Dance Initiative Inc

Dance Initiative is a non-profit organization that works to provide artistic and cultural exposure, alongside health and wellness, to the Roaring Fork Valley in the form of dance. Our mission is to support the art and creation of dance through education, collaboration, and presentation. As of 2023, DI’s mission is being met through five major programs including our School Partnership Program, Artist Residency Program, Co-Management of The Launchpad Studios, Support and Production of Local Dance, and Community Outreach and Collaborations. The impact of our work is a thriving mountain community that is becoming well versed in the language of dance, personal expression, body awareness, emotional health, and critical art appreciation.

Recently, we heard from a teacher at a local school we work with. We teach dance in PE classes, free to families, via our School Partnership Program and this teacher witnesses her students going to dance class and coming back rejuvenated and inspired. Her own kids also happen to be participating in the program at school. Here is her note: "I wanted to write you as a parent and say how amazing the dance unit is! My two children talk about dancing in PE more than they have talked about any other part of school (even recess). I have heard all of the songs that are played and see the joy on my children's faces as they show me the new dance moves they learned. As a teacher, I have seen the dance unit really help to make students feel more comfortable in school. One of my students was really struggling with transitioning to a new school and one day he had an amazing time dancing in your class and it has made the world of a difference. He now enjoys school so much more. Thank you for giving these children this amazing opportunity." We know our school program is invaluable to our students, their families, and our community at large. This program is free for families and means dance and personal expression is available to students, more than 40 percent of whom are on free and reduced lunch programs. 

All of our programs have similar lasting effects. Dance, expression, community belonging, education, and culture are imbued into everything we do and we know our valley is healthier and more durable because of it. 

A choreographer and dance company founder, Cameron McKinney, who did a residency with us in 2021, had this to say about Dance Initiative: "Our residency with DI was such an amazing experience; heartwarming and inspiring. Everyone there made such an effort to make sure we were well taken care of and I feel like my art, my craft and the artistry of the dancers was appreciated at a level that is rare."