Date: September 8, 2018
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Montclair, NJ
Celebrating Dance in New Jersey
2018 marked the fifth anniversary of Dance on the Lawn, a milestone that celebrated half a decade of bringing free, high-quality dance performances to Montclair. As the festival grew in popularity, it continued its mission of supporting emerging artists, highlighting diverse talent, and providing a platform for New Jersey and New York-based dance companies.
Since its inception, Dance on the Lawn had become one of the premier outdoor dance events in New Jersey, attracting hundreds of attendees each year. The 2018 festival saw a larger audience, an expanded lineup, and a continued commitment to artistic excellence.
A major highlight of the year was the performance of Javier Padilla, the 2018 Emerging NJ Choreographer Commission recipient, who presented an original work as part of the festival’s effort to support and uplift local choreographic voices.
The diverse programming of ballet, contemporary, modern, and tap dance continued, with performances by over 13 New York and New Jersey dance companies, making the event an exciting and enriching experience for both long-time dance enthusiasts and newcomers.
A Lineup of NJ’s & NY’s Top Dance Talent
Emerging NJ Choreographer:
- Javier Padilla – Selected as the 2018 Emerging NJ Choreographer, Javier Padilla premiered a brand-new work, a pivotal moment in his career development.
New Jersey-Based Performers:
- New Jersey Dance Ensemble – A prestigious pre-professional dance company based in Summit, NJ.
- Freespace Dance – A Montclair-based modern dance company known for emotionally powerful performances.
- Maurice Chestnut’s Dance Therapy – A renowned tap ensemble blending rhythm, history, and storytelling.
- Robert Mark Dance – A contemporary dance company recognized for innovative movement exploration.
New York-Based Guest Artists:
- Troy Powell (Artistic Director – Ailey II) – Presented a special performance at the festival.
- Stephen Petronio Company – A contemporary dance powerhouse known for cutting-edge choreography.
- Project 44 Dance – A company that highlights male voices in contemporary dance.
The 2018 lineup was one of the festival’s most diverse yet, featuring an array of genres and choreographic perspectives.
Must See Performances and Festival Highlights
Fifth Anniversary Celebration
- Reaching five years was a major milestone, proving that Dance on the Lawn had grown from a local event into a key part of New Jersey’s dance scene.
- The festival had now featured dozens of performers, commissioned five emerging choreographers, and engaged thousands of audience members.
Javier Padilla’s Emerging Choreographer Debut
- Javier Padilla was honored as the 2018 Emerging NJ Choreographer, following in the footsteps of previous recipients like Kyle Marshall and Lauren Connolly.
- His commissioned work showcased his unique artistic voice and continued the festival’s tradition of nurturing local talent.
Largest Lineup Yet
- More than 13 companies and schools performed, making this one of the most expansive editions of Dance on the Lawn to date.
- The festival continued to attract top-tier talent from both New Jersey and New York, with a mix of professional, pre-professional, and emerging artists.
Community & Audience Growth
The event became a highly anticipated tradition in the local arts calendar, drawing an audience ranging from dedicated dance lovers to first-time attendees.
Attendance grew significantly, as more Montclair residents and visitors from surrounding areas joined the festival.
Conclusion
The 2018 Dance on the Lawn festival was a major milestone—a celebration of five years of free, accessible, and high-quality dance performances.
With an expanded lineup, record-breaking attendance, and continued support for emerging choreographers, the festival had firmly established itself as a cornerstone of Montclair’s arts scene.
As the festival continued to grow in scope and influence, it remained dedicated to fostering new talent, bringing dance to new audiences, and strengthening the connection between performers and the community.
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