Newport Contemporary Ballet (NCB) presents the Newport Dance Festival this week on a stage set up on the lawn of The Great Friends Meeting House. Performances will be Wednesday to Sunday, July 17 to 21.

Alongside Newport’s resident company, the festival performances will feature a diverse lineup of works by five visiting dance companies with their own talent and unique styles. NCB Executive Artistic Director Danielle Genest is honored to host the following artists:

• East Coast Contemporary Ballet (Connecticut), July 19-20
• Tom Gold Dance (New York City), July 19-21
• Rhea Keller and Leah Russell (Seattle), July 17-18
• Rhode Island Women’s Choreography Project (Rhode Island), July 17-18, 21
• Visceral Dance (Chicago), July 17-19
• Joshua Peugh/Dark Circles Contemporary Dance (New Mexico) presenting work on NCB dancers

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., but arrive early for a bonus. At 7 p.m., there will be pre-show entertainment.

Guests are invited to bring their own picnic, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy world-class dance in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Newport Contemporary Ballet will offer free community classes on the outdoor stage throughout the week of the Newport Dance Festival for folks ages 12 to adult, with or without experience. Visit newportcontemporaryballet.org for more information.