"Drawing on the grounded strength of modern dance, the vivacity of Afro-Caribbean dance and the meticulousness of ballet, Fagan’s technique lends itself to feats of balance, which seem impossible until you see them with your own eyes."
- Gia Kourlas, The New York Times
Garth Fagan
Founder & Distinguished Artistic Director Emeritus
Upcoming Performance
Celebrating a 54-year legacy of groundbreaking dance and worldwide touring, Garth Fagan Dance is excited to launch its inaugural Finger Lakes residency at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center. This highly anticipated return to the Finger Lakes Region will feature innovative new choreography by Artistic Director Norwood ‘PJ’ Pennewell and Executive Director Natalie Rogers-Cropper, as well as powerful revivals by the company’s founder and Distinguished Artistic Director Emeritus, Garth Fagan.
20 Fort Hill Avenue, Canandaigua, NY
Friday, 20 June at 8:00 PM
Saturday, 21 June at 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM Sunday, 22 June at 2:00 PM
Photo by Erich Camping
GFDS Spring Semester 2025
Our mission is to create an environment in which an appreciation for dance and all of the arts is instilled and fostered. By using tenets of the Fagan Technique™ as a developmental tool, and adhering to the Fagan mantra "Discipline is Freedom" GFDS builds self-esteem and leadership skills while increasing the mental and physical strength of our students. The professional dance setting provides structure for students of all levels, especially those preparing for a career in dance.
Photo by Paula Hamada Summit
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The Tony Award-Winning Choreographer of Disney's The Lion King on Broadway
Millions around the world have seen Disney’s The Lion King, the stage version of the beloved cartoon feature. The choreographer behind every movement on stage? Garth Fagan. The musical swept the Tonys in 1998 with awards for best musical, direction, scenery, costumes and lighting design. Recently celebrating it's 25th anniversary last February, Garth Fagan now remains as the longest running Black choreographer on Broadway!
Support GFD Today
At Garth Fagan Dance, dance is more than just movement—it’s a powerful form of expression, connection, and art that brings people together. We are committed to providing breathtaking performances, nurturing talented dancers, and offering transformative experiences for our community.
But we can't continue this work without your help. Your generous donation ensures that we can survive and thrive, creating more performances, expanding our outreach programs, and providing a platform for emerging artists. Every contribution is vital in sustaining the heart of our company and keeping the art of dance alive for all to experience.
Join us in ensuring the future of dance. Donate today and support the legacy of creativity, passion, and performance.
Thank you for keeping our art alive!
Photo by Paula Hamada Summit
Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Headshot of Garth Fagan by Matt Wittmeyer, Life Receding (2023) photo by Erich Camping, Trending, Harvest and Shade (Garth Fagan Dance Student Ensemble) Photo by Paula Hamada Summit, Prelude (1981/1983) photo by Karen Johnstone's Motionography, BTS at UNCG Photo by Alec Shiman, PJ Pennewell credit unknown, Garth Fagan Portrait credit unknown, Natalie Rogers-Cropper and Lutin Tanner working Dress Run by Rosalie O'Conner, Senku (2006) by Paula Hamada Summit, The North Star (2018) by Paula Hamada Summit, Photo of students at the Summer Movement Institute credit unknown; Garth Receiving a Tony, credit unknown, circa 1994
