All posts by : kern_dance_admin

CA Prop 28 + Dance Credential Campaign

In 2022, California voters approved Proposition 28, known as The Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act. This legislation mandates the establishment of NEW programs supporting arts instruction in TK–12 public schools.

KDA has been and continues to be at the forefront of championing arts education. With the passage of Prop 28, we’ve curated a strategic plan that will uplift the arts in education through a credentialing program, job creation, advocacy, and collaboration. 

• Teacher Credentialing – We are actively engaged in fostering a robust educational landscape by advocating for and creating teacher credentialing programs in the arts at state universities.
  
• Jobs Creation – We are ensuring that students know their dance training can lead to fulfilling careers in education.
  
• Advocacy – We are initiating conversations with educators, administrators, and school districts by proactively promoting awareness and understanding of the Prop 28 legislation.
  
• Collaboration – We are working with our partners in all sectors to ensure Prop 28 programs and jobs adhere to state guidelines and support student success. 

As a trusted community messenger, KDA will deliver consistent messaging on Prop 28 to reinforce its significance of enhancing arts education in the region. Through our advocacy efforts at the legislative level, KDA is not only amplifying the importance of arts and dance education but also contributing to the broader dialogue surrounding educational policy. By actively participating in these initiatives, KDA is playing a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape in Kern County and ensuring that the arts are firmly integrated into the educational fabric of the region for the benefit of students and the community at large.

Join our Movement:

• STUDENTS: Find out how you can earn a Dance Credential
  
• EDUCATORS: Take our Prop 28 survey
  
• SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS: Learn how to implement a dance curriculum in your school
• ADVOCATES: Explore KDA advocacy methods and help share our mission

CA Single Subject Teaching Credential – Dance

KDA and California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) proudly announced the launch of a groundbreaking dance education credential program at CSUB, designed to cultivate the next generation of dance educators in California’s Central Valley.

This new initiative provides aspiring educators with access to a California single-subject teaching credential in dance, addressing a critical need for qualified dance professionals in elementary and high schools. As one of only a few such programs offered in the state, this milestone represents a significant advancement in arts education, enabling passionate individuals to pursue rewarding careers that combine their love for dance with the opportunity to inspire young minds.

“We are thrilled to partner with CSUB to bring this vital program to our region,” said Andrea Hansen, Executive Director of Kern Dance Alliance. “By equipping educators with the tools and credentials they need, we’re not only shaping the future of dance education but also ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant part of our community’s schools and our overall creative economy.”

“As a teacher education department, we are thrilled to be bringing this credential to Kern County. Students who feel a sense of belonging through extra-curricular activities are more successful in school and this is a critical and important way for our students to participate in their school communities. We look forward to

 seeing this bedrock of culture become a part of our credential program.” – Dr. Alice Hays, CSUB Teacher Education Department Chair

The program is particularly timely, supported by California’s Proposition 28, which allocates funding to expand arts education in public schools. This credential will empower participants to secure paid positions in the arts, fostering educational attainment and professional growth for those dedicated to dance.

Enrollment is currently open for the 2026 dance credential program. Interested individuals can learn more about the dynamic program by visiting csub.edu/DANCE.

For additional details on how Proposition 28 is bolstering this effort, explore kerndance.org/PROP28.

JUST DANCE: Adult Dance Class Pop Up Series
Ongoing Throughout 2025
59 Attendees
13 Artists

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

KDA celebrated its 10th anniversary by reviving the beloved JUST DANCE program, an adult pop-up dance class series originally launched in 2019. Designed to engage adults of all skill levels, the program offered affordable, inclusive opportunities to explore diverse dance styles while promoting physical health, mental well-being, and community connections. Classes were held monthly at various Kern County dance studios, highlighting local educators and organizations. Priced at just $10 per class (with discounts for KDA members), JUST DANCE emphasized fun, self-expression, confidence-building, and social interaction, aligning with KDA’s mission to foster creativity and support the local arts economy.

The program partnered with 12 Kern County dance educators and studios, transforming it into a “pop-up” experience that introduced participants to new locations and styles, from jazz and ballet to hip hop and cultural dances like hula and bachata. As KDA Vice President Jennifer Thompson noted, “Many adults in our community are looking for opportunities to dance—not just to stay active, but because they have a genuine love and passion for it. The adult dance community in Kern County is vibrant and full of enthusiasm, and JUST DANCE is our way of celebrating that spirit while showcasing the incredible talent and diversity of dance studios in the area.”

GOALS

JUST DANCE was designed to:

• ~ Increase equitable access to arts education for adults
• ~ Promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness through movement
• ~ Support lifelong learning and creative self-expression
• ~ Strengthen community connection and social belonging
• ~ Provide economic and professional support for local dance artists and studios

ACTIVITIES

The program offered 12 one-hour classes throughout the year, featuring a wide range of dance styles to reflect diverse cultural traditions and artistic practices, including Jazz, Musical Theater, Ballet, Bachata, Hula, Hip Hop, Krump, and Lindy Hop.

Classes were intentionally small (3–8 participants per class) to support individualized instruction, accessibility for beginners, and a supportive learning environment. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 55, demonstrating the program’s success in engaging a broad adult population.

To ensure affordability, classes were offered at $10 per session, with a reduced $5 rate for KDA members, significantly lowering economic barriers to participation.

PARTNERS

JUST DANCE was implemented through partnerships with local private dance studios across Kern County, strengthening the regional arts ecosystem and increasing visibility for participating businesses. Teaching artists without a home studio were supported through access to the Bakersfield High School Dance Room, ensuring equitable teaching opportunities regardless of studio affiliation.

