Columbia Music Festival Association

SC Ballet Body & Movement Explored Performance
2025-02-28 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | CMFA ArtSpace, 914 Pulaski Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
AN EVENING OF DANCE WHERE THE VISUAL AND PHYSICAL COLLIDE
South Carolina Ballet invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of dance at the Columbia Music Festival Association Black Box Theater. Experience Body & Movement Explored – An Evening of Dance Where the Visual and Physical Collide.
This unique production aims to raise awareness and appreciation for mixed repertoire, contemporary, and modern dance movements. It provides a platform for multiple choreographers to collaborate with the skilled dancers of South Carolina Ballet. Each performance concludes with an engaging Q&A session, offering exclusive insights into the creative processes.
“We are thrilled about the distinctiveness of this event. Columbia boasts numerous talented dancers and choreographers, both within our own Company and the community. It’s an honor to showcase their pieces,” expressed Executive & Artistic Director William Starrett. This intimate dance experience promises to delight and inspire, expanding your appreciation for the art of dance. Join us in celebrating the creative individuality and brilliance within the world of dance, right in your own community!

Ticket Prices- Individual $35 ($40 at door) , Table $400

SC Ballet Body and Movement Explored Performance
2025-03-01 19:30 - 21:30 | CMFA ArtSpace, 914 Pulaski Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States

Ubuntu Dance Festival
2025-03-29 09:00 - 15:00 | CMFA ArtSpace, 914 Pulaski Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Embracing the profound essence of Ubuntu, the Ly-Ben Dance Alliance embarks on an exciting journey to host the inaugural Ubuntu Dance Festival in the heart of Columbia, SC. Ubuntu, a cherished African philosophy, embodies the spirit of reconciliation, forgiveness, love, sharing, and humanity — a testament to the profound interconnectedness of us all, encapsulated in the powerful mantra, “I am, because we are.”
In our quest to nurture a vibrant dance community, we are dedicated to fostering an atmosphere of cooperation among the esteemed dance schools and companies in Columbia and in South Carolina. We firmly believe that this collaboration is the cornerstone for the flourishing and enduring presence of the dance arts in the Midlands and beyond.
The Ubuntu Dance Festival will unfold a tapestry of unity and creativity. It will grace the community with a day of free community dance classes at five local community centers, empowering individuals from ages 2 – senior adults to explore the beauty of movement. Master classes at our host facility will further enrich the artistic souls, while the evening will be adorned with mesmerizing performances by dance schools and companies from across the state. Diverse dance genres will interweave, painting a vibrant picture of harmony and expression.
At the heart of this festival lies a profound aspiration — to bind the threads of our dance community into a tight-knit, supportive fabric. The festival’s ripple effect will bring forth a myriad of benefits, illuminating our path forward:
1. Exposure and recognition for the host, along with local dance schools and companies that will be showcased, illuminating the richness of dance available in Columbia, its surroundings and the state.
2. Camaraderie and Unity: A sense of camaraderie and unity will flourish within our dance community, nurturing connections that inspire and uplift.
3. Awareness and Participation: The influx of participants to our host facility and Columbia will raise awareness about its offerings, particularly the enriching dance program that is available.
4. Collaborative Service: A groundbreaking collaboration between the Ly-Ben Dance Alliance and the dance community will emerge, dedicated to serving the area with passion and purpose.
5. Living Legends Educating and Performing Initiative: This event marks the inauguration of the Living Legends Educating and Performing (L.L.E.A.P) Initiative. By actively engaging the community with performing dancers, choreographers, and teachers, this initiative emphasizes the vital importance of representation, showcasing role models who inspire future generations.
In the spirit of Ubuntu, let us dance together, learn together, and inspire one another. Together, we can illuminate the world with the transformative power of dance, weaving a tapestry of unity, understanding, and boundless creativity. Join us on this remarkable journey — for in the dance of life, we find our truest selves, and in unity, we discover our greatest strength.
​#ubuntudancefestival

CMFA Presents Ann Brodie's Carolina Ballet The Nutcracker
2025-11-25 10:00 - 2025-11-30 17:00 | The Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker includes a full Orchestra and Chorus. Enjoy a Family Classic with Glittering Snowflakes and Waltzing flowers. There is something for every age.
Performance: The Township Auditorium
Dates/Times:
Tuesday, November 25th at 10:00am
Wednesday, November 26th at 10:00am
Friday, November 28th at 7:30pm
Sunday, November 30th at 3:00pm
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/township-auditorium-tickets-columbia/venue/369296
Group/Homeschool Tickets: https://carolinaballet.net/2025-2026-season

Zadiaz & Resonancz Presents Art in Motion VI- Nexus
2026-01-24 18:00 - 20:00 | CMFA ArtSpace, 914 Pulaski Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Zadiaz & Resonancz Presents Art in Motion VI-Nexus
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Time: 6:00-8:00pm – Doors open at: 5:30pm
Location: CMFA ArtSpace – 914 Pulaski Street Columbia, SC 29201
Ticket: $15/Ticket & Food: $20 – SOLD OUT
Drawing, Poetry, Dance & Heavy Hors D’oeuvres
Experience live performances from contemporary, tap, hip hop, and krump dancers. Within the audience space, a visual artist will guide attendees in capturing the energy and movement of the dancers in real time. All art materials will be provided, including watercolor paint, charcoal, & canvas paper.
The night will also feature a spoken word segment, bringing together dance, poetry, and visual art in a shared experience. ART IN MOTION invites audiences to witness creation as it happens and to engage with art at the point where movement, sound, and image connect.

