Date: September 7, 2019
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Montclair, NJ
Bringing the Best of Dance to New Jersey
The sixth annual Dance on the Lawn festival returned in 2019, continuing its tradition of celebrating the art of dance in an outdoor setting. As the festival expanded over the years, it remained committed to showcasing emerging choreographers, established dance companies, and student performers from across New Jersey and New York.
Since its founding in 2014, Dance on the Lawn had become a highly anticipated event in Montclair’s cultural calendar, attracting hundreds of attendees who gathered at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church to experience a diverse range of dance styles in a welcoming and community-driven atmosphere.
A key feature of the 2019 festival was the performance of Oluwadamilare “Dare” Ayorinde, who was selected as the Emerging NJ Choreographer Commission recipient. This annual commission, which had supported talented choreographers like Kyle Marshall and Javier Padilla in previous years, provided Ayorinde with mentorship and a platform to present new work.
The festival’s commitment to diversity in movement and storytelling was evident in its lineup, featuring performers from the Dance Theatre of Harlem, contemporary and tap ensembles, and experimental choreography collectives, making it one of the most varied editions of Dance on the Lawn to date.
Meet the Choreographers and Dancers
Emerging NJ Choreographer
- Oluwadamilare “Dare” Ayorinde – Selected as the 2019 Emerging NJ Choreographer, Ayorinde developed and premiered a brand-new dance piece at the festival, adding to his growing body of choreographic work.
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 its powerful and expressive movement.
- Maurice Chestnut’s Dance Therapy – A Newark-based tap ensemble fusing traditional tap techniques with contemporary styles.
- 10 Hairy Legs – An all-male contemporary dance company dedicated to expanding the representation of men in dance.
New York-Based Guest Artists
- Stephanie Rae Williams – A featured performer from Dance Theatre of Harlem, who presented a solo performance titled “Verdant”, described by Artistic Director Virginia Johnson as “delightful and mesmerizing.”
- Sofia Forero – A performer from The Heraclitus Project, a company focused on experimental and thought-provoking choreography.
These companies and solo performers brought a wide range of artistic voices to the stage, ensuring that the 2019 festival represented both emerging and established talent, contemporary and classical styles, and regional and national influences.
A Day of Dance: Event Highlights
Emerging Choreographer Commission
- Oluwadamilare “Dare” Ayorinde joined a prestigious group of past Dance on the Lawn Emerging NJ Choreographers, bringing his unique artistic vision to the festival.
- This initiative continued to provide a launchpad for local choreographers, offering them mentorship, performance space, and a chance to present original work to a broad audience.
Diverse and Expansive Programming
- Dance on the Lawn 2019 showcased one of its most varied lineups to date, presenting everything from ballet to tap, contemporary to modern, and experimental choreography.
- The inclusion of Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Stephanie Rae Williams added a high-profile element to the event, drawing further attention to the festival’s reputation for excellence.
Continued Growth and Community Impact
The event provided a space for dance lovers and performers to connect, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art form within the community.
The festival saw an increase in attendance, reinforcing its status as a beloved local tradition in Montclair.
Audience members included longtime dance enthusiasts, first-time festival attendees, and families enjoying the arts in a relaxed and welcoming outdoor setting.
Conclusion
The sixth annual Dance on the Lawn festival continued its tradition of artistic excellence, mentorship, and community engagement, further solidifying its place in Montclair’s cultural landscape.
With a record-breaking lineup, high-profile guest artists, and a continued commitment to emerging talent, Dance on the Lawn 2019 was a testament to the festival’s impact on the regional dance scene.
Leave a Reply