Performing artists come to the Vineyard to refresh themselves creatively and develop new work, and Island audiences see exciting performances in return: new plays, musicals and even ice-skating dancers from Canada.

Headlong Dance Theater's performances at The Yard this week will consist of talented dancers and choreographers from all over the country, including some Island talent.

Eiko Otake and Koma Otake have performed together for over 40 years. For the first time, as the kickoff to the Yard’s summer season, they will perform their individual projects in close proximity.

The Everett Company is bringing their latest work, Freedom Project, to the Vineyard on Saturday as part of the Yard's winter dance program.

The Bang Group has cracked the Nutcracker wide open with Nut/Cracked. which appears at the Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

“It’s not easy to find comic dance,” acknowledged David White, the artistic director of The Yard. Nevertheless, Mr. White has worked hard to put together a wide collection of acts for the Women Dance the Comic series at The Yard running until July 25.

This weekend is the culmination of the annual three-week Bessie Schonberg residency program at The Yard in Chilmark, in which choreographers and dancers fully immerse themselves in their work. On Friday, June 12, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, June 13, at 6:30 p.m., the results of the residency will be displayed on stage. Participating fellows include Chelsea & Magda, Amber Sloan and Raphael Xavier.