Art Chat: Help! I Need a Mosh Pit? Radical Approaches to Dance as Care Across Maryland

Art Chat: “Help! I Need a Mosh Pit?” brings together local leaders, students, and scholars to examine dance and movement as forms of care across Maryland. The discussion considers mosh pits, dance floors, and the dance profession not only as outlets for expression, but also as places for radical community connection, physical release, mutual support, and collective resilience. The conversation welcomes both experienced performers and anyone interested in the relationship between art, movement, and social health.

The event is part of NextNOW Fest, the University of Maryland’s annual multi-day arts festival, which brings performances and other creative experiences to campus and is open to the general public. NextNOW Fest is presented as part of UMD’s Arts for All initiative and is also supported by Terps After Dark, the Maryland State Arts Council, and UMD’s Student Entertainment Events.

When: Thursday, September 10, 2026

Showtime: 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: Free

Admission: General admission

Venue: Piano Room, Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Registration: Registration is available through the NextNOW Fest registration link.

Livestream: No livestream is available.

Run time: Not specified.

Ages: Not specified.

Accessibility: The Clarice offers wheelchair-accessible seating, size-inclusive seating, large-print programs, assisted-listening devices, adult and child-friendly sensory packs, and quiet spaces upon request. ASL interpretation, audio description, and captioning are available for select events or by patron request at least six weeks in advance.