JUST DANCE succeeded through collaborations with dedicated Kern County dance professionals and organizations, including:

• ~ Kristen McLaughlin (Kern Arts Academy)
• ~ Geoff Alexander
• ~ Ashley Choate
• ~ Elyanna Kim
• ~ Veronica Hidalgo
• ~ Angelica Eke
• ~ Naomi Rivera
• ~ Andrew “DANCE FEVER” Jones
• ~ Loni O’Donley
• ~ Pamela Sosa (BakerSwing with Rueben Sosa)
• ~ DAT KREW Academy (Luther Gray and Brushay Taylor)
• ~ Andrew Rosales

These partnerships not only enriched the class offerings but also amplified the reach of local dance businesses.

Additionally, the program was overseen by Jennifer Thompson, KDA Vice President, who provided administrative leadership, program coordination, and quality assurance to ensure alignment with KDA’s mission and funding priorities.

HIGHLIGHTS

The series featured 12 classes throughout the year, each led by experienced instructors and hosted at different venues to maximize exposure for local dance businesses. Despite minor adjustments, such as one rescheduled class, the program ran smoothly, drawing participants eager to learn and connect. Below is the full schedule:

Classes encouraged comfortable attire, appropriate footwear, and early arrival for a seamless experience, with registration handled online to ensure spots in capacity-limited sessions.

IMPACT

JUST DANCE attracted 59 attendees across the 12 classes, demonstrating strong community interest in accessible adult dance opportunities. The program generated $525 in revenue through class fees, which supported KDA’s ongoing initiatives to promote dance education and local arts.

Beyond the numbers, the series fostered meaningful connections among participants, boosted confidence, and provided a fun outlet for physical and creative expression. By rotating locations, it increased visibility for partnering studios, potentially drawing new students and strengthening Kern County’s dance ecosystem. Participants ranged from beginners discovering dance for the first time to seasoned enthusiasts refining their skills, embodying KDA’s belief that “anyone can dance, regardless of their age or ability.”

The program’s emphasis on health benefits such as improved physical fitness, stress relief, and cognitive enhancement which were aligned with broader wellness trends, making it a valuable community resource. Feedback highlighted the joy of learning in a supportive environment, with many attendees expressing enthusiasm for future iterations.

OUTCOMES

JUST DANCE generated measurable community benefit by:

• ~ Expanding access to adult arts education in an underserved area
• ~ Improving participant wellness, stress reduction, and confidence
• ~ Creating inclusive spaces for social connection and creative expression
• ~ Supporting local artists through paid teaching opportunities
• ~ Strengthening partnerships between KDA, independent artists, and dance studios

Participants consistently reported increased confidence, improved well-being, and a renewed sense of connection to both dance and community.

LOOKING AHEAD

As part of KDA’s 10-year milestone, JUST DANCE exemplified the organization’s commitment to inclusive arts programming. JUST DANCE is a sustainable, community-driven program that aligns with key funding priorities by expanding affordable arts access for diverse adult populations while promoting lifelong participation in dance. Through low-cost, inclusive programming, the initiative removes barriers to arts education and supports community health and wellness by offering movement-based opportunities that reduce stress and encourage physical and mental well-being. 

JUST DANCE extends learning beyond traditional youth programming, reinforcing the value of lifelong arts engagement, while simultaneously strengthening the local creative economy through paid opportunities for teaching artists and partnerships with Kern County dance studios and educational institutions. By fostering cross-sector collaboration and inclusive participation, the program establishes a scalable model with strong potential for continued growth, expanded reach, and lasting community impact.

The program’s success in 2025 paves the way for potential expansions, ensuring more adults in Kern County can experience the transformative power of dance. 

For more details, visit kerndance.org/justdance.

FLASH DANCE
Ongoing Throughout 2025

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

FLASH DANCE, KDA’s 2025 flagship public service campaign, ignited spontaneous joy and movement across Kern County, proving once again that dance is accessible to everybody, every day. Launched as a call to action for quick, feel-good bursts of dancing amid everyday routines, whether while cooking breakfast, walking to school, or unwinding after work, the program embodies KDA’s mission to make dance a vital tool for health and happiness. By partnering with local businesses, health organizations, and media outlets, FLASH DANCE transformed ordinary spaces into vibrant “dance floors,” encouraging participants to burn calories, boost endorphins, and build community one shimmy at a time.

In 2025, with renewed energy, KDA cranked up the volume on this initiative, expanding our reach through social media challenges, pop-up events, and branded installations that dared Kern County to dance like nobody’s watching.

ACHIEVEMENTS

This year, FLASH DANCE evolved from a grassroots spark into a county-wide phenomenon, blending spontaneity with structured fun. Highlights include:

• ~ FLASH DANCE Zones: Local businesses signed on as official hotspots, each receiving custom floor stencils for a donation to KDA. These zones turned lobbies, cafes, and retail spaces into impromptu dance arenas, generating direct program funding while amplifying visibility through KDA’s social media promotions.
  
• ~ Social Media Scavenger Hunt: Our #KDAFlashDance challenge led participants to share videos of flash dances in unexpected spots—from Kern County fitness centers to home kitchens. Curated playlists on Amazon Music fueled the fun, racking up 100s of streams and inspiring user-generated content.
  
• ~ Community Partnerships: Teaming up with Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh, the Kern County Department of Public Health, and KDA cinematographer Adam Welch, KDA produced a  public service announcement (PSA) that aired on local TV, reaching an estimated 200,000 viewers and embedding dance as a public health staple.
  
• ~ Adult Pop-Up Series: In collaboration with county-wide dance educators, KDA hosted 12 low-barrier classes ($10 per session) at venues across the county drawing beginners eager for stress-busting sessions led by local experts.
  

These efforts not only met but exceeded our goal of building new business partnerships, fostering a ripple effect of movement that extended beyond events into daily habits.

