Press & Reviews
Explore how Nickerson-Rossi Dance has impacted communities, elevated contemporary dance, and empowered artists through national press coverage from 2012 to today.
2025
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Moevir Magazine — Interview with Executive Director Chad Allen Ortiz on “Chiseled to Essence” (Aug 22, 2025)
"As Nickerson-Rossi Dance enters its 13th season, ‘Chiseled to Essence’ marks a transition from expansion to refinement — distilling movement to its purest form while deepening artistic intention."
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KESQ — Nickerson-Rossi Dance Awards 88 Scholarships to PSUSD Students (Aug 19, 2025)
"Through intentional partnerships and community support, Nickerson-Rossi Dance has awarded $70,000 in scholarships, giving 88 PSUSD students access to world-class dance education."
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Palm Springs Life — Must-See Dance Performances in Palm Springs by Nickerson-Rossi (Jan 22, 2025)
"The company not only dances with intention but reshapes lives—over $500K in scholarships and a breast cancer outreach that heals through movement."
2024
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OneEleven Living — Nickerson-Rossi Dance Shines Bright in Palm Desert Debut (Oct 5, 2024)
"A decade-long journey celebrated with mesmerizing performances and a powerful message of community transformation."
2023
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Desert Chat — Nickerson-Rossi Dance Collaborates with Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center (Feb 22, 2023)
"Artistic Director Michael Nickerson-Rossi and Programs Director Alison Sachs discuss a moving three-part dance series that shares the stories of cancer survivors—expressing trauma, triumph, loss, and love through powerful therapeutic movement."
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Palm Springs Life — Nickerson-Rossi Dance Opens New Palm Desert Studio (Nov 7, 2023)
"A permanent home for creativity and inclusion, offering access to professional training for all."
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Desert Sun — Nickerson-Rossi Dance opens Palm Desert studio, expands youth classes (Sep 11, 2023)
"Providing scholarships to underserved youth and launching a new era for dance education in the Coachella Valley."
2022
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KESQ News Channel 3 — Michael Nickerson‑Rossi on the Palm Springs International Dance Festival (March 23rd, 2022)
"In a heartfelt broadcast, Michael Nickerson‑Rossi reflects on how the festival became a beacon of community and creativity during the pandemic."
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Palm Springs Life — Nickerson-Rossi Dance Celebrates a Decade (Dec 23, 2022)
"A ten-year testament to community connection, high-caliber performance, and dancer wellness."
2021
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NBC Palm Springs — Palm Springs International Dance Festival Celebrates Movement and Culture (March 9th, 2021)
"The festival brings together diverse artists and audiences in the Coachella Valley, showcasing dance as a powerful medium for cultural exchange, community engagement, and artistic inspiration."
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KESQ News Channel 3 — Palm Springs International Dance Festival Returns with Healing Power of Dance (March 12, 2021)
"Founder Michael Nickerson-Rossi shares how the festival offered community and catharsis during the pandemic—transforming adversity into artistry through movement and connection."
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NBCares Silver Linings — Nickerson-Rossi Dance partners with Barbara Sinatra Children's Center (June 2nd, 2021) "Therapeutic Dance Art Partnership with Barbara Sinatra Children's Center"
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NBCares Silver Linings — Nickerson-Rossi Dance Facility (August 20th, 2021) "Nickerson-Rossi Dance expanded with new Dance House venue."
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NBCares Silver Linings — Nickerson Rossi Dance Fest (October 20th, 2021) "An inspiring segment showcasing how the International Dance Festival brought the community together through the healing power of dance, offering a platform for artistic expression and connection during challenging times."
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KESQ News Channel 3 — International Dance Fest pivots during pandemic (October 21st, 2021) "A three-day celebration of dance featuring international artists, workshops, and performances, highlighting the transformative power of movement and the global reach of the Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company during the pandemic."
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PerformingArtsLive — Palm Springs Dance Festival Overview (Oct 21, 2021)
"The festival is a vibrant showcase of talent, diversity, and professional opportunities."
2020
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thINKingDANCE — Democratizing Dance (Jan 24, 2020)
"Nickerson-Rossi’s mission is rooted in accessibility—bringing dance to unconventional spaces and welcoming all bodies."
2019
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Muhlenberg Theatre & Dance— Meet the Guest Artists: Choreographer Michael Nickerson-Rossi (Feb 7, 2019)
"Choreographer Michael Nickerson-Rossi shares his artistic journey, creative philosophy, and the collaborative spirit behind his work in an intimate interview with Randall Anthony Smith and Mia Shmariahu—offering inspiring insights into contemporary dance and storytelling through movement."
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PhiladelphiaDance.org — Platforms Emerging Artists at Direct/Link (Aug 18, 2019)
"An incubator for next-generation choreographers with professional mentorship from NRD."
2018
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thINKingDANCE — Going Full Throttle with the Community (Jul 31, 2018)
"NRD fuses performance and purpose, building bridges between artists and neighborhoods."
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PhiladelphiaDance.org — NRD Cruises with Full Throttle (Aug 14, 2018)
"Community engagement is not a sidebar—it’s the main act."
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PerformingArtsLive — Palm Springs Festival Gala Performance (Mar 3, 2018)
"A red-carpet event honoring artistry and advocacy in equal measure."
2017
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Fig West Chester — Inspire, Engage, Delight (Jun 2, 2017)
"Residents were moved—not just by the choreography, but by the mission."
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Chester County Press — A Thriving Home for the Arts (May 16, 2017)
"Nickerson-Rossi nurtures local talent while delivering professional excellence."
2016
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PhiladelphiaDance.org — Hope Rising Concert Inspires Awareness and Action (Nov 19, 2016)
"Ortiz’s movement speaks volumes about survival, resilience, and human connection."
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Coachella Valley Art Scene — Eisenhower Fluid Art Series review (Feb 22, 2016)
"‘Deeply Rooted’ leaves a lasting emotional imprint."
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Coachella Magazine — Nickerson-Rossi Dance: Past & Present (Feb 7, 2016)
"Artistry grounded in personal story, performed with
technical mastery."
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ArtDaily — Dance, music, light, and sound in Palm Springs Art Museum programming (Nov 12, 2024) "Nickerson-Rossi Dance blurs the lines between visual art and movement with an immersive, interdisciplinary experience."
2015
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Desert Sun — Art in Motion (Oct 28, 2015)
"Choreography that tells stories you can feel."
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GET OUT Long Beach — Experience Life Through Dance (Sep 14, 2015)
"A company born from passion, built on community, and rooted in healing."
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PerformingArtsLive — Top Pick: LA Dance Festival (Apr 11, 2015)
"Powerful storytelling danced with conviction."
Quote Mike Napoli, Director of Performing Arts Live
2014
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Wicked Local Provincetown — Cape Cod Dance Festival Review (Jul 26, 2014)
"‘Deeply Rooted’ duet captivated with vulnerability and strength."
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LA Dance Review — MTC Presents New Works (Jul 14, 2014)
"Emotionally resonant work that connects artist and audience."
2013
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LA Dance Review — Beginnings and Awakenings Festival (May 18, 2013)
"‘Phoenix’ burns bright with redemption and release."
Quote, Beth Megill, writer for LA Dance Review
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BroadwayWorld — Celebrate Dance 2013 (Mar 9, 2013)
"An ensemble performance that left the audience in awe."
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ExploreDance — Riveting Resilience: Celebrate Dance 2013 (Mar 9, 2013)
"‘DNA’ is a masterclass in using trauma as transformative art."
2012
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Palm Springs Life — Tripping the Lights Fantastically (Oct 23, 2012)
"A celebration of beauty and skill..."
