Garth Fagan Dance

03/06/2026

Garth Fagan Dance extends its deepest gratitude to Senator Jeremy Cooney for championing a transformative $4 million restricted capital investment in our future through the FY27 New York State Budget. We are also profoundly thankful to the entire state delegation for their support and belief in our mission.

This historic funding will support the development of a new permanent home for Garth Fagan Dance, helping to ensure that our organization remains a vibrant center for artistic excellence, education, and community engagement for generations to come.

More details about this exciting project will be shared in the months ahead.

02/06/2026

Congratulations to Anaheysha Baptiste, SUNY Brockport BFA Dance Class of 2026, on being named the second-ever recipient of the Garth Fagan Legacy Award!

Established by SUNY Brockport, this $10,000 award recognizes graduating students who embody the spirit and legacy of Garth Fagan. As a dual major in Dance and Public Health, Anaheysha plans to use movement as a tool for healing, cultural preservation, and community connection.

Read her inspiring story and reflections on receiving the award at the link on our website.

📸 Paula Hamada Summit

01/06/2026

Dear Friends of Garth Fagan Dance,

Thank you for joining us at our 55th Anniversary Gala on May 1, 2026, at the Memorial Art Gallery. It was a joyful and inspiring evening celebrating 55 years of groundbreaking artistry, community, and creative excellence.

The evening featured an intimate live performance by Garth Fagan Dance and the Garth Fagan Dance Student Ensemble, a beautiful three-course dinner prepared by Chef Jeremy Nucelli of Velvet Belly, and moving remarks from Deputy Mayor Michael Burns on behalf of Mayor Malik D. Evans, Assemblymember Harry Bronson, Dr. Rohma Khan, Director of Communications on behalf of Samra Brouk’s office, and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello.

We were especially honored when Deputy Mayor Michael Burns officially presented a proclamation from Mayor Malik D. Evans declaring May 1, 2026 as "Garth Fagan Dance Day" in the City of Rochester.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and supporters, including Rochester Area Community Foundation, WXXI, SUNY Brockport, ROC City Singers, Wendy at Work, Jocelyn Goldberg-Schaible and Dr. Jim Woods, Laura Fulton and Martin Zemel, Deborah Mulford and David Szulgit, Judith Ranaletta and Hon. John Ninfo II, Deborah Ronnen, and Garth Fagan whose generosity helped make this celebration possible.

Photography by Nicolina Scibona () (Link in bio)

Thank you for being part of this milestone celebration and for supporting the future of Garth Fagan Dance.

10/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Garth Fagan Dance. Today, we celebrate the mothers and mother figures whose love, strength, wisdom, and care shape our lives and communities every day. 🌸

As we prepare for the final performance of our 55th Anniversary Performance Celebration at Nazareth University, we share this moment from Priestess Hill, choreographed by Norwood “PJ” Pennewell and performed by Kiara Jolie Haywood.

Join us today at 2 PM at Nazareth University Arts Center’s Callahan Theater as we close this extraordinary Rochester celebration.

08/05/2026

Opening night lit the spark—now we turn up the heat. 🔥

Join us this Friday at the Nazareth University Arts Center’s Callahan Theater for Garth Fagan Dance’s 55th Anniversary Season. Our Artistic Director, PJ Pennewell, shares a special message as we carry that opening-night energy into a weekend of bold, athletic, and deeply expressive work that defines the Garth Fagan aesthetic.

The program includes exciting revivals of Garth Fagan’s “Prelude” (1981/1983) and “Never Top 40” (1985), two seminal works that highlight the company’s foundational artistry. Building on this legacy, GFD leadership will also present new creations: Artistic Director Norwood “PJ” Pennewell’s “Priestess Hill” (formerly Days and Nights in Rocinha), which premiered to a standing ovation during our collaboration with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at the Eastman Theatre, and Executive Director Natalie Rogers-Cropper’s world premiere, “Messages To The Storm”. Together, these works reflect the company’s enduring legacy while pointing toward its vibrant future.

Three more chances to be in the room where it happens—Friday through Sunday.

07/05/2026

Opening Night is here. ✨

Join us this evening at Nazareth University Art Center's Callahan Theater as Garth Fagan Dance begins a special weekend of performance celebrating 55 years of movement, music, and storytelling.

Now through Sunday—be part of it. Ticket link in bio.

06/05/2026

We open tomorrow! 🎉

Join us as Garth Fagan Dance takes the stage at Nazareth University for a powerful weekend of performance, celebrating 55 years of groundbreaking artistry that continues to move audiences here in Rochester and beyond.

This milestone season reflects not only our history, but the vibrant future of our work—rooted in community, collaboration, and innovation.

Thank you to Gio Battaglia and RochesterFirst for the wonderful feature and conversation highlighting this moment:
🔗 https://www.rochesterfirst.com/arts/55-years-later-garth-fagan-dance-still-moves-audiences-live-this-may/

🎥 Watch the full interview: https://youtu.be/vflbewnXBqY

Performances run tomorrow evening through Sunday—don’t miss it.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A milestone moment for Garth Fagan Dance is bringing the company back to a familiar stage, and celebrating more than five decades of artistic impact. The internationally ac…

24/04/2026

🎉 Our Gala is officially SOLD OUT! 🎉
Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets—we are so grateful for your incredible support. We extend our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors and supporters, including Rochester Area Community Foundation, WXXI, ROC City Singers, Jocelyn Goldberg-Schaible, Wendy at Work Hair Salon, and Dr. Jim Woods, whose support makes this celebration possible.
If you missed the gala, there’s still a chance to celebrate with us—join us for our Nazareth Season performances! And if you’d like to support the work, donations for our Nazareth Season are still open.

24/04/2026

Don’t miss this landmark moment 🎉
Garth Fagan Dance celebrates 55 years with performances May 7–10 at Nazareth University. Featuring new works by Artistic Director Norwood “PJ” Pennewell and Executive Director Natalie Rogers-Cropper, plus the return of iconic repertory. Special thanks to Deborah Ronnen and Garth Fagan!
🎟️ Secure your seats today!

22/04/2026

Join us May 7–10 for a milestone celebration 🎉
Garth Fagan Dance returns to Nazareth University for its 55th Anniversary Performance Celebration. Featuring world premieres, powerful revivals, and a program rooted in hope and optimism. Special thanks to Deborah Ronnen and Garth Fagan!
🎟️ Get your tickets now on the Nazareth events page!