The RPO’s Dance Festival kicks off with an electric program led by Aram Demirjian and featuring Garth Fagan Dance, who dazzled Kodak Hall two seasons ago in Rite of Spring. Bernstein’s On the Town: Three Dance Episodes bursts with jazz-infused energy, while Philip Glass’ hypnotic Days and Nights in Rocinha evokes the vibrant pulse of Brazil. The evening culminates in Copland’s majestic Symphony No. 3, a sweeping celebration of American spirit, featuring the iconic Fanfare for the Common Man.

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DANCE FESTIVAL: American Masters With Garth Fagan Dance

Eastman Theatre

"Drawing on the grounded strength of modern dance, the vivacity of Afro-Caribbean dance, and the meticulousness of ballet” (The New York Times), Garth Fagan Dance sustains an over 50-year legacy of sharing unbridled energy and depth with audiences worldwide. Their return to The Joyce brings the New York City premieres of Artistic Director Norwood Pennewell’s The Rite of Spring and Executive Director Natalie Rogers-Cropper’s Life Receding, as well as stirring revivals by the company’s founder, Fagan himself. Pennewell’s The Rite of Spring offers the audience an intimate look into the Shaman class rituals – intended to mold and empower The Chosen One, their newest initiate. Roger-Cropper's Life Receding debuts her premiere work on the company, exploring resilience and the impact of global warming on her native Caribbean islands.

Garth Fagan Dance

The Joyce Theater

More than a century has passed since its violent, scandalous premiere. And still, Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” continues to surprise and provoke, excite and enthrall. Andreas Delfs leads Stravinsky’s savage masterpiece. Rochester’s own Garth Fagan Dance will realize the rituals in Stravinsky’s score. And, Maestro Delfs conducts another symphonic blockbuster, Prokofiev’s pagan “Scythian Suite.” Plus, Andy Akiho’s theatrical work “Ricochet,” featuring two ping pong players on stage with the orchestra.

Garth Fagan Dance

24 - 25 Jan, 2026

DANCE FESTIVAL: American Masters With Garth Fagan Dance

Oct 29 - Nov 3, 2024

Garth Fagan Dance

Garth Fagan Dance