Invitation to Protest in Performance

Описание: ARTs + Change Virtual Conference, February 18 – 22, 2026
Title: Invitation to Protest in Performance
Presenter: Joanna Rodriguez and Esther Rogers Baker
Date: February 22, 2026

About the Conference:
ARTs + Change is a virtual conference hosted by the University of Rochester’s Institute for the Performing Arts, in partnership with the Office of Engagement & Enrichment, the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center, Create a Space Now, the Eastman Institute for Music Leadership, and the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival. This conference provided opportunities for artists of all disciplines, educators, community members, and community organizations to come together for five days of inspiring presentations, dazzling performances, and thought-provoking discussions on the intersection of arts, community, and changemaking.

About the Presenters:
Joanna Rodriguez is a dancer, choreographer, and educator who brings classical ballet and modern dance training—and the lived experience of raising and homeschooling four children to her creative work. She earned a B.A. in Dance Performance & Choreography from Hope College and now teaches, performs, and collaborates with companies across Rochester. Rodriguez is passionate about using dance as a catalyst for connection, imagination, and transformative change.

Esther Rogers Baker, cellist, is a Rochester native. Baker has specialized during her career in small ensemble chamber music, new music, and teaching. She is currently researching collaborative multi-disciplinary practice in the arts and exploratory performance and is developing work for string quartet and dance. Baker is an adjunct lecturer at SUNY Geneseo in cello and teaches at the Kanack School of Musical Artistry.