IMPACT

FLASH DANCE delivered tangible results in 2025, blending quantitative wins with qualitative transformations. Backed by health studies highlighting dance’s benefits—like burning up to 300 calories in 30 minutes, reducing stress by 20%, and enhancing heart health and balance—our program turned data into action.

LOOKING AHEAD

As we close 2025, FLASH DANCE stands as a beacon of resilience and rhythm, having woven dance into the fabric of Kern County’s wellness culture. KDA is grateful for our partners from NBC/KGET to everyday heroes who hosted zones! KDA is poised for 2026 with ambitions to hit more  business collaborations and launch an ambassador program. Thank you, Kern County, for flashing your moves; together, we’re thriving.

For more on FLASH DANCE, visit kerndance.org/flashdance or tag @kerndance with your story.

WATCH THE FLASH DANCE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT HERE

DANCING WITH THE ANGELS
April 12, 2025
Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater
70 Participants
6 Artists

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Dancing with the Angels, a heartfelt collaboration between KDA and the Bakersfield Angels, harnessed the transformative power of the arts in 2025 to unite foster families through joyful movement, music, and creativity. First created in 2022, Dancing with the Angels was a signature one-day event, held on April 12 at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater, inviting foster children, youth, parents, and guardians to step into a world of self-expression and connection.

Professional instructors led interactive sessions in dance, visual arts, and rhythm-based activities, fostering trust, teamwork, and lasting memories in a safe, celebratory space. Rooted in KDA’s commitment to accessible arts for underserved communities and Bakersfield Angels’ mission of mentorship and support, the program turned challenges into masterpieces, proving that a single day of the arts can mend hearts and build bridges.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Building on its legacy of community healing, Dancing with the Angels soared in 2025 with expanded reach and deeper engagement. Milestones included:

• ~ Increased Attendance: 70 foster family members participated, a 25% increase from the prior year, with sessions tailored for all ages.
  
• ~ Enhanced Programming: Three professional-led workshops, co-curated by KDA board members Krissy Warren and Olivia Warren, incorporated adaptive elements for diverse abilities, including sensory-friendly zones and multilingual prompts.
  
• ~ Strategic Partnerships Amplified: Dancing with the Angels was supported with the help of many community sponsors including the Arts Council of Kern. Additional support from the Fox Theater ensured a magical venue at a low cost.
  

These accomplishments not only filled the theater with laughter and leaps but also solidified Dancing with the Angels as a cornerstone of foster care support in Kern County.

STORIES from the STAGE

The magic of Dancing with the Angels unfolds in the faces and footsteps of those who joined us:

• ~ DANCE CLASS: “The dance circle broke the ice. My child, usually shy, led a group improv that had everyone cheering. For the first time, they laughed together without words. This day reminded us we’re a team.”
  
• ~ MUSIC CLASS: “As a guardian to these angels, seeing our oldest child teach her little brother how to properly tap the drum with heartwarming. The arts gave us tools to communicate beyond the chaos of foster life.”
  
• ~ ART CLASS: “Watching our family create angel wings together was a memory I will never soon forget.  The symbolism of creating “angel art” will be a core moment for our family forever.
  
• ~ Echoing Allison McClain, Co-Executive Director of Bakersfield Angels: “This event is a beautiful way to use the arts to bring our community together and create meaningful experiences for children in foster care. We are so grateful to KDA for their passion and dedication.”

These testimonials, gathered via surveys and tags like #DanceWithAngels, illuminate how the program sparks joy and fortifies family ties.

A GRACIOUS THANK YOU

As 2025 draws to a close, Dancing with the Angels shines as a testament to the healing harmony of arts and advocacy, having touched 140 lives since 2022 while inspiring broader community involvement. Heartfelt thanks to our partners at Bakersfield Angels, the Fox Theater, our EXEMPLARY ANGEL artists  – Lindsay Holmes, Brushay Taylor, Luther Gray, Andrew Jones, and Rossie Ansolbehere, and dedicated volunteers – you made wings visible. And, thank you to the Arts Council of Kern for your support of this special program.

Share your angel story with @kerndance or visit kerndance.org/dancingangels.

WATCH THE DANCING WITH THE ANGELS VIDEO HERE

NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY FOR DANCE ARTS

Kern Dance Alliance Secondary Chapter
NHSDA Information Meeting – March 10, 2025 via Zoom
NHSDA Induction Ceremony – May 4, 2025 at Bakersfield Country Club

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

NHSDA Information Meeting

KDA offered an information session on Monday, March 10 via Zoom for students interested in learning more about the National Honors Society for Dance Arts.  Led by KDA Program Coordinator, Whitney Pascual, students were able to learn more about the USA’s most prestigious honors society for dancers who excel in artistry, leadership, and academic achievements. Students learned about the application process and that they must submit their applications by April 1 to be considered for induction.

NHSDA Induction Ceremony 

KDA celebrated our seventh class of National Honor Society for Dance Arts / Kern Dance Alliance Secondary Chapter inductees at Bakersfield Country Club on May 4, 2025. 

Congratulations 2025 National Honors Society for Dance Arts / KDA Secondary Chapter inductees on their acceptance into the USA’s most prestigious honors society for dancers who excel in artistry, leadership, and academic achievement. 

• ~ Khloe Abat is an honors student at Frontier HS. She trains at Precision Dance Center and competes across California. She’s a standout student and active volunteer.
  
• ~ Sophie Baeza attends Liberty HS and dances at Civic Dance Center. She’s performed in The Nutcracker and KDA’s Books in Motion and juggles many commitments with grace!
  
• ~ Hailey Fitch of Tehachapi HS trains at J and M Dance Center. She’s danced at Condors games, with the Harlem Globetrotters, and volunteers with KDA’s ADAPTIdance and Books in Motion!
  
