Garth Fagan receives the 2006 DeLavallade Award for Dance!

Garth Fagan, and several members of the Garth Fagan Dance Company, attended the 2006 International Stage Dance Concert and DeLavallade Award Ceremony, on Wednesday July 19, at the Smith Opera House in Geneva, NY. This eclectic evening was part of the New York Dance Festival's esteemed two week World Class Concert Series. The series creates a vivacious two-week stage for live dance, music, and powerful theater in the Finger Lakes!

The evening featured regional and national dance companies, including headliners: Moraporvida Contemporary Dance Company from Denver, CO, Zero Gravity Breakdance Company of Paris, France and Syracuse, NY, choreography by Broadway personality and Dance professor Victoria Dale from the University of Las Vegas Nevada, M*Shaka Fusion Dance of Denver, CO, Thomas Warfield- President of Peace Art International, and Director of Dance at RIT, breath taking solo work from emerging dance artist Jerami Kipp, the critically acclaimed Kaleidoscope Dance Theatre, and multi award winning producer, choreographer Sean McLeod.

New York Dance Festival-Garth Fagan receives 2006 Carmen DeLavallade Award for Dance

Sean and P.J. (left), Garth accepts while Thomas Warfield and Sean McLeod applaud, and excited Festival participants look on (right)

Every word written upon the sealed award document itself stood remarkably true for the Legacy of Mr. Fagan: The DeLavallade Award is named after the incomparable Carmen DeLavallade, to honor her immeasurable contribution to dance and to the personal development of all, and people of color. Her artistry and humanity, like yours, has inspired generations of dancers and non-dancers alike; and for each of them, provided a guiding light that supported dreams. For your dedication to the fine art of Dance, you are being awarded the DeLavallade Award for Dance, the highest symbol of recognition for achievement awarded by the New York Dance Festival. You have demonstrated a remarkable ability as an innovative, creative force in the world of dance, and have utilized your abilities to bring hope, life, and inspiration into the hearts of people the world over. Your pioneering and continuing leadership in the fine arts dance world has left a significant mark on the world community, to one and all, regardless of age, color, or creed.

Garth Fagan truly is the very embodyment of this award.

New York Dance Festival's Carmen DeLavallade Award for Dance

pictured from left to right: Norwood Pennewell (Rehearsal Director/Assistant to Mr. Fagan), Sean McLeod (President of
N.Y.I.D.E. and New York Dance Festival Executive Producer)
and Garth Fagan (2006 DeLavallade Award Recipient)

When Mr. Fagan received his award at the conclusion of the energetic dance concert, the stage had just gone mad with Break Dancing! The prestigous award was presented by Sean McLeod, President of the New York Institute of Dance and Education and Executive Producer of the New York Dance Festival, and Thomas Warfield, founder and director of PeaceArt International. Upon receiving the Award, the highest award for achievement in dance given by the New York Dance Festival, Mr. Fagan commented on the amazing energy of the New York Dance Festival participants and the Zero Gravity Break Dancers who performed. His gracious words humbled everyone in the theater, and inspired every person in attendance. A truly historic event!

New York Dance Festival-Garth Fagan receives 2006 Carmen DeLavallade Award for Dance

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