Acclaimed for its signature short-takes format, the DANCE NOW Festival presents a diverse array of works from some of today’s most innovative and dynamic dance makers. The 24th season of this lively fall festival will feature 40 emerging and established choreographers, including DANCE NOW veterans and festival newcomers. Every show features Emcee TruDee (aka Deborah Lohse).

The annual DANCE NOW Festival serves as a vital testing ground for the development of full-evening works to be presented at Joe’s Pub as part of DANCE NOW’s Commissioned Artist Series. As part of this mission, the festival offers a unique challenge for artists: to create a clear and complete artistic statement in five minutes or less for the Pub’s tiny stage. The festival producers select ten artists whose work best meets the festival challenge to participate in an encore program. The overall challenge winner receives a development stipend, creative residencies at DANCE NOW Silo on Kirkland Farm in Bucks County, PA, and at Arts On Site in New York City, and a future commission to create a new work for Joe’s Pub.