• ~ Sophia Gholz, Heartland Charter HS student, trains at Dancer’s Turnout Academy and has performed in Billy Elliot, Anastasia, Oklahoma, and more. She gives back through KDA’s ADAPTIdance and Books in Motion.
  
• ~ Ane Hansen, a Valley Oaks Charter HS student, trains at Sosa Creatives. She’s passed Royal Academy of Dance exams, danced in Swan Lake, and is active in ballroom and swing. She supports KDA’s SHINE and Books in Motion.
  
• ~ Alyssa Mar, also from Frontier HS, trains at Precision Dance Center. She’s performed in musicals and with her dance team—and gives back to her community with heart.
  

Thank you to guest speaker Emma Grimes for sharing how dance laid the foundation for her dream job in DC!

Huge thanks to 2024 inductees Methea Hansen and Catalina Arias who helped with the official NHSDA pinning ceremony! 

Inductees received an honors cord and pin, as well as a NHSDA plaque during the NHSDA luncheon.

KDA is proud to celebrate equally accomplished academicians and artists that are exemplary in their merit, character, and leadership.  Congratulations to these students who now officially join 1000s of NHSDA inductees throughout the USA.

WATCH THE 2025 NHSDA VIDEO HERE

KDA CREATIVE CORPS
Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition
May 3, 2025
Nile Theater

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Imagine a young artist from California’s Central Valleys stepping into the U.S. Capitol, seeing their artwork displayed for the nation to admire – a dream made possible through the Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition.

This year marked the 43rd anniversary of the Congressional Art Competition “An Artistic Discovery” and since this competition was created in 1982, hundreds of thousands of students have participated at the local level. The 20th Congressional District has participated for 40 of those years and KDA was honored to assist Congressman Fong in continuing the tradition of showcasing local art.

Visual arts high school students living in Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties were invited to participate in the Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition by submitting their artwork for a chance to be showcased in Washington DC. Entries had to be submitted by Friday, April 11.

Submissions were adjudicated by a panel of visual arts experts. The overall winning piece from each district will hang in the corridor leading to the United States Capitol for one year.

OVERALL WINNER

Allison Chung, Buchanan High School, Watercolor- “Ong ngoai” $1,000

ALL OTHER MEDIUM CATEGORY

1st Place- Rachel Kong, Independence High School, Charcoal- “Perfecting” $100

2nd Place- Madison Chaney, Buchanan High School, Oil-“Simon Peter” $75

3rd Place- Adalynn Givan, Buchanan High School, Watercolor- “Self-Portrait” $50

PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORY

1st Place- Ethan Cardenas, Tehachapi High School, Photo- “Motorcycle” $100

2nd Place- Mason Booker, Valley Oaks Charter School, Photo- “Late Night” $75

3rd Place- Matthew Jiglea, Buchanan High School, Photo “The Backbone”  $50

COMPUTER GENERATED ART CATEGORY

1st Place- Norah Callister, Buchanan High School, Computer- “Once Upon a Time” $100

2nd Place- Emma Gonzales, Tehachapi High School, Computer-“Jane”  $75

3rd Place- Madison Blanthorne, Tehachapi High School, Computer- “Orange” $50

HONORING ART TEACHER ARNIE GONZALES

Mr. Arnie Gonzalez or ‘Mr. G’ as many of his students fondly call him, has dedicated over 12 years to teaching digital media and design, 9 of those being at Tehachapi Unified School District. His hands-on, real-world approach has inspired students to unlock their creativity and pursue careers in the digital media industry. His students have consistently excelled, winning various awards in the computer generated art category for the Congressional Art Competition in the 20 th Congressional District for the last 9 years. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Gonzalez is a dedicated and passionate individual who goes above and beyond not only for his students but also for his colleagues and the community. As he moves into his new role as a K12 Pathway Specialist with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, his influence on education and the arts will continue to resonate across the county.”

A GRACIOUS THANK YOU

Thank you to the many sponsors and volunteers that supported this program, including Moo Creamery, John Lake, Valerie Hashim, and Andrea Hansen.

Columbia Elementary School Dance Camp
July 7 – 18, 2025
Program Length: Two weeks (10 instructional days)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Total Instructional Hours: 50
Instructor: Jennifer Thompson
Student Enrollment: 16 students
Grade Levels Served: 1–6

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Columbia Elementary School implemented a two-week dance camp program serving students in grades 1–6. The program provided equitable access to high-quality dance instruction during the school day, fostering physical wellness, creative expression, and confidence-building through the performing arts. Led by a professional teaching artist, the program culminated in a student performance, reinforcing learning through authentic arts experiences.

NEED

Many elementary students have limited access to sustained, standards-based dance instruction within the school day. This program addressed that gap by offering consistent, age-appropriate arts education that supported physical development, social-emotional learning, and creative expression. By providing a multi-day, immersive experience, students were able to develop skills, build confidence, and engage meaningfully in the arts regardless of prior experience or financial resources.

GOALS + OBJECTIVES

The primary goals of the dance camp were to:

• ~ Increase student access to high-quality dance instruction
• ~ Develop foundational skills in multiple dance genres
• ~ Promote physical activity and healthy movement habits
• ~ Build confidence, teamwork, and self-expression through performance

OUTCOMES

By the conclusion of the program:

• ~ 100% of participating students learned foundational skills in ballet, jazz, and hip hop
• ~ 100% of students participated in a culminating performance
• ~ Students demonstrated increased confidence, focus, and collaboration as observed during rehearsals and performance
• ~ Students applied dance vocabulary, musicality, and movement skills appropriate to their grade level

CURRICULUM + INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH 

Students received structured instruction in:

• ~ Ballet: Alignment, balance, positions of the feet and arms, and coordination
• ~ Jazz: Rhythm, isolations, dynamic movement, and expressive performance
• ~ Hip Hop: Foundational grooves, musicality, body awareness, and teamwork

Lessons were scaffolded to support a mixed-grade classroom and designed to meet students at their individual ability levels. Instruction emphasized both technical skill development and creative expression.

