The best free dance performances and series in NYC

Battery Dance returns to its former home turf at Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park, which has been closed for rebuilding for the past couple years, to offer a first course for this year's 44th annual edition of the free outdoor Battery Dance Festival. The troupe's performance of Rutkay Özpinar's Frontiers is part of an hour-long program that also includes the venerable Limón Dance Company in José Limón's 1964 classic A Choreographic Offering, as well as tap dancing by John Manzari and a ceremonial introduction by the Native American dancer Marie Poncé.

After a special program to celebrate the reopening of Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park, the free annual Battery Dance Festival moves to the North Esplanade of Rockefeller Park for a week of performances by a mix of local and international companies, performing outdoors near the sparkling water at sunset. The lineup for the 44th edition features multiple U.S. or world premieres, and the participating artists include visitors from the Netherlands, India, Bangladesh, Spain, South Korea and Germany, Taiwan, Romania and Indonesia. The slate includes an August 15 program that celebrates five dance traditions of the southwestern Indian state Kerala: Kalaripayattu, Kutiyattam, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Theyyam. All six shows are general admission, and there's a rain date on Sunday, August 17. Below is a full schedule of the artists and companies that will be performing. Visit the festival's website for additional details.  Pallavi Krishnan | Photograph: Courtesy of the artist Tuesday, August 12:John Manzari & Band, excerpts from RecenterPace University Dancing to Connect Battery Dance, Sense of BelongingFaizah Grootens, While You’re HereBulareyaung Dance Company, Colors  Wednesday, August 13:UNARTE, Verso Roto Theater Plauen - Zwickau Ballet Ensemble, EdenBulareyaung Dance Company, Colors Faizah Grootens, While You’re Here Platforma 13, Balkan Ballerinas   Platforma 13: Balkan Ballerinas | Photograph: Courtesy Marko Pejovic Thursday, August 14:Kar' mel Small, La Manta de...