Garth Fagan Dance
Fagan Technique classes and world-class performances from the Lion King chore…
Garth Fagan Dance is a renowned artist-led cultural institution founded in 1970 by Garth Fagan, the Tony Award-winning choreographer of Disney's The Lion King on Broadway.
Photo: Dan Hentschel via Google
Before your first class
The school welcomes students of all levels and supports a professional dance setting with structure for beginners as well as those preparing for a career in dance.
No dress code specified; students support individuality in dance attire as long as they can move freely.
Classes are taught barefoot; no special shoes required.
Short-term street parking available on Lawn Street and Chestnut Street (metered; free after 6pm and weekends).
About this studio
Garth Fagan Dance is a renowned artist-led cultural institution founded in 1970 by Garth Fagan, the Tony Award-winning choreographer of Disney's The Lion King on Broadway. Based in Rochester, NY, the organisation operates as both a professional dance company and a teaching school. The company has performed across 660 cities on 6 continents and been inducted into the Archives of the Library of Congress as a 20th-century dance treasure.
The Garth Fagan Dance School teaches the proprietary Fagan Technique, a distinctive vocabulary that seamlessly integrates Post-modern, Modern, Ballet, Afro-Caribbean, and African dance styles. Classes are offered year-round through fall, winter, and spring semesters, with a three-week intensive Summer Movement Institute (SMI) for students aged 13 and up. The SMI includes 4 classes per day, 5 days a week, covering Fagan Technique, Composition, and Repertory, plus nutrition classes, music appreciation lectures, mentoring by company members, field trips, and a final student showcase performance. The school mission is to create an environment where appreciation for dance is fostered, using the Fagan mantra "Discipline is Freedom" to build self-esteem, leadership skills, and mental and physical strength.
Under the creative leadership of Artistic Director Norwood 'PJ' Pennewell and Executive Director Natalie Rogers-Cropper, both Bessie award winners, the company delivers performances that blend the studio's signature fusion of modern, postmodern, Afro-Caribbean, and ballet influences. Recent and upcoming performances include appearances at The Joyce Theater (November 2026), Smith Opera House (September 2026), and a Juneteenth celebration at MLK Jr. Memorial Park in Rochester (June 2026). The company has also created original choreography for the Memorial Art Gallery's exhibition "Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden."
The studio is located at 50 Chestnut Street, 3rd Floor, Rochester, NY 14604, with office hours Monday to Friday 10:30am–6:00pm. Street parking is available on Chestnut and Lawn streets (metered, free after 6pm and weekends), and several paid parking lots are nearby, including options at $1–6 for 2 hours.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes at Garth Fagan Dance School are taught barefoot and support individuality in dance attire—you don't need leotards and tights, just clothing you can move in. You'll learn the Fagan Technique through instruction by company staff and professional dancers. The school emphasises structure and offers classes for students of all levels, from those new to dance to those preparing for a professional career.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The school is led by Artistic Director Norwood 'PJ' Pennewell and Executive Director Natalie Rogers-Cropper, both Bessie award-winning artists. The studio is founded by Garth Fagan, Distinguished Artistic Director Emeritus, the Tony Award-winning choreographer of Disney's The Lion King. Classes are taught by Garth Fagan Dance company members as part of the teaching faculty.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The school welcomes students of all levels and supports a professional dance setting with structure for beginners as well as those preparing for a career in dance.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
No dress code specified; students support individuality in dance attire as long as they can move freely.
What to bring
Classes are taught barefoot; no special shoes required. Wear clothing you can move in—the school supports individuality and colourful leggings are welcome.
Studio history
Garth Fagan Dance was founded in 1970 by Garth Fagan. The company has spent over 53 years creating award-winning choreography and recently celebrated its 55th anniversary season. Garth Fagan is the longest-running Black choreographer on Broadway, having choreographed Disney's The Lion King, which has been seen by over 100 million audience members worldwide. The company was inducted into the Archives of the Library of Congress and designated a 20th-century dance treasure.
Styles offered
7 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Garth Fagan Dancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Garth Fagan Dance, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Garth Fagan Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Garth Fagan Dance teach?
Garth Fagan Dance teaches General, Fagan Technique, Modern, Post-modern, Ballet, Afro-Caribbean and 1 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Garth Fagan Dance located?
Garth Fagan Dance is located in Rochester, NY. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Garth Fagan Dance offer private lessons?
Contact Garth Fagan Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Garth Fagan Dance teach kids and adults?
Garth Fagan Dance welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Garth Fagan Dance?
The fastest path is to visit Garth Fagan Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Garth Fagan Dance?
Short-term street parking available on Lawn Street and Chestnut Street (metered; free after 6pm and weekends). Longer parking: Gibbs Street lot $1 for 2 hours, 100 Chestnut St $6 for 2 hours, East End Garage $4 for 2 hours, or East Ave lots $1 for 2 hours.