Kda web logo 2025
Kda cares homeslider general noclick

KDA truly cares about helping our Kern County dance community through these times.  We are optimistic that studios will be filled again, performances will thrill audiences, and community programs will continue to move us all!  Step by step, we are in this together and we are here to help! KDA Cares: COVID-19 Support is an initiative developed to assist dance and the arts in Kern County to thrive.

 

KDA CARES: COVID-19 SUPPORT RESOURCES

KDA Office Hours

Are you in need of assistance with your website, social media, or want to begin hosting online dance classes ? Allow us to offer you help!  Sign up for a meeting with our KDA Social Media Team!

SCHEDULE A MEETING

KDA CARES: Dance Studio Support

Are you a Kern County dance studio in need of support?  From advertising and marketing to strategy planning- KDA is here for YOU. The KDA Board of Directors possess a number of professional skills – please allow us to be of assistance. Click the link below and tell us how we can help!

KDA CARES: DANCE STUDIO SUPPORT
KDA CARES: DANCE ORGANIZATION ADVERTISING GRANT APPLICATION

KDA Grants + Scholarships Program

Did you know KDA provides grants + scholarships for dance-related projects? We want to support YOU!  Don’t be intimidated by the applications- let us guide you through the process.  Send us an email if you have questions: info@kerndance.org. 

APPLY FOR A GRANTS + SCHOLARSHIPS

Kern County Dance Studios

Many Kern County dance studios are OPEN for BUSINESS!  Dance studios have pivoted away from traditional dance classes in studio and are now offering quality content online.  We encourage you to check out the listing of studios below and GET MOVIN!

KERN COUNTY DANCE STUDIOS

JUST DANCE: Digital Pop-Up Series

We know dancing is good for the body and mind, especially when we are cooped-up inside!!  Sponsored by Valley Strong Credit Union, join Kern County dance teachers as they provide YOU with FREE LIVE classes. There is something for everybody- check out the schedule below!

JUST DANCE: DIGITAL POP-UP CLASSES

KDA TURNS 5!

KDA will turn 5 on May 1 and we will celebrate by partnering with Kern County dance studios to provide meals for first responders and families in need.  There is no cost to the dance organization. . . we simply want to celebrate with all of our friends by giving gifts to those that are in need the most.  If you are a Kern County dance organization and would like to help us GIVE BACK, click the link below!

KDA 5th Birthday GIVE BACK Celebration

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The Red Backpack Fund

NDCA Benevolent Fund

Dancersgroup Resource List

Foundation for Contemporary Arts

Grant Station

Creative Capital List of Arts Resources

Care Act

SBA

Americans for the Arts

National Endowment for the Arts

California Arts Council

Kern County Health/Behavioral Support

Kern County Department of Public Health

KERN DANCE ALLIANCE
PO Box 12407
Bakersfield, CA 93389
P 661 491 5376
E info@kerndance.org

QUICK LINKS

KDA PROGRAMS
KDA CREATIVE CORPS
GET INVOLVED

Facebook Youtube X-twitter Instagram
Shopping Basket

Jen Thompson

Vice President | Board Member

Jennifer Thompson is a proud Bakersfield native who fell in love with dance before she even started school. She grew up training under the guidance of renowned local instructor Georgia Peck, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for movement and expression. Jennifer pursed her academic education with equal enthusiasm, earning both her BA and MA in English from National University. For over 20 years, she has worked as an English teacher with the Kern High School District, where ahe has inspired generations of students with her love of literature and language. Recently, she has decided to begin a new chapter-transitioning from teaching English to teaching dance. She is thrilled to channel her passion into helping build and strengthen the fine arts program, where she can continue to inspire students through the transformative power of the arts. In addition to her work in education, Jennifer has proudly served as a board member with Kern Dance Alliance for the past four years. She loves the opportunity to bring dance to her community, spreading joy and encouraging creative expression in people of all ages. Outside of the classroom and studio, Jennifer has raised two grown children who are now pursuing their own passions-a journey that continues to inspire her both personally and professionally. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, diving into a good book, and-of course-continuing to take dance classes herself.

Marcie Hronis

President | Board Member

Marcie Hronis is a distinguished author, dedicated arts advocate, accomplished business proprietor, and renowned interview specialist who resides in the vibrant community of Bakersfield, California.

With a dance career spanning nearly two decades, Marcie honed her craft through rigorous classical ballet training under the esteemed Royal Academy of Dance, achieving the pinnacle of her dance education with a distinction in the Advanced II examination. Marcie’s artistic journey included a passion for modern dance, where her formative training was shaped by the profound influences of Lester Horton and Martha Graham.

As the proprietor of Marcie Hronis Communications, she has garnered accolades and recognition as an award-winning interview coach, serving a diverse clientele across the nation.

Marcie is a published author, having penned the highly acclaimed vegan cookbook titled “Believe it or Not” available worldwide on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Wal-Mart.

Furthermore, Marcie has assumed the esteemed position of President of Kern Dance Alliance, stepping into this role in 2023 following the legacy of Andrea Hansen. Her enduring commitment to the organization is exemplified by her role as a founding board member. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role as one of the co-creators of ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY, Kern County’s exclusive adaptive dance program in collaboration with the League of Dreams.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Marcie shares her life with her husband, Demetri, and together, they are parents to two children. Both of their children are engaged in pursuits ranging from classical dance, singing, and piano, to the expressive world of painting.