Palmetto Ballet Theatre Presents Cocktails and Choreography
2026-01-31 18:00 - 21:00 | CMFA ArtSpace, 914 Pulaski Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Cocktails and Choreography by Palmetto Ballet Theatre
Saturday January 31st, 2026
Cocktail Hour 6pm
Performance 7pm
Tickets: $25
Columbia Music Festival Association ArtSpace (CMFA ArtSpace)
One Act
Cocktails and Choreography is a one-act showcase presented by Palmetto Ballet Theatre,
celebrating the creative voices within our own company. In this special performance, Palmetto
Ballet Theatre dancers step into the role of choreographers, crafting original works for their
fellow artists.
Each piece offers a unique glimpse into the individuality, imagination, and artistic perspective of our dancers, highlighting the diversity of styles and stories that shape our company. United by
movement and creativity, the evening invites audiences to experience ballet through the eyes of
the artists themselves.
Guests are invited to enjoy a cocktail hour prior to the performance, setting the tone for an
evening of artistry and connection. Following the performance, audiences will have the
opportunity to mingle with the choreographers and dancers, creating a relaxed and intimate way
to engage with the Palmetto Ballet Theatre community.

Next Generation Summer Intensive Audition
2026-02-01 11:00 - 2026-03-01 13:00 | CMFA ArtSpace, 914 Pulaski Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
2026 Summer Intensive Dates:
5 Week – June 15-July 17
2 Week – June 15-27
3 Week – June 29-July 17
Next Generation Ballet (NGB) is part of the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida- one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States.
The NGB Summer Intensive offers 30 to 35 hours of weekly instruction, combining a rigorous dance schedule with a structured, safe environment and the opportunity to perform on a world-class stage. The program also includes weekly activities such as educational seminars, movie nights and Sunday excursions to theme parks.
Students receive personalized attention, accommodation in a dormitory within walking distance and a comprehensive meal plan. Advanced students may audition for the prestigious NGB Trainee Program.
Ballet West Academy will join Next Generation Ballet as a special affiliate. Ballet West will be managing the housing aspect of the program.
Summer Intensive Audition Requirements:
Provide a headshot and a first arabesque photo.
Must be at least 11 years old; Boarding students must be 12 years old by June 15, 2026.
Must have a minimum of 1 year of pointe experience by June 15, 2026.
Auditions
All dancers must pre-register for an audition. No walk-ups will be permitted.
Audition fee is $40.
Video audition fee is $50.
https://www.strazcenter.org/patel-conservatory/dance/next-generation-ballet/summer-intensives/

CMFA's Annual The Lize Wessels Ye Olde PUB Night
2026-02-07 18:30 - 22:30 | CMFA ArtSpace, 914 Pulaski Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Screenshot
Get ready for a legendary night at The Annual Lize Wessels Ye Olde Pub Night at CMFA ArtSpace!
The Annual Lize Wessels Ye Olde Pub Night
Join us for a night of merry-making at the CMFA (Columbia Music Festival Association). Get ready to experience the ultimate pub night like no other!
Indulge in a variety of beverages! From classic ales to refreshing ciders, we have something for everyone. Savor the flavors and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Abandon oneself to traditional English Pub Food provided by Southern Way Catering.
Our Dart Tournament will keep you entertained throughout the night. There also may be more than just bragging rights going home with the winners!
Our door and drawing prizes will keep you wrapt with exciting anticipation!
This event, whose MC is local radio personality Bradley Fuller, has become a staple of the area’s event calendar… and a great way to support the arts! So mark your calendars for this unforgettable night of revelry and camaraderie at the Annual Lize Wessels Ye Olde Pub Night. $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Invite all your friends! We can’t wait to see you there!
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cmfas-annual-lize-wessels-ye-olde-pub-night-tickets-1968865976135?aff=oddtdtcreator

