"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
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Garth Fagan Matt Wittmeyer
Upcoming Events & Performances
Priestess Hill David Schiffhauer
55th Anniversary Gala
​May 1st, 2026 @ 6 PM - 9:30 PM
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Celebrate 55 years of groundbreaking artistry with Garth Fagan Dance at our Anniversary Gala on May 1, 2026, at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, NY. This special evening will bring together friends, supporters, and community members for an unforgettable experience featuring a live performance by the internationally acclaimed company, offering an intimate glimpse into the powerful and expressive work that has defined its legacy.
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Guests will enjoy an exceptional three-course dinner prepared by Chef Jeremy Nucelli of Velvet Belly, set within the elegant surroundings of the Gallery. Proceeds from the evening support Garth Fagan Dance’s artistic programming, educational initiatives, and community outreach—ensuring the company continues to inspire audiences and nurture the next generation of artists.
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We extend our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors and supporters, including Rochester Area Community Foundation, WXXI, ROC City Singers, Jocelyn Goldberg-Schaible, and Dr. Jim Woods, whose support makes this celebration possible.
Priestess Hill David Schiffhauer
55th Anniversary Performance Celebration
​May 7th, 2026 @ 7:30 PM; ​May 8th, 2026 @ 7:30 PM; ​May 9th, 2026 @ 7:30 PM; ​May 10th, 2026 @ 2:00 PM
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Celebrate a landmark moment as Garth Fagan Dance returns to Nazareth University May 7–10, 2026, for its 55th Anniversary Performance Celebration in Rochester, NY. Centered on themes of hope and optimism, this dynamic program features bold new works by Artistic Director Norwood “PJ” Pennewell and Executive Director Natalie Rogers-Cropper, alongside masterworks by founder Garth Fagan. Highlights include Pennewell’s Priestess Hill (formerly Days and Nights in Rocinha), which premiered to a standing ovation in collaboration with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at the Eastman Theatre, and the world premiere of Messages to the Storm.
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The program also features the revival of Fagan’s Prelude (Discipline Is Freedom) (1981/1983) and Never Top 40 (1985), the latter returning to the stage for the first time since the 1990s. Together, these works honor a rich artistic legacy while pointing toward a vibrant future.​​
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Special thanks to Deborah Ronnen, Garth Fagan, and the Farash Foundation, whose support makes these performances possible.
John Rhoden Exhibit John Schlia
John Rhoden Exhibit at Memorial Art Gallery
March 28, 2026 - August 23, 2026​
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The Memorial Art Gallery newest major exhibition, Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, now on view through August 23. The exhibition traces the career of African American artist John Walter Rhoden (1916–2001), one of the most prolific sculptors of the twentieth century, bringing together works that span several decades.
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MAG has partnered with Garth Fagan Dance and Floating Home Films to explore the relationship between stillness and movement. Responding to the rhythmic qualities often attributed to Rhoden’s work, PJ Pennewell, Artistic Director of Garth Fagan Dance, created a series of short, original movements inspired by five sculptures in the exhibition. These performances, screened within the exhibition, offer an alternative to traditional interpretive labels—inviting visitors to experience the sculptures through motion, gesture, and narrative.
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Each piece unfolds as a brief story in movement, performed by Garth Fagan Dance artists Sabrina Shiman, Kiara Jolié Haywood, Daria Clarke, Janalyce Lane, Raea Moorehead, Charlie Curran, and Jahkim Hodge-Price. Produced in collaboration with filmmaker Alex Weiser, this special presentation introduces a dynamic, multi-perspective way to engage with Rhoden’s work.
SMI 2025 Amya Brice
Garth Fagan Dance School
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.
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About Us​
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Rochester Climate Summit Omar Aponte
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!
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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.
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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.
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Join us in ensuring the future of dance. Donate today and support the legacy of creativity, passion, and performance.
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Thank you for keeping our art alive!
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Photo by Paula Hamada Summit
Special Thanks to the New York Council on the Arts for their generous support of Garth Fagan Dance and awarding GFD $24,400 for the installation of an energy-efficient overhead LED lighting system for our Studio Theater. Learn more →