FINAL PERFORMANCE

On the final day of the program, students performed two choreographed dance pieces for their peers. This culminating event provided students with an authentic performance opportunity, reinforcing learning outcomes and allowing students to demonstrate their growth in technique, confidence, and collaboration.

IMPACT

The dance camp positively impacted participating students by:

• ~ Increasing access to arts education during the school day
• ~ Encouraging physical wellness and creative engagement
• ~ Strengthening social-emotional skills such as perseverance, teamwork, and self-confidence

The performance component fostered school-wide engagement and highlighted the importance of arts education within the broader school community.

LOOKING AHEAD

Funding support for this program enables the continuation and expansion of arts education opportunities at Columbia Elementary School. With continued investment, similar dance programs can reach additional students, extend instructional time, and further integrate arts learning into the school environment.

SUMMER 2025

Number of Performances: 50
Number of Locations: 20
Number of Artists: 235
Number of Participants: 5,141
Number of Free Books Given Away: 5,595

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Books in Motion: Dance + Literacy is an award-nominated, evidence-based summer reading program presented by KDA in partnership with the Kern County Library system. Now in its ninth year, the 2025 edition ran from July 7 to August 2, targeting primarily K-3rd grade children to combat the “summer slide” by promoting literacy, creativity, and physical activity. Aligned with Common Core Standards for Reading Literature, the program encourages self-expression, healthy living, and family engagement through movement and storytelling. Families attended dynamic dance performances interpreting children’s books, learned short related choreography, created take-home crafts for role-playing, and collected free books to build home libraries and motivate daily reading. By bringing stories to life through dancers’ movements, the initiative bypasses traditional reading barriers, tapping into imagination, curiosity, and kinesthetic learning to enhance retention, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation. 

In 2025, KDA collaborated with 12 Kern County dance organizations to feature 12 captivating books, delivering free, inclusive events across the region. This program not only fosters a love for reading but also highlights the transformative power of dance in making literature accessible and enjoyable, addressing Kern County’s literacy challenges where only 28% of 3rd graders meet English Language Arts standards and adult literacy rates lag significantly.

The program’s core goals are to:

• ~ Create motivation and interest in reading.
• ~ Create motivation and encouragement for movement through dance.
• ~ Cover Common Core State Standards in Reading Literature for grades K-3rd grade.
• ~ Instill a sense of connection and ownership of reading through listening and viewing of stories.
• ~ Support literacy development through unified thematic experience of art, dance, and story-telling.

HIGHLIGHTS

The 2025 tour spanned from late June to early August, hosting performances at libraries, recreation centers, schools, and community venues throughout Kern County. Each event included a live dance interpretation of a selected book, followed by book giveaways and optional craft activities to extend the learning experience. Translation services in Spanish and ASL were provided at select locations to ensure inclusivity. Key books and performing organizations included:

The tour emphasized cultural diversity and community outreach, with events in underserved areas like Delano, Shafter, and Frazier Park, drawing families together for joyful, educational experiences. On June 17, 2025, the Kern County Board of Supervisors proclaimed July as Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY Month, recognizing the program’s impact on literacy, arts, and economic growth through job creation for artists.

IMPACT

Books in Motion 2025 achieved significant growth, reflecting increased community demand and program effectiveness. Historical trends show steady expansion: performances increased from 26 in 2022 to 50 in 2025 (19% year-over-year from 2024), participants from 1,880 to 5,141 (32% increase), free books distributed from 1,355 to 5,595 (107% increase), and artists involved from 54 to 235 (8% increase).

• ~ Number of Performances: 50 (a 19% increase from 2024)
• ~ Number of Locations: 20
• ~ Number of Artists: 235 (an 8% increase)
• ~ Number of Participants: 5,141 (a 32% increase in attendance)
• ~ Number of Free Books Given Away: 5,595 (a 107% increase)

These metrics underscore the program’s expanding reach, with thousands of children receiving free books to build home libraries and inspire ongoing reading. Since its inception in 2016, Books in Motion has reached nearly 15,000 children and distributed close to 10,000 free books, making a lasting impact on literacy in the region. 

Geographic data from participant zip codes highlights broad community engagement, with the top 15 areas including 93304 (344 participants), 93311 (210), 93313 (180), 93309 (169), 93314 (159), 93307 (149), 93312 (148), 93263 (129), 93280 (127), 93306 (121), 93305 (103), 93518 (100), 93308 (86), 93561 (56), and 93305 (38), demonstrating penetration into diverse urban and rural neighborhoods.

Post-event assessments revealed strong positive outcomes directly aligned with the program’s goals:

• ~ Creating motivation and interest in reading: 91.7% of respondents reported that the performance inspired them to read, while 54.6% encountered the featured story for the first time, introducing new literature and sparking curiosity.

• ~ Creating motivation and encouragement for movement through dance: 89.0% felt inspired to dance, with participants engaging in choreography lessons that promoted physical activity and self-expression.

• ~ Covering Common Core State Standards in Reading Literature for grades K-3rd grade: The program’s structure, including story interpretations and thematic crafts, reinforced standards like key ideas/details, craft/structure, and integration of knowledge/ideas through multimodal experiences.

• ~ Instilling a sense of connection and ownership of reading through listening and viewing of stories: By experiencing stories via dance and interactive elements, attendees reported deeper emotional connections, with free books and crafts enabling continued ownership at home; repeat attendance (72.1% attended multiple shows) further evidenced sustained engagement.

