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Give Big Kern, a 24-hour giving campaign supporting Kern County non-profits has begun! Can we count on YOU to help us meet our fundraising goals? All tax-deductible donations start at JUST $5 and all proceeds support impactful KDA programs. 

Here are a few of the reasons we hope YOU GIVE BIG TODAY!

  • KDA is celebrating 10 years of MOVING our community and we have BIG plans for next decade. JUST $10 will help us continues to deliver our impactful programs across the County.

  • Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY is back this summer! Your donation of JUST $25 will ensure thousands of Kern County children are inspired to read and each participating child is given a FREE book.

  • SHINE: DANCE + MATH continues to expand! A donation of $50 ensures students attend SHINE for FREE! 

  • MemoryMOVES: DANCE + THERAPY provides the memory-impaired with cognitive support. Your donation of $100 TODAY will help increase cognitive function for those experiencing memory loss! 

DONATE TODAY and help KDA RAISE BIG on this special day of giving!

Thank you in advance for your support. 

GIVE BIG to KDA
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SUPPORT KDA
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2025 is a pivotal year for KDA as we celebrate serving our community for a decade!

Give the gift of movement and dance - donate to KDA TODAY!

By contributing to KDA, you can BE PROUD of your partnership and role in supporting arts and culture in Kern County.

– We need YOUR HELP to support our creative workforce while enhancing economic development in our region.

– We need YOUR HELP to provide more dance/movement therapy programs for those that need behavioral and emotional support.

– We need YOUR HELP to give at risk youth a vision of hope as they are given the chance to dance.

– We need YOUR HELP to offer the families of children with disabilities more support to experience the joy of movement.

– We need YOUR HELP to give young girls increased confidence by exploring STEM careers through dance.

– We need YOUR HELP to dismantle illiteracy in Kern County by encouraging more children to read through dance.

– We need YOUR HELP to motivate Kern County dancers to DREAM BIG!

– We need YOUR HELP to ensure arts and culture are elevated in Kern County!

SUPPORT KDA

Kern Dance Alliance is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Tax ID #: 77-0437598

Kern Dance Alliance, PO Box 12407, Bakersfield, CA. 93389

www.kerndance.org, (e) info@kerndance.org, (p) 661.491.5376

KDA Encourages YOU to GIVE. . .

“As someone who believes in the power of the arts to connect, inspire, and transform, supporting KDA is deeply meaningful to me. KDA not only brings incredible dance and arts experiences to our community but also provides opportunities for young dancers and artists to grow, express themselves, and make an impact. By supporting KDA, I know I am helping to build a more vibrant, inclusive, and creative community. This Giving Tuesday, I encourage others to join me in supporting KDA, knowing that every contribution helps create lasting opportunities and celebrates the artistry that brings us together."
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Heather Frank
KDA Board Member
“Supporting KDA is deeply personal to me because it’s about creating a world where everyone has the chance to feel seen, celebrated, and connected through dance. KDA works tirelessly to close gaps to ensure that everyone—regardless of background or resources—can experience the joy and freedom that dance offers. Dance has a unique power to bridge differences, to communicate across cultures, and to build community. KDA is dedicated to making sure that no one is left out of this experience. When you give, you’re not just supporting dance education; you’re helping to create a more inclusive world where every story matters. For me, KDA embodies what a community should be—equitable, welcoming, and rooted in the belief that every person deserves to move and create. Thank you for helping us create that space for Kern County.”
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Krissy Warren
KDA Board Member
"KDA’s impact on the arts in the Central Valleys have been constructed through the endless support of those that have given to the organization in a variety of ways. KDA is grateful to all of those that have helped us to put our mission in motion and, as we eye a new year, we ask that you give again to ensure 2024 is an even more impactful!"
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Andrea Hansen
KDA Executive Director
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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.