Major Dance Festival Is Saturday At West Hartford's USJ

Arts & Entertainment

Major Dance Festival Is Saturday At West Hartford's USJ The 23rd annual '5X5 Contemporary Dance Festival' will take place Saturday at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford.

University of Saint Joseph

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A West Hartford-based university is hosting a major dance event Saturday that promises to thrill and entertain.

The University of Saint Joseph's 23rd annual "5X5 Contemporary Dance Festival" will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9. from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Hoffman Auditorium, 1678 Asylum Ave., West Hartford.

The theme of the festival this year is "Resilience."

"The 5X5 Festival brings together choreographers, performers, educators, and students to study, perform, and celebrate the art of dance. Artists, students, and audiences share their experience, talent, and inspiration through master classes, workshops, discussions, and performances," said Susan Murphy, assistant professor of dance, and founder and artistic director of 5X5.

"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."

In addition to USJ's Dance Ensemble, the Connecticut-based dance companies performing during the festival's evening showcase include Ballet Hartford, IMMIX Dance Project, Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet, Dimensional Dance, Garet & Co., Body House/The Collective, Moxie & Co., Subira vs. Movement, and the ensembles of Central Connecticut State University and Naugatuck Valley Community College.

A talkback with the choreographers will be held after the performance.

Earlier in the day, three master classes for dancers, students, and the audience will take place on Nov. 9 from noon to 2:45 p.m.

tickets are on sale for both the class and the event.

For tickets and to register for the 5X5 USJ Contemporary Dance Festival, visit and click on 5X5.