The American Dance Guild marks its 70th anniversary with a four-day festival in NYC, showcasing diverse contemporary dance and honoring influential artists.
The American Dance Guild (ADG), a cornerstone of the nation’s dance community, is set to mark a monumental milestone: its 70th anniversary. From Thursday, October 22, through Sunday, October 25, 2026, New York City will host a four-day Performance Festival, 'Celebrating the Past. Inspiring the Future,' at the prestigious Ailey Citigroup Theater. This landmark event promises to be a vibrant showcase of contemporary dance and a heartfelt tribute to the artists who have profoundly shaped its landscape.
For seven decades, the ADG has championed artistic excellence, fostered educational opportunities, and served as a crucial platform for exchange among dancers, choreographers, and audiences. This festival embodies that enduring legacy, bringing together more than 30 diverse works that span aesthetic, cultural, and generational perspectives in contemporary dance.
A special highlight of the program is its focus on intergenerational exchange. Esteemed guest companies such as Ballet Tech, LaGuardia Performing Arts School/Dance Department, Limón2, Murray Louis Foundation, and Graham 2 will share the stage with artists from across generations. This unique format aims to connect the rich history of American dance with the innovative voices driving its future.
Each evening of the festival will feature powerful performances and dedicated tributes. The ADG will honor four influential artists whose lives and work have left an indelible mark on American dance: Nai-Ni Chen, Paul Sanasardo, Carla Maxwell, and Janet Collins. These tributes underscore the profound impact these individuals have had on the art form.
Beyond the tributes, the festival will also recognize contemporary leaders with special awards. Choreographer, dancer, educator, and writer Pat Catterson will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging her extensive contributions to the field. Additionally, dance historian, critic, writer, and filmmaker Sally Sommer will be presented with the American Dance Guild Award for Dance Scholarship in Journalism and Dance History.
This 70th-anniversary celebration is more than just a series of performances; it's a testament to the resilience, evolution, and enduring power of dance. It’s an opportunity for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to witness the breadth and depth of contemporary dance, understand its historical roots, and glimpse its exciting future. As the ADG looks ahead, this festival reinforces its commitment to supporting the dance community and inspiring the next generation of artists.
Experiencing such a significant event in the dance world can be incredibly inspiring, much like the journey of discovery and growth our students embark on every day at GoDance.
The GoDance team crafts articles about dance, technique and inspiring stories from dancers.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get new content delivered to your inbox
The festival, titled 'Celebrating the Past. Inspiring the Future,' commemorates 70 years of the American Dance Guild's contributions to dance, showcasing over 30 contemporary dance works and honoring influential artists who have shaped the field.
The festival will pay tribute to four luminaries of dance: Nai-Ni Chen, Paul Sanasardo, Carla Maxwell, and Janet Collins. Additionally, Pat Catterson will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Sally Sommer will be honored for Dance Scholarship in Journalism and Dance History.
