionals. The experience challenges them to perform at a higher level and helps them see what is possible through dedication and training. It is incredibly rewarding to watch those artistic and personal connections take shape throughout the festival."

Tickets for the festival's centerpiece performances are $25 for the general public, $22 for NMU employees, seniors and military members, $15 for youth and free for NMU students, thanks to the generous support of the Siril Endowment for the Arts. They are available at nmu.edu/tickets.

The educational component begins with a jazz master class led by Nan Giordano, artistic director of Giordano Dance Chicago, from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, in Forest Roberts Theatre. There is no charge to observe or participate in the class, which is designed for those with previous training. Pre-registration for dancers can be completed here, and will close at 5 p.m. Monday, June 22.

The festival weekend concludes with a free showcase highlighting the talents of students participating in the musical theater, dance and production/design Wildcat Performing Arts Academy summer intensives. This event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 27, in Forest Roberts Theatre.

For more information, visit nmu.edu/theatreanddance/north-coast-dance-festival-2026.