• ~ Supporting literacy development through unified thematic experience of art, dance, and story-telling: Favorite event aspects included the performance (51.5%), dance lesson (22.1%), free book (13.3%), and craft (13.1%), illustrating how the integrated arts approach enhanced comprehension, retention, and cultural appreciation.

By combining dance with storytelling, Books in Motion promoted physical health, cognitive development, and cultural appreciation, contributing to reduced summer learning loss and stronger community bonds in Kern County.

MEDIA + OUTREACH

KDA executed a comprehensive media strategy for Books in Motion 2025, blending social media campaigns with traditional media outreach to build awareness, drive attendance, and celebrate the program’s impact. Social media efforts spanned June to August on platforms including Instagram (IG), Facebook (FB), X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, with over 50 scheduled posts. Key highlights included:

• ~ Pre-announcement on June 1, teasing the summer program and engaging audiences with excitement for reading and dance.

• ~ Proclamation coverage on June 17-18, featuring reels and photo carousels of the Kern County Board of Supervisors’ declaration of July as Books in Motion Month, emphasizing the program’s 9-year legacy and community benefits. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO

• ~ Tour announcements and daily show promotions from June 25 onward, with graphics, captions tagging partners, and event details to encourage participation.

• ~ Individual performance spotlights, such as reels for “Danza!” by Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli and “Frozen” by Spotlight Academy of the Arts, shared across platforms to showcase diversity and inclusivity.

• ~ Wrap-up posts in early August, including a thank-you carousel with photos from all 12 shows and a final video recap, highlighting attendance metrics, partnerships, and gratitude to sponsors and volunteers.

These posts consistently used hashtags like #BooksInMotion2025, #KernDanceAlliance, #InspireAChildToReadThroughDance, and #KernCountyLibrary to amplify reach and foster community interaction.

Traditional and digital media amplified the program’s visibility:

• ~ KERO/ABC23 (Channel 23) featured two stories: “Books in Motion: Bringing stories to life across Kern County” on June 17, 2025, announcing the 50 free performances and 9-year milestone; and “Books in Motion: Bringing stories to life with dance” on June 26, 2025, focusing on the innovative literacy-through-dance approach.

• ~ KDA’s YouTube channel uploaded multiple performance videos, including “Kern Dance Alliance – Books in Motion 2025 – ‘FROZEN’ Featuring Spotlight Academy of the Arts” (published December 22, 2025), “Kern Dance Alliance – ‘DANZA’ featuring Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli” (published December 22, 2025), and “2025 Books In Motion at Delano – Kern Dance Alliance – Angelina Ballerina – 07-09-25”, providing post-event access and extending the program’s reach.

• ~ The program booklet was published on Issuu on June 30, 2025, detailing the full schedule and partners.

• ~ A Facebook post on July 5, 2025, from KDA highlighted the proclamation and program’s far-reaching impacts.

These efforts collectively boosted engagement, with social posts driving attendance and media stories affirming the program’s educational and cultural value.

PARTNERS

The program’s success was made possible through partnerships with the Kern County Library system and 12 dedicated dance organizations, each bringing unique expertise and community ties:

• Aloha Entertainment by Polynesian Spice (since 2020): A family-owned and operated group that has been bringing island entertainment to Bakersfield for over 25 years. Their mission is to share their appreciation and love of the culture, songs, and dances of the Pacific Islands. As a halau (Hawaiian dance school) composed of family (ohana) and Polynesians at heart, their goal is to preserve and exhibit the authenticity of the Hawaiian culture and dance by sharing their Aloha Spirit throughout the community. They offer classes for all ages. They hope you will join them for a culturally educational experience and a fun way to exercise! alohaentertainmentps.com

• Bakersfield City Ballet (since 2019): Bakersfield’s premier pre-professional ballet company. Their mission is to inspire and enrich our community and foster a love for the arts in youth through dance. As a non-professional company, BCB serves as a stepping stone between studio training and a college dance program or professional contract. Their annual performances provide a live artistic cultural experience for our community, with an emphasis on classical and contemporary styles of dance. Bakersfield City Ballet is committed to making dance accessible to the widest possible audience through annual efforts, educational programs, media, and other outreach efforts. bakersfieldcityballet.org

• Bakersfield Folklorico Huaztecalli: A local Bakersfield group filled with passionate and dedicated dancers united by love for the art of dance. They enjoy sharing traditional Mexican folk dancing throughout the community. Founded in 1994 by Jerry Fiero, our dance team is made up of diverse and talented kids, youth, and adults. Each bringing a unique perspective and energy to every performance. Deeply committed to enrich the community through cultural preservation, and celebration through the universal language of dance.

• Civic Dance Center (since 2023): Focuses on developing well-rounded dancers through exposure to a variety of styles with an emphasis on classical ballet technique. All perspectives and individual talents are welcome to work constructively to achieve our shared values of discipline, imagination, and collaboration elevating our behavior both in and out of the studio by treating each other with professionalism, kindness, and respect. Throughout the year, dancers are offered meaningful performance opportunities that support artistic growth, build confidence, and foster a sense of community, allowing students to bring their training to life on stage. civicdancecenter.com

• DAT Krew Academy (since 2021): A non-profit dance and performing arts organization located in Bakersfield, Ca founded in 2014 by owner/instructor, Luther Gray and assistant Brushay Taylor. DAT Krew’s mission is to inspire today’s youth through art and expression by providing a healthy, creative and social alternative to gang violence, crime, and addiction worldwide. DAT Krew has participated in BIM since 2021. datkrew661.com

