Photo by Whitney Browne

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Carolyn Dorfman Dance returns to be in residence at the Morris Museum from December 2-8, 2025 with a public performance at the Bickford Theatre on Sunday, December 7 at 3:00pm in Dances of Hope, a celebration of community that features a sneak preview of the newest addition to the Legacy Project, The Hero Within: Max Heller, Mary Mills and Miracles. This work-in-process explores themes of joy, pain, and resilience, connecting the past to the present, and inspiring hope for a better future.

It will be an unforgettable program, offering a captivating perspective of the remarkable works of artistic director Carolyn Dorfman. Through The Legacy Project, Carolyn honors her Jewish legacy, its trials and tribulations, its uniqueness and its commonality across cultures. As a child of Holocaust survivors, she explores her heritage through dance and explores the rich tapestry of human experience.

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Mayne Mentshn (My People), the Company performs selections from Act 1: The Klezmer Sketch and Act II: The American Dream, and she offers her triumphant and joyous Waves. The Hero Within: Max Heller, Mary Mills and Miracles tells a story through dance that you will not forget as it joins a repertory that has been celebrated by audiences and critics around the world.

In the week leading up to the December 7th performance, Carolyn Dorfman Dance will be in residence at the Morris Museum. On Tuesday, December 2, there will be an open rehearsal for Morris Museum Members and on Saturday, December 6, there will be a movement class. The final performance for this year’s residency will be a student matinee for schools at 10:00am on Monday, December 8th. For more information about the school performance, call the Education Department at 973-971-3714. The other programs are managed through the box office.

The dancers at the Bickford Theatre will include Kayleigh Bowen, Tyler Choquette, Dominique Dobransky, Hannah Gross, Maiko Harada, Brandon Jones, Jacob Kurihara, Aanyse Pettiford-Chandler, Charles Scheland, and Jared Stern.

Dances of Hope celebrates life, love, and the enduring power of dance — all brought to life by the exceptional dancers of Carolyn Dorfman Dance. Secure your seats now and be part of this touching and humorous experience. Tickets for the public performance on December 7 are only $33.00 and museum members save $5.00 (tickets include a $3.00 handling fee). Students are only $18.00.

For tickets to the Bickford Theatre public performance call the box office at 973-971-3706 or purchase online through https://www.morrismuseum.org. The Bickford Theatre is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown, New Jersey. 

Carolyn Dorfman Dance moves people to connect to our common humanness to build understanding and face barriers together through powerfully expressive contemporary dance. Through the powerful choreography of founding Artistic Director Carolyn Dorfman and diverse artistic collaborators, CDD celebrates the trials and triumphs of the human story. Our long history is a journey of growth, change, and innovation through storytelling and employment of multiethnic dancers skilled in reflecting our common social connections. Our one-of-a-kind dance experiences open dialogue, and create bridges between artist, audience, and each other. The highly acclaimed ensemble is known for emotional resonance and artistic excellence in both performance and its interaction with audiences, students, and community. Carolyn Dorfman Dance appears at major Theatres, dance festivals, universities, schools, museums, and galleries regionally, nationally and internationally.

The Morris Museum thrives as the region’s premier engine of curiosity and wonderment. Founded in 1913 and located on 8.5 acres in Morris Township, New Jersey, since the mid-1960s— the museum draws visitors across the region to its dynamic and acclaimed art exhibitions program and performing arts events. Its 45,000+ object collection of art and material culture from around the world joins the art of our time in displays throughout the Museum’s purpose-built spaces and within the historic Twin Oaks mansion, designed by McKim, Mead & White. The Morris Museum, from everywhere, for everyone.