Garth Fagan Dance

Garth Fagan Dance is a renowned contemporary dance company founded by Tony Award-winning choreographer Garth Fagan in 1970. The company is known for its unique blend of modern dance, ballet, Afro-Caribbean movement, and social commentary, often incorporating themes from Jazz and Blues music, as seen in works by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane. With a diverse range of influences, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Martha Graham Dance Company, Garth Fagan has created a distinctive style that has been praised by critics and audiences alike, including The New York Times and Dance Magazine. The company has performed at various prestigious venues, such as Lincoln Center and Kennedy Center, and has collaborated with notable artists, including Wynton Marsalis and Max Roach.

● History

The company's history began with Garth Fagan's early work with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Dance Theatre of Harlem, where he was influenced by Alvin Ailey and Arthur Mitchell. In the 1970s, Garth Fagan started to develop his own unique style, which was shaped by his experiences growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, and his interest in African American culture, as reflected in the works of Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. The company's early performances were often held at Rochester, New York's George Eastman House and Memorial Art Gallery, and featured collaborations with local musicians, such as Chuck Mangione and Gap Mangione. As the company grew, it began to tour nationally and internationally, performing at festivals like Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival and American Dance Festival, and sharing the stage with companies like New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.

● Artistic Style

The company's artistic style is characterized by its blend of modern dance, ballet, and Afro-Caribbean movement, which is often described as postmodern dance. Garth Fagan's choreography is known for its complexity and nuance, often incorporating themes from Jazz and Blues music, as seen in the works of Thelonious Monk and Billie Holiday. The company's dancers are trained in a variety of techniques, including Graham technique and Horton technique, and are encouraged to develop their own unique style, as inspired by Merce Cunningham and Trisha Brown. The company has also collaborated with notable artists, such as Spike Lee and Wynton Marsalis, to create new and innovative works, including The Lion King and Griot New York.

● Repertoire

The company's repertoire includes a wide range of works, from Garth Fagan's early pieces, such as Prelude and From Before, to more recent works, like Griot New York and Lighthouse/Lightning Rod. The company has also performed works by other choreographers, including Alvin Ailey and Donald McKayle, and has collaborated with companies like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Dance Theatre of Harlem. The repertoire often features music by Jazz and Blues legends, such as Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, as well as contemporary artists, like Kenny Barron and Regina Carter. The company has also performed at various festivals, including Montreal Jazz Festival and North Sea Jazz Festival, and has shared the stage with musicians like Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea.

● Company Members

The company's dancers are a diverse group of artists, trained in a variety of techniques, including ballet, modern dance, and Afro-Caribbean movement. Many of the company's dancers have gone on to pursue successful careers in dance and choreography, including Norwood Pennewell and Natalie Rogers. The company has also been home to notable dancers, such as Stella Abrams and Steve Humphrey, who have performed with companies like New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. The company's dancers often collaborate with other artists, including musicians, like Christian McBride and Roy Haynes, and visual artists, like Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence.

● Awards and Recognition

The company has received numerous awards and recognition for its contributions to the field of dance, including a Tony Award for Garth Fagan's choreography for The Lion King. The company has also received awards from Dance Magazine and The New York Times, and has been recognized by organizations like National Endowment for the Arts and New York State Council on the Arts. Garth Fagan has been honored with awards from Carnegie Hall and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and has been named one of the most influential people in dance by Dance Magazine. The company has also been recognized for its community outreach and education programs, which have been supported by organizations like Ford Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation.

● Touring and Performances

The company has toured extensively throughout the United States and internationally, performing at prestigious venues like Lincoln Center and Kennedy Center. The company has also performed at festivals like Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival and American Dance Festival, and has shared the stage with companies like New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. The company's performances often feature live music, with collaborations with musicians like Wynton Marsalis and Max Roach. The company has also performed with orchestras, like New York Philharmonic and Cleveland Orchestra, and has been broadcast on television and radio, including PBS and NPR. The company's touring schedule has included performances in Europe, Asia, and South America, with stops in cities like Paris, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro.

Category:Dance companies