Garth Fagan Dance

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.

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.

🎉 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.

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!

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!

Join us for a landmark celebration 🎉
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, the program features exciting new works by GFD leadership, including 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. Executive Director Natalie Rogers-Cropper will present a world premiere, Messages to the Storm.
The program also includes a revival of Garth Fagan’s Prelude (Discipline Is Freedom) (1981/1983) and Never Top 40 (1985), the latter not seen since the 1990s. Together, these works reflect the company’s enduring legacy while pointing toward its vibrant future.
Special thanks to Deborah Ronnen and Garth Fagan.
🎟️ Tickets available now—secure your seats early!