Monthly After Dinner Cabaret
2026-02-10 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-03-10 19:30 - 21:00 | CMFA ArtSpace, 914 Pulaski Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
The Monthly After Dinner Cabaret offers a chance to enjoy some of the Midlands’ most celebrated cabaret and theatre performers once a month in an intimate and lively atmosphere. Sharing an eclectic mix of music and stories, our performers have over 400 years of combined experience delivering lively and entertaining programs.
We started small in 2023 with a six-month series in a small venue on Two Notch Road. As word got out that this fun event was happening every month, audiences started to grow, and over the course of the next year, we knew we were on to something.
Our goal was (seemingly) simple. Provide an evening of live music without the need to purchase dinner or drinks. In other words, enjoy a dinner with a friend at your chosen place, and then come join us at the cabaret! Easy, laid back, and fun!
The Monthly After Dinner Cabaret is moving to a new performance space next month. We are excited about performing at Columbia Music Festival Association Artspace in downtown Columbia. Our new venue offers a more comfortable setting with better seating and acoustics, providing an improved experience for all. The intimate atmosphere you’ve come to enjoy will remain, with the added benefit of enhanced staging. We look forward to welcoming you to our new location for an evening of entraining and quality performances in a fresh environment. If you’re not already on our mailing list, please subscribe by using the button below to receive updates as they unfold.

Cincinnati Ballet Summer Intensive Audition
2026-02-14 15:30 - 2026-03-14 18:00 | CMFA ArtSpace, 914 Pulaski Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Cincinnati Ballet’s Summer Intensive partners with professionally aspiring students through an immersive dance experience designed to cultivate individual potential. For six weeks, students step into a professional company environment where they benefit from full days of dance, the support of world-class faculty and a community of like-minded peers. Three-week sessions are also available.
Students participating in an in-person audition should pre-register for a date and time below. Pre-registration for all in-person auditions closes at 11:59 PM (EST) the Thursday prior to the audition. Walk-up registration will only be available in the event additional space remains. (Walk-up registrants under 18 should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during registration.)
Audition Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Registration: 3:30-4:00pm
Audition class: 4:00-6:00pm
AUDITION FEE
$35 for advance registration | $40 for walk-up registration
Audition fees are nonrefundable
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Auditioning students are considered for acceptance into three programs:
Cincinnati Ballet’s Summer Intensive
Cincinnati Ballet’s Collegiate Intensive
Cincinnati Ballet’s Youth Summer Intensive
Summer Intensive: Candidates must be 12 years old by the program start date in order to audition.
Collegiate Intensive: Candidates must be 18 years old by the program start date in order to audition.
Youth Summer Intensive: Candidates ages 12 and up will be considered through the channels below, while those under 12 have separate audition opportunities available on the Youth Summer Intensive webpage.
More Information: Audition Information

Cary Conservatory Summer Program Audition
2026-02-15 16:00 - 18:00 | CMFA ArtSpace, 914 Pulaski Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Cary Conservatory Summer Program Audition Information:
Led by our faculty and guest instructors, dancers train in classical ballet, pointe/pre-pointe, variations, contemporary, and conditioning. One week of the intensive features our former Prix Challenge, now the Professional Training Program (PTP) Experience, offering dancers a first-hand look at our year-round PTP. This immersive week includes men’s classes, partnering, and advanced training designed to mirror the expectations and structure of our professional track.
Date: Sunday, February 15 2026
Location: CMFA ArtSpace- 914 Pulaski Street Columbia, SC 29201
Registration: 4:00-4:30pm
Audition Class: 4:30-6:00pm
More Information: Audition Information

Ann Brodie's Carolina Ballet's Junior and Apprentice Company Presents Les Patineurs
2026-02-21 15:00 - 2026-02-22 16:30 | CMFA ArtSpace, 914 Pulaski Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet’s Junior & Apprentice Company presents “Les Patineurs.”
This ballet, “Les Patineurs,” is a production of the Junior and Apprentice companies of Carolina Ballet. It is specifically designed to introduce young people to the magic world of ballet. Originally staged for the Royal Ballet in England, this production has been recreated by Artistic Director Mimi Worrell “Les Patineurs” is set on a frozen pond in the English countryside in the 1800’s. Young skaters take to the ice with the rollicking music of Meyerbeer setting the tone for a “jolly good time” for all. With snowball fights, show-off skaters, young lovers and novices just learning to navigate slippery ice. This ballet is a lighthearted look into times long gone by. The Carolina Ballet young dancers have been rehearsing the steps created by Sir Frederick Ashton for the original production . The classical ballet dance steps have been reinterpreted to
mimic the sliding and gliding of skaters on slick ice.
Guest Artists include: Colin Pilotto (Courtesy of Palmetto Ballet Theatre), Nicolas White (Artist in Residence) and Carolyn Coffey (Carolina Ballet Senior Company Dancer).
Location: CMFA ArtSpace- 914 Pulaski Street Columbia, SC 29201
Ticket Reservations: $10/ticket
Ticket Reservation link: https://carolinaballet.net/2025-2026-season
Date/Time: Saturday, February 21st at 3:00pm and Sunday, February 22nd at 3:00pm
