Date: September 9, 2023
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Montclair, NJ
A Farewell to NJ’s Free Outdoor Dance Event
In 2023, Dance on the Lawn celebrated its tenth and final year as Montclair’s premier outdoor dance festival. Founded in 2014 by Charmaine Warren, the festival aimed to increase exposure to dance by bringing together professional and emerging companies, as well as students from around New Jersey, in a community setting that was free and open to the public. Over the past decade, Dance on the Lawn has served as a showcase and mentoring platform for New Jersey and New York’s finest choreographic talent, offering Montclair residents and neighboring communities a glimpse into the vibrant world of dance.
The Dancers and Choreographers that Made it Happen
New Jersey Dance Schools
- Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts
A Montclair-based institution committed to providing comprehensive dance education to students of all ages. - Maurice Chestnut’s Dance Therapy
A tap ensemble led by renowned dancer Maurice Chestnut, blending traditional rhythm tap with contemporary influences. - Movement Arts Project/Dance for Joy
Focused on fostering a love for dance through innovative choreography and performance opportunities. - Unique Performing Arts Center
Known for nurturing young talent and offering diverse dance programs in New Jersey.
Emerging Commissioned New Jersey Choreographers
In a special segment, five of the six past recipients of the “Emerging Commissioned NJ Choreographer” award returned to present their works:
- Robert Mark Burke
Recognized for his dynamic and expressive choreography that explores human emotions and connections. - Kyle Marshall
Known for his innovative approach to movement, blending various dance styles to create unique performances. - Javier Padilla
A choreographer who delves into themes of identity and culture through contemporary dance. - Amber Sloan
Celebrated for her inventive choreography that often incorporates elements of humor and theatricality. - William Ervin
An emerging talent recognized for his fresh perspective and creative choreography.
New Jersey Professional Companies
- Nai-Ni Chen and Company
A company that fuses traditional Chinese dance with contemporary choreography, creating a unique cross-cultural experience. - Maxine Steinman & Dancers
Recognized for their expressive performances that explore human emotions and connections through movement.
Special Performance
- Jason Samuels Smith
An acclaimed tap dancer known for his high-energy performances and contributions to the art form.
Dancing Like its the Last Time
Celebrating a Decade of Dance
The 2023 festival marked a significant milestone as Dance on the Lawn celebrated its tenth anniversary. Over the past decade, the festival has provided a platform for both emerging and established artists, fostering a deep appreciation for dance within the community. The final festival honored this legacy by bringing back past emerging choreographers and featuring a diverse lineup of performances.
Special Recognition
In its final year, Dance on the Lawn was honored with a Community Grant Award from The Masterwork Music and Art Foundation, recognizing its contributions to the arts and the community.
Conclusion
The 2023 Dance on the Lawn festival marked the end of an era, celebrating a decade of dance and community engagement. By featuring a blend of emerging talents and established artists, the festival has fostered a deep appreciation for dance within Montclair and beyond. As we bid farewell to this cherished event, its legacy will continue to inspire and influence the arts community for years to come.
2023
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