Movement and Dance (MAD) Weekend returns to Naz, Jan. 23-26

The 13th annual Movement and Dance or MAD Weekend festival returns to Nazareth University on January 23-26. MAD Weekend hosts 25+ dance-related events including movement-based workshops, discussion panels, informal performance opportunities, and live performances. The weekend is headlined by the renowned dance company A.I.M by Kyle Abraham performing Friday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the Nazareth Arts Center’s Callahan Theater. The MAD Artists’ Showcase featuring choreography from Nazareth University alumni, faculty, and regional/NYC-based guest artists is Sunday, Jan. 26, at 4:30 pm. Go to naz.edu/MAD for more information. 

Performances:

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham will perform “An Untitled Love” on Friday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Callahan Theatre. Tickets available online at Nazareth’s Arts Center Box Office: $50 for premium seating, $35 for orchestra seats, and $15 for value seating.

The MAD Artists’ showcase on Sunday, Jan. 26, at 4:30 p.m. in Callahan Theater features work from NYC-based guest artists DoubleTake Dance, 32nd Pack Dance Company (‘21 Naz alumni Rachel Daly and Caroline Sherwood), Catherine Messina, Brianna Lopez, Marisa Ballaro, as well as local choreographers Cat Olson (CAT and The Coyote), and James Hansen (Assemblage Dance). Tickets: $10 cash at the door; $5 student tickets.

Movement-Based Workshops and Panel Discussions:

Movement-based workshops are Thursday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, January 26. See the full schedule at naz.edu/MAD and plan your weekend. Classes are cash only: $5 ($3 with Naz ID) Tickets for classes will be sold at the door of either Elizabeth George Hall or the Arts Center. 

This year’s festival will offer 30+ different classes and events taught by dance educators, artists, industry professionals, and choreographers! These movement-based workshops are open to Nazareth students and community members - ages 15+. If participants are under 18 a parent must sign a waiver before participation. Classes include several forms of dance: modern, musical theatre, ballet, contemporary ballet, hip-hop, pilates, and tap.

Panel Discussions include "Diversity and Access in Dance" (Friday, Jan. 24 at 4:15 p.m.), and a panel featuring several disabled dancers speaking on "The Magic of Access and Criptime in an Anti-Capitalist Dance World" (Saturday, Jan. 25 at 1:30 p.m.)

Informal performance opportunity for participants of the workshops "Immersive Theatre," (Jan. 25, at 2:30 p.m.) and "Practices For Deepening The Presence Of You" (Jan. 25 at 4:30 p.m.) The informal performance begins at 6 p.m. and is open to viewers. 

The Nazareth University Arts Center has been Rochester’s premiere performing arts center for world-class music, theatre, dance, and family entertainment since 1967. The Arts Center serves as a venue and educational resource for students, educators, artists, and audiences of all ages to create, study, and experience the visual and performing arts. The live performances hosted by the Arts Center provide area residents with opportunities to engage with touring artists from across the country and around the world. The Departments of Art, Music, and Theatre and Dance present exceptional productions, recitals, and exhibitions, which are open to the public while preparing students for successful careers in arts-related fields.

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2025 January
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