Movement and Dance (MAD) Weekend Returns to Nazareth University, Jan. 23-26

Renowned dance company A.I.M by Kyle Abraham is weekend headliner

Rochester, NY (01/08/2025) — The 13th annual Movement and Dance or MAD Weekend festival returns to Nazareth University on January 23-26. MAD Weekend hosts 25+ dance-related events including movement-based workshops, discussion panels, informal performance opportunities, and live performances. The weekend is headlined by the renowned dance company A.I.M by Kyle Abraham performing Friday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the Nazareth Arts Center's Callahan Theater. The MAD Artists' Showcase featuring choreography from Nazareth University alumni, faculty, and regional/NYC-based guest artists is Sunday, Jan. 26, at 4:30 pm. Go to naz.edu/MAD for more information.

Performances:

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham will perform "An Untitled Love" on Friday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Callahan Theatre. Tickets are available online at Nazareth's Arts Center Box Office: $50 for premium seating, $35 for orchestra seats, and $15 for value seating.

The MAD Artists' showcase on Sunday, Jan. 26, at 4:30 p.m. in Callahan Theater features work from NYC-based guest artists DoubleTake Dance, 32nd Pack Dance Company ('21 Naz alumni Rachel Daly and Caroline Sherwood), Catherine Messina, Brianna Lopez, Marisa Ballaro, as well as local choreographers Cat Olson (CAT and The Coyote), and James Hansen (Assemblage Dance). Tickets: $10 cash at the door; $5 student tickets.

Movement-Based Workshops and Panel Discussions:

Movement-based workshops are Thursday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, January 26. See the full schedule at naz.edu/MAD and plan your weekend. Classes are cash only: $5 ($3 with Naz ID) Tickets for classes will be sold at the door of either Elizabeth George Hall or the Arts Center.

This year's festival will offer 30+ classes and events taught by dance educators, artists, industry professionals, and choreographers! These movement-based workshops are open to Nazareth students and community members - ages 15+. If participants are under 18 a parent must sign a waiver before participation. Classes include several forms of dance: modern, musical theatre, ballet, contemporary ballet, hip-hop, pilates, and tap.

Panel Discussions include Diversity and Access in Dance (Friday, Jan. 24 at 4:15 p.m.) and a panel featuring several disabled dancers speaking on The Magic of Access and Criptime in an Anti-Capitalist Dance World (Saturday, Jan. 25 at 1:30 p.m.)

Informal performance opportunity for participants of the workshops Practices For Deepening The Presence Of You and Immersive Theatre, on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 4:30 p.m. The informal performance begins at 6 p.m. and is open to viewers.

The Nazareth University Arts Center has been Rochester's premiere performing arts center for world-class music, theatre, dance, and family entertainment since 1967. The Arts Center serves as a venue and educational resource for students, educators, artists, and audiences of all ages to create, study, and experience the visual and performing arts. The live performances hosted by the Arts Center provide area residents with opportunities to engage with touring artists from across the country and around the world. The Departments of Art, Music, and Theatre and Dance present exceptional productions, recitals, and exhibitions while preparing students for successful careers in arts-related fields.

Media please note: High-resolution photos are available upon request.

Interviews and photo/footage opportunities may also be arranged.

Contact Heather Roffe: hroffe4@naz.edu