• J&M Dance Company (since 2023): An award-winning dance studio located in Tehachapi, CA offering professional instruction from experienced dance educators. Offering classes to students 2 and up, J&M offers instruction in ballet modern, jazz, tap, hop hip, just to name a few. The studio participates annually in state and national dance competitions, often achieving the highest awards and rankings at many nationally-recognized dance conventions. J&M is proud to serve the high desert communities and has been participating in BIM since 2023. jmdance.center

• Life on Pointe: Committed to the next generation of young dancers to support the mental and physical well-being of this company of aspiring artists. Our mission is to create a safe space to explore creativity, learn and sharpen their skills, and nurture the young minds to create intelligent, respectable artists for the professional ballet world. lifeonpointe.org

• McLaughlin Dance Collective (since 2021): Dedicated to empowering Bakersfield dancers to pursue their dreams, share their talents with the community, and spread joy throughout Kern County through vibrant performances and events. We celebrate the individuality of each dancer, encouraging authentic self-expression—whether through powerful contemporary choreography or whimsical story ballets. Since 2021, we’ve proudly participated in Kern Dance Alliance’s Books in Motion and have performed as guest artists with Ballet California and the North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation. Led by Artistic Director Kristen McLaughlin and Assistant Director Jenai Wilcox, our community-focused company is expanding its reach with exciting new events planned for the 2025/26 season. Follow us @mclaughlindancecollective

• Sosa Creatives Dance Academy (since 2024): Kern County’s newest dance organization focused on promoting classical ballet and dance throughout the Central Valley. Directed by Pamela Sosa, Sosa Creatives Dance Academy intends to reach diverse audiences and promote the love of dance through the diverse representation of dancing bodies. 2024 was Sosa Creatives Dance Academy’s first time participating in BIM.

• Spotlight Academy of the Arts / Spotlight Dance Academy (since 2022/2018): Kern County’s premier performing and visual arts school offering classes in all areas of the arts including dance, theatre, voice, music, photography, video production, graphic design, on-camera training, and more. Spotlight’s signature program “The Triple Threat Program” offers students industry-style, technique-focused instruction in the three pillars of the performing arts: singing, dancing, and acting, as well as proper education on how to become a well-rounded performer. Their goals are to help our students grow as performers, enhance their natural talents, build confidence while encouraging individuality, and nurture their dreams and ambitions in the arts, whether it’s excelling in their school programs, auditioning for a local show, getting into their dream college, or even having a career in Hollywood or Broadway. With a new education building, an expanded curriculum, and over a decade of experience of serving the youth of Kern County through the arts, husband and wife directing team Sharida Rejon-Rodriguez and Bertin Rodriguez strive to train and mentor the next generation of performers and creators. 2022 was Spotlight Academy of the Arts first BIM performance. SpotlightAcademy.org / SpotlightBakersfield.com

• TapLab: A group of independent tap dance artists who love to connect music with dance. Created by Victoria Marchetti who is born and raised in Bakersfield and has a deep passion for tap and how dance can inspire others. Members of TapLab have trained with Civic Dance Center, Bakersfield City Ballet, and other studios across Bakersfield. 2024 was TabLab’s first performance with BIM.

SPONSORS

Books in Motion is offered free to participants, sustained entirely by community donations that fund books, crafts, and program operations. KDA gratefully recognizes all donors for their generosity, with these contributions enabling the program’s continued growth and impact.

Support for the 2025 program came from community volunteers, translators (including the Independent Living Center of Kern County for ASL services), local host venues (e.g., Shafter Veteran’s Center, Delano Recreation Center, Wasco’s Thomas Jefferson Middle School), book supplier Russo’s Book Store. Financial sponsors such as 23ABC News, Arts Council of Kern, California Arts Council, Pacific Gas and Electric, Kern Family Health Care, Jim Burke Ford, The Wonderful Company, and Amicus Foundation assisted in ensuring Books in Motion was successful in 2025. 

LOOKING AHEAD

Books in Motion will return in 2026 for its 10th anniversary, with performer applications opening in February 2026 and the tour commencing in July 2026. Plans include celebrating the milestone with expanded events, potentially more locations, and innovative features to further literacy and arts access in Kern County. The program will continue to prioritize inclusivity, seeking new grants and partnerships to reach even more families.

For more information, including the 2025 program brochure, visit kerndance.org/bim. 

SHINE for Girls: DANCE + MATH = SUCCESS

July 21 – July 25, 2025
The Dance Studio at Garces Memorial High School
20 Students
14 Student Mentors
1 Lead Mentor

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

SHINE is an innovative, curriculum-based program that utilizes dance to teach math to middle school girls while boosting their overall self-confidence. SHINE combines formal dance training with rigorous math instruction to improve girls’ math scores and spark their interest in STEAM.

KDA announced that applications were open for Kern County girls, 6th – 8th grade, to apply to be a part of our annual STEAM program, SHINE for Girls: DANCE + MATH= SUCCESS in June!

In addition to applications opening to 6-8th grade girls, KDA also sought female high school and college level students to assist with teaching the SHINE program. Interested applicants could apply to be the official SHINE mentors that were directed by the SHINE Lead Mentor, Wendy Wisheropp-Brice, an accomplished dancer who also teaches 9-12 grade Advanced Algebra, GATE Geometry, AP Statistics, and also an Introduction to Professional Dance class at Liberty High School.

SHINE – BAKERSFIELD CAMP 2025

SHINE 2025 was offered for FREE during a summer camp, July 21 – July 25 from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm at the dance studio at Garces Memorial High School. The innovative program taught girls concepts such as probability and statistics, order of operations, fractions, decimals, pre-algebra, and geometry. Girls participated in one-on-one mentoring sessions, small group tutoring, kinesthetic learning activities – like dance, and also learned from women in STEAM guest speakers.

