(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Dance New Jersey presents DNJFest '26: Moved by Culture at Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts on Saturday, February 7, 2026. This is a statewide, day-long celebration highlighting the power of dance to connect communities, honor heritage, and uplift the diverse voices that shape New Jersey's cultural landscape.

This year’s festival theme, “Moved by Culture,” spotlights the stories, traditions, and global influences that fuel creativity across the Garden State. DNJFest ’26 will bring together professional companies, emerging artists, teaching artists, youth ensembles, community groups, and cultural dance organizations for a dynamic lineup of audition panels, workshops, interactive events, and informal performance opportunities.

“DNJFest ’26 celebrates what makes New Jersey a vibrant arts community—our diversity,” said Sarah Weber Gallo, Executive Director of Dance New Jersey. “This festival honors the ways dance reflects culture, identity, and lived experience. We look forward to sharing a space where the true diversity of dance practice in our state is represented and every artist feels empowered.”

DNJFest '26 runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm.  Tickets are available for purchase online. Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts is located at 33 Livingston Avenue New Brunswick, New Jersey.

As part of Dance New Jersey’s mission to increase access to the arts, DNJFest ’26 will include low-cost programming and need-based scholarship opportunities, ensuring that communities statewide can enjoy and participate in the festival regardless of financial barriers.

Festival Highlights Include:

First Look Auditions: DNJ is thrilled that Broadway’s Kristine Covillo will be leading this year’s First Look Auditions - offering High School, College, and Pre-Professional dancers the opportunity to participate in a supportive group audition experience in front of a wide-spectrum panel of NJ and NY companies, colleges, universities, and summer intensive programs.

Culture & Movement Workshops: Open-level classes introducing participants to global dance forms and cultural traditions such as: Bachata with Yoaldri Messina; Cuban Rueda with Flaco; Jersey Club with Wizdom; Soul Line with Najah Riker

Soul Line Jam: A community dance party led by Najah Riker

Student Spotlight Stage: Select groups of participants are chosen to present choreography learned in the day’s workshops and auditions.

Pre-Screen & Scholarship Presentation: Select students are invited to skip the traditional pre-screen process and attend formal BFA auditions. Select students are offered scholarships to summer study and beyond.

Dance New Jersey is a nonprofit service organization committed to strengthening the dance field across the state. Through advocacy, education, networking, and community partnerships, Dance New Jersey supports a thriving ecosystem where artists, organizations, educators, and audiences can flourish.