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Updated 2/27/2024

VERMONT DANCE ALLIANCE

  • V

    VT

Institution/Business Type: Arts Service Organization

Vermont Dance Alliance believes that dance is a transformational art form. By providing a network of resources for dance artists and educational opportunities for movers and audiences, we expand the visibility and accessibility of dance in Vermont and bolster the creative economy of the state.

Dance is chronically under-resourced, undervalued, and misunderstood in Vermont—exacerbated by the fact that it is a predominantly female profession. Talented dance artists face rural isolation and the expectation that they will perform their skill for free because it is their passion—meaning they must cobble together low-wage jobs while taking unpaid or underpaid dance gigs. More often than not, Vermont’s best talent leaves for better opportunities outside of the state.

VDA is working to elevate dance and dancers in Vermont via a three-pronged approach:

  1. Public awareness: VDA combats rural isolation by providing a digital networking platform for dance artists and enthusiasts across the state, where creatives can connect, promote their classes and events, and find resources. VDA is also working to increase the general public’s awareness and understanding of dance through advertising and public events—such as its statewide residency tour.
     
  2. Career pathways for artists: VDA combats talent flight from the state with its Residency Program, which provides funding and resources for Vermont dancemakers to create the assets they need to launch their careers. With a paid incubator period for the development of new creative work, followed by an interstate tour to build audiences and industry connections, the residency is an important step toward making a career as a professional dancer financially viable in Vermont—for both the resident and their paid ensemble dancers. 

    VDA also serves a fiscal sponsor for individuals or grassroots projects seeking grantfunding.
     
  3. Advocacy: VDA represents dance on a statewide arts and humanities Advocacy Committee, with the goal of increasing state funding and recognition of the performing arts.

VDA was formed in June 2016 as a volunteer-run effort to gain insight into what was already happening within dance in Vermont. Its mission and vision expanded as it gained a broad base of members who represent a plethora of dance genres and skills.

VDA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supported by its membership, which is comprised of dance artists, service partners, patrons, and sponsors, each of whom play a vital role in our ecosystem.

 

Find Me

Megan Stearns (she/her)
Job Title: Executive Director
Phone: 631-220-3536
Address:
PO Box 5423
Burlington, VT 05402

Social Media:

About

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Arts Service Organization

Legal Status:

Nonprofit - Independent

Year Founded:

2017

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Arts Service Organization

Legal Status:

Nonprofit - Independent

Year Founded:

2017

Disciplines

Primary Discipline:

Dance - General

Additional Disciplines:

  • Dance - Burlesque

Activities and Services

Activities and Services:

  • Artist Representation / Artist Management
  • Arts Instruction / Lessons
  • Community Arts
  • Creation of a Work of Art (Including Commissions)
  • Exhibitions
  • Film Showings
  • Marketing Services
  • Performance / Concert / Reading
  • Professional Development / Training
  • Professional Network Gatherings / Events
  • Public Art Projects (In Free, Public Spaces)
  • Residency - Community
  • Residency - Other
  • Social Media Services
  • Wedding / Parties / Private Gatherings
  • Workshops / Demonstrations / Master Class
  • Arts for Social Change / Creative Activism
  • Fiscal Sponsorship
  • Public Relations Services
  • Virtual Events
Seasons Active: summer, fall, winter, spring
Events Per Year: 10

Communities

Populations Engaged:

  • Adults
  • Businesses
  • Elders
  • Families
  • General Public
  • Immigrant Populations
  • Nonprofits
  • People with Disabilities
  • Artists
  • LGBTQ Populations
  • Rural Populations

Languages Available:

  • English

Geographic Reach:

  • State
  • Multi-State Region

Accessibility of Services

Accessibility of Services:

  • Access accommodations for people who are blind, partially sighted, and have low vision
  • Accessible website and/or multimedia for people with sensory disabilities

I Have Worked With

Affiliations and Accomplishments

Professional Associations

Professional Associations:

  • Dance USA

Professional Associations

Professional Associations:

  • Dance USA