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Interpretive dance movements for Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden. In partnership with the Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester (2026). Generous support provided by Art Bridges.
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"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 Matt Wittmeyer
Fashion
Week
Rochester
The Fedder Building
1237 E Main Street, Rochester, NY 14609
October 17
Garth Fagan Dance joins Fashion Week Rochester on Saturday, October 17, for a special performance bringing movement and fashion together on the runway. The company will perform original choreography by Artistic Director Norwood “PJ” Pennewell, featuring costume design by Rochester local and renowned fashion designer Nate Johnson. Now in its 16th year, Fashion Week Rochester celebrates local designers, artists, and creative voices while supporting The Center for Youth and its work addressing youth homelessness in the Rochester community.
NYC Season
The Joyce Theater
175 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
November 4-8 (six performances)
Program highlights include Fagan’s seminal Prelude: Discipline is Freedom and the evocative Never Top 40, returning to New York City for the first time since 2001. Expanding the company’s bold artistic vision are two NYC premieres: Priestess Hill by Artistic Director Norwood “PJ” Pennewell and Messages To The Storm by Executive Director Natalie Rogers-Cropper.
A few special moments from the 2026 Rochester Leadership Reception with New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney.
Garth Fagan Dance is grateful for Senator Cooney’s continued support of the arts in Rochester and for the opportunity to connect with community leaders who help strengthen our region’s cultural landscape.
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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SMI 2025 Amya Brice
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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!
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
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 →
