The Built on Stilts dance festival thrives on variety.

“You might see hip hop one night but not the next, it could be followed by a ballet piece or could be followed by the little kids,” said festival founder Abby Bender. “Or it could be followed by a line dance with a bunch of seniors, or a beautiful dramatic solo, and then someone singing funny songs with their guitar.

The origins of the festival date back to 1997, when Ms. Bender and her friend Anna Lucky were looking to create a platform for dancers of all ages and backgrounds to share their work.

“The first year it was just one night and there were seven choreographers, and we all danced in each other’s pieces and advertised the show with posters and looked for dancers by putting posters all over the Island,” Ms. Bender said. “It was such a hoot, it was so successful that next year we had two shows, and the next year we had three, and so on,” she continued.

This year there will be five shows taking place at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs, from August 7 to 9 and August 16 to 18. Each night will showcase 12 to 14 performances, featuring a unique lineup of acts that include Islander dancers and off-Island troupes.

In addition to the stylistic variety, the show hosts a range of experiences and dance backgrounds.

“It’s special being able to see this real mix of amateurs and professionals and this mix of kids and elderly and middle-aged people,” Ms. Bender said.

Each year, Ms. Bender looks forward to bringing new people into the space.

“There’s a Zumba hip hop group coming from the Mansion House, and that’s going to be a really fun addition, and there are two or three new singer-songwriters who are going to be there,” she said.

As always, all shows are free. Ms. Bender credits Union Chapel for making the event feel so community oriented.

“There’s a feeling that is partly due to the incredibly magnificent venue that is the Union Chapel, having all the doors open and having all the beautiful light,” she said. “We clear out all the benches from the center and we perform in the round, and that just instantly builds a sense of oneness with the dancers and people sitting across from you.”

Ms. Bender is excited to continue to provide a platform for art to be shared.

“The magic of the space and the warmth of the audience...you go to connect with the artists and with your community,” she said.

Doors open each night at 7:30 p.m. when a drum circle begins. Dancing starts at 8 p.m.

For the festival schedule, visit builtonstilts.org.