Our mission is to inspire positive change in Monterey County and beyond by presenting extraordinary dance performances and providing high-quality, accessible dance education. We strive to connect, uplift, and enrich the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds through the transformative power of dance.
The Terpsichore Project brings the healing power of dance to hospitals and care facilities throughout Monterey County, offering comfort and connection to seniors, palliative care patients, and their loved ones. Led by Carmel Dance Festival Artistic Director Lillian Barbeito, this initiative awards full scholarships to talented youth dancers from diverse and underserved backgrounds, mentoring them to use their artistry in service to the community. Through intimate performances in lobbies, shared spaces, and even at the bedside, these young artists bring beauty, solace, and humanity to those navigating difficult times. Named after Terpsichore, the Greek Muse of Dance, the project nurtures compassion, creativity, and intergenerational bonds—while empowering local youth to grow as both artists and changemakers. All programming is entirely free and rooted in the belief that movement can uplift, heal, and unite.
Carmel Dance Festival (CDF) serves communities across all of Monterey County by producing world-class dance performances, inclusive community engagement programs, and transformative education opportunities. Our mission is deeply rooted in local impact, ensuring that residents from Soledad to Prunedale, Salinas to Seaside, and everywhere in between have access to high-quality artistic experiences. Projects like The Terpsichore Project bring healing performances to hospitals and care facilities county-wide, while our site-specific events and collaborations with local farms, schools, and senior centers ensure that dance reaches diverse audiences in both rural and urban communities. While our reach extends nationally—with tours to St. Helena, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Richmond, VA—and internationally through our Fellowship Program, which brings top emerging dancers from around the globe to create and perform here, Monterey County remains the heart of our work. We proudly share our county with the world—and welcome the world to experience its creative spirit.
The importance of dance is indisputable. We humans have never stopped dancing. It’s in our blood. If you don’t believe it, put music in a toddler’s room and see what happens. Or.. go to one of Carmel Dance Festival’s events. To say, you will be moved, isn’t enough. You absolutely WILL move. Perhaps the movements will be subtle, the person next to you hardly noticing. Or maybe your body remains still, but your heart is dancing inside you, opening to the story the dancers are sharing. I am 76 years old. I am so grateful that Lillian and Grant have added dance to our beautiful area. The Carmel Dance Festival and Ballare Carmel are gifts. The beautiful dancers and incredible choreographies are to be opened and enjoyed as they cast their spells upon us. They are magical and meaningful. I find myself dancing in my dreams when I get home.
- Pam Bonsper, Carmel Valley
