Kda web logo 2025
Festively wrapped present box on bokeh lights

KDA Launches "12 Days of Giving" Campaign to Celebrate the Spirit of

Kern Dance Alliance (KDA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting arts and dance education, performance, and accessibility in California’s Central Valley, is excited to announce the launch of its “12 Days of Giving” campaign. Inspired by the timeless holiday classic, this initiative will run from December 1 to December 12, 2025, offering daily giveaways to support and inspire dancers, families, and the local community.

The campaign aims to foster generosity and joy during the holiday season while highlighting the transformative power of movement and dance. Participants can enter daily draws for a chance to win exclusive prizes, with all proceeds and donations benefiting KDA’s programs that provide dance scholarships, workshops, and community events. To participate, visit kerndance.org/GIVE.

“Dance has the power to unite, heal, and inspire,” said Andrea Hansen, KDA Executive Director. “Our ’12 Days of Giving’ campaign is a way to give back to our community while making dance accessible to everyone. We’re thrilled to partner with local businesses and organizations to create these magical opportunities.”

Daily prizes draw from a delightful array of dance-inspired gifts, including full-year dance tuition scholarships, tickets to the World Ballet Nutcracker at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater, and all-access passes to KDA’s “National Dance Day” event in 2026, and many more surprises.

Winners will be announced on December 13.

Entries are open to all, with multiple ways to participate, including donations, shares, and sign-ups via the campaign page.

KDA is committed to enriching lives through the arts. Founded in 2015, KDA supports creatives in the community annually through scholarships, events, and collaborations that promote inclusivity and artistic growth.


LEARN MORE: kerndance.org/GIVE

Kda 12 days giving general
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.