Date: September 12, 2020
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Virtual Event (Online Streaming)
The NJ Outdoor Dance Festival Goes Online
The 2020 edition of Dance on the Lawn was unlike any before. As the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, large gatherings became unsafe. Rather than canceling the event, festival organizers made the bold decision to go virtual for the first time. This shift ensured that dancers, choreographers, and audiences could still experience the magic of Dance on the Lawn—even if it was from home.
For seven years, Dance on the Lawn had been a staple in Montclair’s arts community, bringing together New Jersey and New York-based dance companies, emerging choreographers, and student performers. Despite the challenges of 2020, the festival remained committed to increasing exposure to dance, providing performance opportunities, and fostering connections between dancers and the public.
The transition to an online format also expanded accessibility. For the first time, audiences from beyond Montclair and New Jersey could tune in to watch. The festival reached a wider, more diverse audience, proving that dance could thrive in digital spaces.
A key highlight of 2020 was the performance by Amber Sloan, the Emerging NJ Choreographer Commission recipient, who presented new work as part of the festival’s long-standing effort to support and mentor local artists.
Despite the distance, the spirit of Dance on the Lawn remained intact. Viewers engaged with performances from the safety of their homes, while dancers adapted to new ways of sharing their artistry.
From Emerging to Established: The Best of Dance
Emerging NJ Choreographer
- Amber Sloan – Selected as the 2020 Emerging NJ Choreographer, Sloan debuted an original work created specifically for Dance on the Lawn’s virtual stage.
New Jersey-Based Performers
- Mignolo Dance – A contemporary dance company led by Charly and Eriel Santagado, based in Metuchen, New Jersey.
- Freespace Dance – A modern dance company under the direction of Donna Scro, known for dynamic and emotionally charged performances.
- Maurice Chestnut’s Dance Therapy – A Newark-based tap ensemble that blends traditional rhythm tap with modern influences.
- 10 Hairy Legs – A contemporary dance company that explores and redefines the role of men in dance.
New York-Based Guest Artists
- Guest performers from New York’s vibrant dance community were also featured, maintaining the festival’s tradition of bridging regional talent.
Although performances were recorded rather than live, each dancer brought their full energy and creativity to the digital stage, ensuring that the audience remained engaged throughout the event.
The Top Dance Highlights of 2020
First Virtual Edition
- The COVID-19 pandemic forced the festival to adapt, moving from an in-person gathering to a fully online experience.
- This new format allowed people from all over the country to attend, expanding Dance on the Lawn’s reach beyond Montclair.
- The transition to digital performances demonstrated the resilience of the arts community and the ability to connect through movement, even in challenging times.
Emerging Choreographer Spotlight
- Amber Sloan became the latest artist to receive the Emerging NJ Choreographer Commission, joining a respected group of past recipients.
- Sloan’s work was developed for a virtual setting, presenting unique challenges and opportunities.
- The commission continued to serve as a launchpad for choreographers, despite the shift in format.
Innovation in Dance Presentation
- The 2020 festival showcased how dance could be reimagined for a digital space.
- Performers embraced the new medium, filming in different locations and experimenting with camera work.
- The event proved that movement transcends physical space, and dance can be just as powerful when shared virtually.
Press Coverage and High-Authority Mentions
Even in a virtual format, Dance on the Lawn 2020 attracted media attention and support from the dance community.
- Montclair Local covered the festival’s adaptation to an online format and its continued role in the New Jersey dance scene.
- Dance Enthusiast highlighted the festival’s ongoing commitment to emerging choreographers and community engagement through dance.
- New Jersey State Council on the Arts recognized Dance on the Lawn’s efforts to keep dance accessible during the pandemic.
These features helped keep the festival visible, relevant, and supported, ensuring that it would continue beyond 2020.
Conclusion
The 2020 edition of Dance on the Lawn was a festival of resilience, adaptation, and creativity. Though the event could not be held in person, it still succeeded in bringing the dance community together, celebrating emerging artists, and showcasing a range of movement styles.
By going virtual, Dance on the Lawn not only preserved its mission during difficult times but also expanded its reach and impact.
As the festival looked toward the future, it remained dedicated to providing opportunities for dancers and choreographers, no matter the format.
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