From clowns to classical ballet, the first half of the 2025-26 cultural season offers something for every movement enthusiast in Rochester. Families with young children and audiences looking for lighter fare can mark their calendars for RocHaha and The Nutcracker. For those craving innovative modern dance, Garth Fagan Dance and Nazareth University alumni take the stage. With a splash of whimsy and plenty of local talent, Rochester dance brings its A-game this fall.
Nazareth University’s dance program has expanded significantly in the past decade, from launching a dance major to hosting guest artists from across the country. Nazareth now offers the Rochester community a wide range of opportunities for dancers and audiences alike. This fall, the department will present a “Naz Alumni Dance Showcase” during Naz Weekend 2025, highlighting the program’s influence on local choreographers. The evening features works by alumni as well as faculty members Mariko Yamada, Heather Roffe and Cat Olson of CAT & THE COYOTE. The show takes place at 7:30 p.m. on September 19 in Beston Hall, Nazareth University; free and open to all. naz.edu/events
Laughs are guaranteed as RocHaha Clown Festival returns for its second year with shows at both the Multi-Use Community Cultural Center (MuCCC) and newly opened Auguste Roost studios. The multi-day festival features workshops, performances and other opportunities to explore clowning. Like last year, it opens with “Itchy Clowns Night Cabaret,” a showcase of new and experimental works by local artists. Other shows throughout the week will feature Canadian artists Candy Roberts and Gordon Neill (recently seen on “Canada’s Got Talent” — while wearing a plastic dog e-collar) and Gaulier-trained clown Madeleine Rowe from Minneapolis. From puppetry to physical comedy, RocHaha offers audiences numerous chances to escape into a world of risk-taking humor. Various times from Sept. 23-28 at MuCCC & Auguste Roost. Tickets start at $15. rochaha.com
Rochester City Ballet has announced a busy autumn: first, they’ll traverse the Thruway to present something more contemporary with “Synergy,” in partnership with Central New York Ballet and Syracuse University on October 18 at the Everson Museum. Then, the Christmas spirit will once again sparkle with pointe shoes and tiaras during “The Nutcracker,” performed in tandem with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in late November. Tchaikovsky’s music paired with RCB’s elegance has long marked the start of Rochester’s holiday season, and the company will also offer a free, sensory-friendly performance at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua. Various times from Nov. 26-30 at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, tickets start at $21. rpo.org
Garth Fagan Dance reunites with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in “American Masters,” led by Aram Demirjian. The evening includes Leonard Bernstein’s “On the Town: Three Dance Episodes,” Philip Glass’s “Days and Nights in Rocinha” and Aaron Copland’s “Symphony No. 3,” with the iconic “Fanfare for the Common Man.” Garth Fagan Dance will premiere new choreography featuring both veteran and newly joined company members. Known for their mastery of Fagan technique — a fusion of Afro-Caribbean, ballet and modern dance — the company’s athletic style will both contrast and enhance the RPO’s celebration of American composition. Various times on January 24 and 25 at Kodak Hall, Eastman Theatre. Tickets start at $18. rpo.org
