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Interpretive dance movements for Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden on view at the Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester (2026). Generous support provided by Art Bridges.
"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
What's happening in Garth Fagan Dance?
The Memorial Art Gallery's newest major exhibition, Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, is on view through August 23, showcasing the work of one of the twentieth century's most prolific African American sculptors. In partnership with Floating Home Films, Garth Fagan Dance brings Rhoden's sculptures to life through original choreography by Artistic Director PJ Pennewell, offering visitors a unique way to experience the exhibition through movement.
As part of Geneva Concert's 80th Season, Garth Fagan Dance is returning to Smith Opera House on September 26th, 2026. As part of our 55th Anniversary season celebrations, GFD returns to the Finger Lakes with beloved revivals by Garth Fagan and exhilarating recent works by our Bessie award-winning leadership team, Norwood "PJ" Pennewell and Natalie Rogers-Cropper.
Garth Fagan Dance returns to The Joyce Theater for its 55th Anniversary Season with an evening celebrating the company's signature fusion of modern, postmodern, Afro-Caribbean, and ballet influences. The program features Garth Fagan's Prelude: Discipline is Freedom and Never Top 40 (Jukebox), alongside the New York City premieres of 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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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 →
