Have Your Gift Matched Before the Company Turns 40 on Nov. 15th

Our dollar-for-dollar match, offered by a group of anonymous donors, has been extended! Before we turn 40 on November 15th, please make your gift, which will have an even greater impact on our ability to create world-class dance and educational programs. A gift of $40 supports two classes for a scholarship student at our school, $140 puts a new costume on one of the company dancers, $400 supports one dancer for a week, and $1000 covers a need-based scholarship to our Summer Movement Institute. Thank you for helping us continue to inspire and delight diverse audiences and students during our 40th anniversary season and beyond! Make a gift online or call 585-454-3260.

Dance Magazine Features a Tribute to Garth Fagan Dance in October Issue

The October 2010 issue of Dance Magazine features a wonderful article about Garth Fagan Dance’s 40th anniversary. In the piece,“Cause for Celebration,” author Susan Reiter discusses the distinguished 40-year history of Garth Fagan Dance, illustrating Mr. Fagan's trajectory from a professor at the State University of Brockport to an internationally acclaimed and Tony award winning choreographer. The article also underscores the significance of the Company making Rochester, NY its home. Reiter demonstrates that the Company is an exceptional gem for Rochester’s cultural arts scene, and she encourages audiences to witness the unique vision of Mr. Fagan with their own eyes. Contact us at 585-454-3260 if you'd like to purchase a copy of the magazine at a discount. To read the full article, click here.

New York City Season at the Joyce, Nov. 9-14

Mr. Fagan and his protégé Mr. Norwood (“PJ”) Pennewell will each present the world premieres of their new works at The Joyce Theater, November 9-14. Mr. Fagan’s piece, “Thanks Forty,” pays tribute to the 40-year history of the Company. Pennewell's piece, "Hylozoic," refers to the philosophy Hylozoism, which holds that matter is inseparable from life. "Hylozoic" will mark Pennewell's choreographic debut as well as the first time anyone other than Mr. Fagan has set work on the Company.  Last year’s hit "Mudan 175/39," named by The New York Times as third of the top six dance watching moments of 2009, will also be on the program. In addition, the season will feature revivals of "Woza," "Passion Distanced," and excerpts from three other Fagan masterpieces. Experience the brilliance and intellect of Fagan’s inimitable choreography live!  Buy tickets online or by phone at (585) 454-3260.

GFDS Students Perform in New Children’s Musical Addressing Childhood Obesity

At a special event on Tuesday, October 14, the Rochester Children’s Theatre unveiled a new, original musical at the Nazareth College Arts Center that addresses the national crisis of childhood obesity. RCT professional actors and students from  the Garth Fagan Dance School performed a preview of the song “Let’s Move!” to demonstrate how Rochester can be a part of the First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign, which encourages making healthy choices, eating right and increasing daily exercise. The production will premiere in December of 2010 and target Rochester-area school children, using humor and music to encourage healthier habits for children in our community.

Free “Over 40” Dance Class on Nov. 3rd

Wednesday, November 3rd from 6-7 pm, join us at Garth Fagan Dance Studios for a free introductory dance class for adults over age 40. This course is specifically designed for adults who may have little or no dance background, but who like to move. “I’ve always enjoyed dancing, but this is the most rewarding of any class I’ve taken. At way over 40, this is the highlight of my week,” says student Betsy Taylor. The next nine-week session begins November 16, 2010. Classes will be offered on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, and on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m in our downtown studios and at the JCC on Thursdays from 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A nine-week session is $200, and four sessions will be offered throughout the year. To register, visit www.garthfagandance.org or call 585-454-3260.