On Saturday, May 31, 2025, Montclair State University will host the inaugural Montclair Dance Festival, a vibrant celebration of dance presented by Freespace Dance. This family-friendly, day-long event will showcase the rich tapestry of New Jersey’s dance community, featuring performances from both emerging and established artists across various genres.
A Day of Dance at the Amphitheater
The festival kicks off at 2:00 PM in the MSU Amphitheater, offering free admission to the public. Attendees can enjoy a diverse lineup of performances from up to 30 local dance groups, studios, and schools. From contemporary and ballet to hip-hop and cultural dance, the afternoon promises a dynamic array of styles that highlight the talent and creativity flourishing in New Jersey.Eventbrite+2Montclair Local+2Montclair Dance Festival+2
Evening Performances at the Kasser Theater
As the sun sets, the celebration continues indoors at the Kasser Theater with a ticketed evening program at 7:30 PM. For $25, audiences can experience performances by 10 of New Jersey’s premier professional dance companies, including Carolyn Dorfman Dance, Freespace Dance, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, Nimbus Dance Works, Roxey Ballet, and more. These performances will showcase the depth and diversity of the state’s professional dance scene. Freespace Dance+6Patch+6Montclair Local+6Montclair Dance Festival+3Montclair Local+3Eventbrite+3Montclair Dance Festival
About Freespace Dance
Freespace Dance, under the artistic direction of Donna Scro Samori and managing direction of Lisa Grimes Arndt, has been a cornerstone of New Jersey’s dance community for over two decades. Known for its commitment to collaboration and innovation, the company has performed at esteemed venues such as NJPAC, SOPAC, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Their mission extends beyond performance, engaging in educational initiatives through their Dance Inspirations program and providing a creative space for artists at The Space, a venue they co-manage in Montclair. Freespace Dance+7Montclair Dance Festival+7Montclair Dance Festival+7Freespace Dance+1Freespace Dance+1
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
- Amphitheater Performances: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Free Admission)
- Kasser Theater Performances: 7:30 PM (Tickets: $25)
- Location: Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07043
- Parking: Available at the Red Hawk Parking Deck
- Rain or Shine: The event will proceed regardless of weather conditionsEventbriteMontclair Local+1Montclair Dance Festival+1
How to Attend
Admission to the afternoon performances is free, but registration is encouraged. Tickets for the evening program can be purchased through the official Montclair Dance Festival website. For more information and to register, visit montclairdancefestival.com.Montclair Local
Support the Festival
The Montclair Dance Festival is made possible through the support of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and generous donors. To contribute to the festival’s success and ensure its future, consider making a donation through the festival’s website. Your support helps sustain and grow this vibrant celebration of dance in New Jersey. Montclair Dance Festival
Join us on May 31 to experience the power and beauty of dance, and to celebrate the artistic spirit that thrives in New Jersey. Whether you’re a lifelong dance enthusiast or a newcomer to the art form, the Montclair Dance Festival offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a historic event that promises to become a cherished tradition in the state’s cultural landscape.
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