The Garth Fagan Legacy Award honors Jamaican modern dance choreographer and former professor Garth Fagan for his groundbreaking contributions to modern dance and his profound influence as an educator and mentor. The award is funded through the generous donations of his colleagues, alumni, and community arts advocates.
The award recognizes outstanding students who embody Fagan’s spirit of curiosity, innovation, discipline, and advocacy for dance. Cassiedy Davis Quintero became the first student to receive this exceptional award, which she will use to begin her post-grad journey to make a lasting impact on the world of dance and beyond.
“Receiving this award allows me to focus on my growth as a dancer without the financial stress. It’s also a form of recognition from a company I deeply admire,” Davis Quintero said. “I want to make an impact through dance – not just here, but back home. This award is helping me move in that direction.”
Growing up in the Cayman Islands, traditional dance programs and classes were not readily available to Davis Quintero, but she always enjoyed expressing herself through movement.
“I joined any after-school program that included any form of dancing,” Davis Quintero said. “I would learn choreography and routines, but there was no focus on strength training or proper technique. It was purely expressive and joyful movement.”
The summer before Davis Quintero transferred to SUNY Brockport, she saw the musical adaptation of The Lion King – her first introduction to Fagan’s choreography. After learning more about his work during her dance history courses later that year, she was inspired by how he blended modern and Caribbean dance in his choreography.
“I’ve always been drawn to mixing styles in my choreography but wasn’t sure if that was ‘okay,’” Davis Quintero said. “Seeing his success reassured me that it’s not only valid but powerful.”
Davis Quintero hopes to work as a professional dancer while pursuing opportunities to teach Caribbean dance at multiple skill levels. She eventually plans to attend graduate school to help foster the next generation of dancers.
“Ultimately, I aspire to combine my performance career with teaching, creating a balanced and fulfilling path that allows me to contribute to the dance community in meaningful ways,” Davis Quintero said.
“My time at Brockport has prepared me with both the technical training and the confidence to pursue all these opportunities.”
Davis Quintero hopes to utilize the award money to open more opportunities that might have otherwise been out of reach for her. For current and incoming SUNY Brockport dance students in similar situations, she offered one key piece of advice:
“Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way – both within the Department of Dance and across campus,” Davis Quintero said. “Stay involved, stay open, and most importantly, have fun. Whatever your dream is, it’s possible, and hard work really does pay off.”
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