USJ to Host 22nd Annual 5X5 Dance Festival in West Hartford
Connecticut’s Largest Contemporary Dance Festival will take place on Nov. 4 at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford.
Submitted
The University of Saint Joseph’s acclaimed 5X5 Dance Festival brings together choreographers, performers, educators, and students to study, perform, and, of course, celebrate the multifaceted art of dance.
Artists, students, and audiences share their experience, talent, and inspiration through master classes, workshops, discussions, and performances. The 21st Annual 5X5 Dance Festival will be held at The University of Saint Joseph’s Hoffman Auditorium, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023 with a performance at 7 p.m. Post-show meet the artists questions and answer will follow immediately after the performance.
The 5X5 Dance Festival was named for its focus on five professional and five collegiate ensembles. Created in 2003 as a response to a need expressed by greater Hartford dancers for opportunities to perform more sustained works – as opposed to the brief “marathon” performances typical of dance festivals – the 5X5 Dance Festival provides performance opportunities for works from company repertoires, works in progress, or works prepared exclusively for this showcase. In its 22nd year, the Festival continues to celebrate the many forms and types of dance, cultural and ethnic diversity in dance, dance that pushes traditional definitions and approaches, and dance that is inclusive in opportunities for artists and audiences.
“The 5×5 Dance Festival has become a tradition for Connecticut Contemporary dance, inspiring the next generation of dancers with Connecticut’s abundantly gifted dance artists,” says 5×5 Founder and Artistic Director Susan Murphy.
Long-time participant and master teacher Lorelei Chang, artistic director for dancEnlight Dance Company, says, “5×5 Dance Festival provides a wonderful opportunity for local choreographers, dancers, and the community to showcase their work and share their experiences and passion for dance. dancEnlight has had the privilege to participate in such a wonderful program since 2010, and it’s been truly rewarding for our dancers and myself. Most importantly, the festival brings us all together – professional companies and college students – sharing experiences and the stage together.”
The 5X5 Dance Festival also includes dance films, and photographic displays and site specific performances, master classes throughout the day, evening performance and a wine reception pre show event.
More details, including the link to purchase tickets, can be found here.
A past 5X5 highlight reel can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
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