2025 Princeton Dance Festival

The 2025 Princeton Dance Festival features new and repertory works by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers, performed by more than 45 Princeton students in an energetic program of dances from a surprising range of dance forms. The work in the Festival includes:

• an excerpt of the iconic repertory work, “Gloria,” by the legendary Mark Morris staged by faculty member Tina Fehlandt
• restaging of “non-sequitor paramour,” a contemporary work by Kyle Abraham, Artistic Director of the internationally acclaimed A.I.M. dance company who has also choreographed for Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
• a new contemporary ballet work by Pam Tanowitz, who has created dances for New York City Ballet and The Royal Ballet
• a new work by sought-after contemporary dancer and choreographer Christopher Ralph
• a new Vogue and House work by Omari Wiles, whose choreography has been featured by Janet Jackson and Beyoncé, and who is choreographing for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway in 2026
• a new contemporary work by former Princeton Arts Fellow and Guggenheim Fellow Netta Yerushalmy

Photo Highlights

The student cast includes senior dancers Abigail Leibowitz, Alexander Picoult, Ella Colby, Enzo Kho, Helena Richardson, Jessica Waters, Makenzie Hymes, Mary Burdick, Maya Sessions, Olivia Kasule, Olivia Taylor, Pippa LaMacchia, Sally Menaker, and Tasman Moskowitz. Junior dancers in the cast include Kate Willey, Maddie Rohde, Mariel Shapiro, Mia Jolly, Somiya Schirokauer, and Gisele Sonnier. Sophomore dancers include Bebe Cassidy, Cici Yu, Livia Shneider, Lori Gallo, Nidhi Lawange, Phia Dennis, Renata Suarez, and Tobias Seabold. Aashna Nayani, Ainara Bouzas, Alba Mastromatteo, Emma Coulter, Esme Quirk, Chloe Z. Pendergrass, Gwendolyn Nellis, Jacob Cowan, Jonah Stone, Lilly Fridlyand, Lulu Mangriotis, Raffaella Merino, Spencer Fitzgerald, and Vanessa Brunjes are among the first-year student dancers. Graduate students Amber Kao, Anne Lheem, Christine Blackshaw, and Siqi Xu are also in the cast.

Relaxed Performance

A Relaxed Performance will be offered on November 23 at 2 p.m. Learn more about the Relaxed Performance

Tickets & Details

All Princeton Dance Festival performances are open to the public. Tickets required.

Tickets:

• $20 general
• $10 students (any institution)
• No additional fees
• Tickets are Passport to the Arts eligible for Princeton students

Buy tickets through McCarter Box Office

Directions

Get directions to Berlind Theatre, located at 91 University Place in Princeton, and find other venue information for McCarter Theatre Center.

Princeton Dance Festival Trailer

Accessibility

Berlind Theatre is an accessible venue with wheelchair and companion seating available. An assistive listening system is available and headphones can be requested from ushers. The performance on Friday, November 21, at 8 p.m. will be live/open-captioned. The show on Sunday, November 23, at 2 p.m. is a Relaxed Performance. Visit our Venues and Studios section for accessibility information at our various locations, including Berlind Theatre. Attendees in need of other access accommodations are invited to contact the Lewis Center at 609-258-5262 or email LewisCenter@princeton.edu at least one week in advance of the event date.

 

Relaxed Performance Information

November 23 at 2 p.m. will be a Relaxed Performance.

Relaxed Performances ease typical theater requirements and welcome audience members to be comfortable and to move or vocalize freely, without judgment or inhibition.

You will be attending an evening of contemporary dance featuring six dance works, each approximately 10 minutes long. The dances are created by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers and performed by Princeton University students. The program includes ballet, West African/Vogue/Ballroom, and other contemporary works.

A couple of days before the performance, you will receive an email from McCarter box office reminding audiences of what they can expect when attending the Relaxed Performance.

What to Expect at a Relaxed Performance

What to expect when attending the relaxed performance of Princeton Dance Festival:

• House lights will remain on at a low level in the theater during the performance
• Details of the sound levels and information about any loud or startling sounds will be shared before the performance begins
• No startling or strobe lighting
• All of the dance pieces are appropriate for all ages
• Freedom to talk, vocalize, and leave seats during the performance as needed
• Space available throughout the theater and lobby for standing and movement
• Necessary communication devices are permitted; prohibitions against phone use, photographing, or recording the performance remain

At the Event

• The theater lobby will open at 1:00 p.m. and the house/theater space will open at 1:30 p.m. and you are welcome to arrive early to locate your seats
• The event will be approximately 90 minutes long with a 15-minute intermission about midway through the performance
• We invite you to bring noise-canceling headphones, fidget/handheld manipulatives and stress sensory toys, sunglasses, ear plugs, and anything else you may need to ensure maximum comfort and safety. Some fidget and handheld manipulatives will be available to borrow
• Volunteers with identifying t-shirts will be on hand to assist
• Restrooms will accommodate all family members and/or caregivers regardless of gender
• There will be two lounge areas provided for breaks throughout the performance
• Clear signage will direct guests to all key locations
• Concessions stand will be open throughout the event

View images of the theater exterior and interior spaces

Questions

If you have questions about the relaxed performance or would like to bring a group to the show on November 23, please email Marion Young at youngmf@princeton.edu.