Young Tradition Festival 2026: That’s a Wrap!
Vermont Folklife’s 2026 Young Tradition Festival on May 8 and 9 brought young artists and multi-generational performances into spaces across Burlington. This year’s event lineup welcomed hundreds of participants and audience members to dance, play, listen, and learn alongside local artists representing Tibetan, Bhutanese Nepali, New England, Québecois, Scandinavian, Irish, West African, Mexican, and other cultural traditions present in Vermont communities.
Young Tradition in Schools and Community Centers
In addition to public events and performances, the week of Young Tradition Festival has always been an opportunity to bring traditional arts programming into schools and community centers. This year included visits to Edmunds Elementary School and the Converse Home Senior Assisted Living Community.
Festival Kick-off: The Community Dance Party
The Community Dance Party featured four community-recognized dance experts and longtime VT Folklife partners: Migmar Tsering and Tenzin Pasang (Tibetan musician and dance leaders), Urmila Chhetri (Bhutanese Nepali and Bollywood Dance Instructor and director of the AALV Youth Group dancers), and Susmita Dhakal (Bhutanese Nepali dance leader). Vermont Folklife’s Mary Wesley also led some New England contra and circle dances with music from Nicholas Williams and Alex Kehler.
Swing your partner! Mary Wesley calls a New England circle dance.
Saturday Showcase at the Farmer’s Market
The Burlington Farmers Market welcomed the Young Tradition Festival at their first outdoor market of the year. The “Student/Mentor Showcase” featured students performing music and dance from a wide range of traditions alongside their teachers and mentors.
Family Friendly Jam Session
Thanks to the SEABA Center for providing space for musicians to gather and play music together on Saturday afternoon.
Evening Concert with Alex Kehler & Nicholas Williams, The Young Tradition Touring Group, and L’Ensemble Trad Jeunesse!
