ArtsFest Dance Festival Saturday and Sunday, October 22nd and 23rd

On Saturday and Sunday, October 22 and 23, from 3 pm to 5 pm explore the exciting world of dance at the free ArtsFest Dance Festival taking place at Whitney Young Auditorium at New Rochelle High School, 265 Clove Rd., New Rochelle. The weekend will feature both local dance schools and professional dance companies performing pieces that showcase their particular styles and strengths, introducing people of all ages to a variety of movement.

Whether you’re interested in seeing different styles of dance or want to know more about local dance schools the Dance Festival has something for everyone. Dance Festival organizer Monica Deane says “As a New Rochellean and former professional dancer, I have been nurturing my vision to bring together the dance community of New Rochelle. Over the past three years, local dance schools and professional dance companies have performed in New Rochelle to share their expertise, passion and joy of this art form. It is a very special environment where the audience can experience the vibrant dance culture in New Rochelle.”

On Saturday Ajkun Ballet, Coleman School of Dance, A-Y /dancers, and New Beginnings will perform. On Sunday Accent Dance, Ballet Arts, Ajkun Ballet, Rooftop Rhythms, New Rochelle High School PAVE Dance and Dance Ministry Institute will perform. Here's a sneak peek at the dancers you'll see:

Ajkun Ballet Theatre [AjkunBT] is internationally renowned for its world-class performances of riveting new choreography by artistic director and resident choreographer Chiara Ajkun. The Company’s extensive repertory spans from 19th century classics to compelling new choreography performed by award-winning artists; the artist roster comprises established professionals from all over the world sided by emerging dancers. www.ajkunbt.org

The Coleman School of Dance is an award-winning student company that has performed all over the east coast -- including Lincoln Center (NYC) -- and is one of the few companies invited to be part of the Artists For World Peace at the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. In each Coleman Company, dancers take three classes a week, participate in multiple performances per year, experience guest teachers who are experts in their fields, participate in special events, and see student choreography performed. https://www.thecolemandance.com/

A-Y /dancers is a repertory dance company based in the Hudson Valley that presents professional modern and contemporary dance through performances and public educational programs. A-Y/dancers creates dance programs that span the history of concert dance and provide audiences with experiences of classical modern dance, acclaimed contemporary dance, and groundbreaking emerging choreography. https://www.aydancers.com/

New Beginnings Performing Arts Studio, LLC (NBPAS) is the dream child of Kyra Johnson (Ms. Jay), Founder and Creative Director. As a lifelong dancer and professional educator, Ms. Jay aims to bridge the gap between the traditional education system and the profound community need for structured and supportive performing arts education. The mission of New Beginnings is to provide dance, health, wellness, and cultural development programs to the community of New Rochelle. Open to all ages and all levels, New Beginnings creates a supportive, yet disciplined, environment in which all students can flourish in body and mind. A multitude of styles and disciplines are offered from Afro-Fusion, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Praise Dance, and Theater Arts.

Accent Dance NYC is a non-profit dance and performance initiative that champions arts education in schools and communities in New York City, Westchester, and beyond. From ballet to hip hop, West African to contemporary dance, salsa, tango, martial arts-based dance and more, their programs celebrate multiculturalism, identity, and self-expression, helping students discover the cultural and historical origins of dance while moving and dancing with Accent! Accent Dance NYC also is a collaborative of international artists dedicated to exploring the artistic, cultural, and humanistic connections among people through diverse dance styles. Accent Dance NYC has commissioned award-winning choreographers and collaborators, and has performed on stages throughout New York City, including as part of NYC’s Summer Street Festival in midtown Manhattan, the Battery Park Virtual Dance Festival, and the iHeartDance NYC dance initiative. https://accent.dance/

Ballet Arts (the Performing Arts Center of Southern Westchester) located in Pelham NY, offers a complete program of dance, music and instrument education for all ages. Instruction in ballet, pointe, partnering, technique, lyrical dance, Irish step, jazz, modern, tap, hip hop and theater. https://www.ballet-arts.net/

Rooftop Rhythms Dance Studio instills the love of dance, with the goal of imparting life-long lessons and values as well as respect for yourselves and others, teamwork, and self-confidence. Now in its 22nd year, Rooftop Rhythms offers classes in tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and more. With an incredible staff of talented dance teachers, no matter what level of dance a child may be, there is always a place in the Rooftop Rhythms "home"! https://www.rooftoprhythms.com/

New Rochelle High School PAVE Dance The Arts Department of New Rochelle High School is an expansive program that integrates Visual Art, Media Arts, Music, Dance, and Theater Arts, and also provides an impressive Performing and Visual Arts Education Program (PAVE), which enables students to major in the Arts. Begun in 1999, teacher/artists designed PAVE to develop talented students in the arts. The PAVE Program features four distinct studio programs -- Acting, Dance, Music, and Visual Art. Within the Dance studio students study technique, form and choreography, through multiple styles of dance. They are expected to demonstrate proficiency in solo and ensemble settings. https://nrhs.nred.org/o/nrhs/page/the-pave-program

Dance Ministry Institute (DMI) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to spread the gospel through artistic expression. Founded by Robert Evans who also serves as DMI’s artistic director, DMI is known for its annual production Nativity Birth of A King.

Organized by the non-profit New Rochelle Council on the Arts (NRCA) ArtsFest spotlights the diversity of arts and artists in our community: This year ArtsFest will feature 40 participating venues, representing the work of hundreds of artists. For a complete calendar of events visit www.newrochellearts.org.

ArtsFest sponsors include ArtsWestchester, Gwendolen Appleyard Trust, New Rochelle IDA, Charles Fazzino, Mill Creek Residential, Alvin & Friends Restaurant, Cappelli, L+M Wilder Balter, New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District, RXR, The Standard, Town House Restaurant, BRP Properties and in-kind sponsors AJ’s Burgers and New Rochelle Public Library.

The New Rochelle Council on the Arts is proud to be a grantee of ArtsWestchester with funding made possible by Westchester County government with the support of County Executive George Latimer.