Garth Fagan Dance: Home for the Holidays

For nearly 50 years, the critics have raved that “an evening spent with Garth Fagan Dance is a humanity-affirming event” (Los Angeles Times).

A true Rochester treasure, internationally acclaimed Garth Fagan Dance packs a punch with Fagan’s signature technique which marries the gravity of modern dance, the precision of ballet, and the power of Afro-Caribbean styles.

All six performances will also feature the Rochester premiere of Triptych, Bessie Award-winner/GFD Rehearsal Director Norwood Pennewell’s tenth piece for GFD. This abstract work exudes playfulness set to the music of Keith Jarrett and others. Four different programs will also include a varying mix of the following pieces:

• The North Star, Garth Fagan’s celebration of the life of 19th-century abolitionist, orator, author, and Rochester icon Frederick Douglass, featuring a brilliant score by veteran Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra saxophonist Walter Blanding.
• Distant Kin, Pennewell’s ninth work for the company. The impressionist work is performed to the electronic music of “Gold Town” and “Ghajar” by Stavroz, and “Für die liebe” by Matthew Dekay and Lee Burridge.
• “…ING,” an exploration of relationships with music by the Emerson String Quartet with David Shifrin.
• Time After Before Place: Fagan’s creation story with music by the Art Ensemble of Chicago.
• Prelude: Discipline is Freedom (1983): an opening piece that introduces Garth Fagan’s distinctive style of dance through classroom exercises that build in complexity to a jubilant finale. Music by pianist Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand) and percussionist Max Roach.
• Translation Transition (2002): Fagan expresses a sense of community with music by Jazz Jamaica All Stars.

Single tickets: $40–$55 (eligible for Arts Center subscriber discounts), seniors save 20% with code GFDSENIOR, $15 tickets for college students with ID as well as 18 and under (in-person only).

Performances

• Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 12 | 8 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 13 | 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 14 | 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 14 | 8 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 15 | 2 p.m.

Special Offers from Garth Fagan Dance

• Wednesday, Dec. 11, following 7:30 PM performance: Opening Night Reception with Garth & Company in neighboring Medaille Hall, open to all ticket buyers on a first-come/first-served RSVP basis (as space is limited) by calling Garth Fagan Dance offices at 585-454-3260.
• Thursday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m.: buy-one/get-one-free ticket, applies to all full-price tickets (use code GFDBOGO).
• Sat. & Sun., Dec. 14 & 15 at 2 p.m.: Family Holiday Matinees with buy-one-adult/get-one-free child/student ticket offer, includes goodie bags for kids, an appearance by the Garth Fagan Dance Student Ensemble, and a lobby photo opportunity (use code GFDFAMILY, limit four tickets).

Photo Credit: Rosalie O’Connor

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