Established in 1999 by choreographers Kyla Quintero and Kelly Roth, the annual Las Vegas Dance in the Desert Festival strives to unite the dance community by offering local, regional,
national and international companies and choreographers a forum in which to showcase their work,
network with each other, collaborate, and build a community based audience. Originally held at the College of Southern
Nevada, the Festival premieres
at Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center with three separate contemporary concert dance performances on Friday & Saturday July 26 & 27, 2013, technical rehearsals beginning at the start of the week. This year we are expecting companies from the southwest region, upper midwest and east coast of the U.S.A., as well as first-time participants from Brazil who will offer master classes during the week in addition to performing. This is the first year the festival has been held without the support of the College of Southern Nevada and at a new venue. New Dance Foundation for the Arts, Inc, has been founded to take over administration and funding of the festival in addition to supporting a dance company, facilitating collaborative projects between complimentary arts practitioners, and promoting international exchanges of artists. Always full of innovation and surprises, the Festival honored and hosted dance legend Murray Louis in 2006, presenting him with an award recognizing a lifetime of service to dance as an art form. In 2010 Alwin Nikolais was celebrated posthumously with former colleagues and company members remembering him on the occasion of his 100th birthday. The Festival is quickly becoming a "summertime tradition, [that] strives to maintain integrity and highlight diversity." Writing for Call Back, Hal de Becker observed, "One thing is certain, dance lovers who miss the annual Festival, as directed by Kelly Roth, do themselves a disservice because it always offers innovative, exciting performances in varied dance styles and disciplines." Katie Anania adds, the Festival "promises to be highly accessible and more than a little fun." - Las Vegas City Life. Dave Surratt agrees, "It’s like CineVegas for the arms and legs. Chicken soup for the soles." - Las Vegas City Life.