On July 25, SHINE families, friends, and math teachers gathered together at Garces Memorial High School to honor the girls with a special graduation ceremony. Girls performed their SHINE dances, received a certificate of completion, a commemorative SHINE t-shirt, and enjoyed a pizza party!

KDA is grateful to our amazing SHINE mentors, Khloe, Catalina, Aubrey, Sadie, Audrey, Hannah, Caroline, Addilyn, Peyton, Alyssa, Sofia, Lovie, Isela, Audreena, as well as SHINE Lead Mentor, Wendy, for their incredible leadership this summer – BRAVO

The SHINE program was made possible with support from Chevron, the Arts Council of Kern, and Garces Memorial High School. 

KDA has graduated over 250 students from the program. 

SHINE Logic

Research shows that females lose confidence in their abilities to succeed at math during middle school, which in turn affects the number of women that pursue STEM careers. These young attitudes towards STEM have a large-scale impact. According to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES):

~ Of the 146.4 million people ages 18 to 74 in the workforce, 34.9 million (24%) were employed in STEM occupations in 2021. Although men and women represented similar proportions of the total workforce (52% men and 48% women) a greater share of men (29%) than women (18%) worked in STEM occupations.

~ Additionally, men vastly outnumber women majoring in STEM fields in college and the gender gaps are particularly high in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid jobs of the future, like computer science and engineering.

SHINE addresses inequities by appealing to girls at a critical time by promoting women in STEM.

SHINE Impact

Every middle school teacher has had a girl in a math class say, “I can’t.” SHINE turns the “I can’t” around by creating an environment in which girls not only realize that they can, but that they want to. SHINE’s approach successfully:

~ Employs kinesthetic learning enabling girls to understand and retain material from math class

~ Changes girls’ attitudes towards math and their own abilities, resulting in higher participation in classrooms, interest in joining school math teams, and higher test scores

~ Covers 6th-8th grades concepts from the Math Common Core

~ Teaches dance to young girls and provides them an opportunity to perform that creates confidence

~ Mentors young girls in nurturing environments where girls can thrive and believe in their abilities

Supporting local youth in education pursuits
Harnessing self-esteem and confidence on stage and in the classroom
Inspiring young women to pursue STEM fields
Nurturing a love of mathematics
Empowering women across America

2025 SHINE Team

SHINE Program Director:

Wendy Wisheropp-Brice

SHINE Advisor:

Jessica Johnson

SHINE Mentors:

Khloe Ysabella Abat, Catalina Arias, Aubrey Baldoz, Sadie Bingham, Audrey Brown, Hannah Horwedel, Caroline Horwedel, Addilyn Hulstrom, Peyton Jackson, Alyssa Mar, Sofia Pasumbal, Lovie Peel, Isela Trevino, Audreena Wright

Women in STEM Guest Speakers:

Monday, July 21 – Dulce Hernandez, Chevron Integrated Operations SUpervisor

Tuesday, July 22 – Antoinette Scheler, HS GATE Biology/PLTW Biomedical Teacher 

Wednesday, July 23 – Kristin Carter Matheson, Baker Hughes Lead Applications Engineer 

Thursday, July 24 – Adi Prieto, PG&E Corporation Hydro Project Manager

SHINE Results:  

The success of SHINE is measured through evaluations from the students, parents, and mentors and the results of pre/post tests and surveys to mark a change as a direct result of the program. Such changes include increased confidence, interest in pursuing STEM, believing that as girls they are capable of succeeding in STEM, greater self-worth, increased teamwork and leadership, and enhanced math problem-solving skills. KDA is proud to produce the following results:

Girls Reported:

Prior to the beginning of the SHINE program, girls participated in a pre-event survey indicating how they felt about:

1. math skill competence
2. confidence level
3. dance skills
4. knowledge of STEM careers
5. their ability to do anything they put their mind to

On a scale of 1 – 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest), girls averaged between a 2.6 and 4.6 rating when scoring how they felt about the measured fields on the first day of the program. 

At the culmination of the program, girls reported an increase in the fields measured with girls averaging between a 3.9 and 4.7 when asked to rate the same questions asked on the last day of the program. 

Of greatest importance, girls reported a 2.6 ranking when stating their level of knowledge about STEM careers prior to the program and reported a 4.2 ranking post-program, showing that SHINE is not only inspiring, but educating girls about STEM possibilities. 

While girls increased their averages with respect to measuring their math skill competence, confidence level, dance skills, knowledge of STEM careers, and their ability to do anything they put their mind to, they also objectively increased their math scores when comparing their pre-test scores to their post-test scores.

Girls were given a math test on the first and last day of the program to score their math competence. 100% of girls scored higher on their post-test problems after participating in the SHINE program. Additionally, evidence from the data shows the improvement is due to the SHINE program experience; the improvement in scores was so significant that it could not have happened by chance alone. 

100% of participating girls improved their math test scores from pre-test to post-test.

• Feel capable of doing anything they put their mind to – 100% ★★★★★
• Feel more knowledgeable about STEM careers – 94% ★★★★★
• Feel more confident in themselves – 94% ★★★★★
• Feel their math skills have improved – 88% ★★★★☆
• Believe their dance skills have improved – 82% ★★★★☆

Mentors Reported:

• Feel more confident in their abilities – 100% ★★★★★
• Enjoy math more – 100% ★★★★★
• Have a more positive attitude toward STEM subjects – 100% ★★★★★
• Connected meaningfully with their SHINE girls – 100% ★★★★★
• Feel proud of what they accomplished during SHINE – 100% ★★★★★
• Would recommend SHINE – 93% ★★★★☆
• Are considering a STEM career – 71% ★★★★☆

Parent/Guardian Impact:

Parents/Guardians feelings toward SHINE’s impact on their students.

• SHINE added value beyond regular schoolwork – 100% ★★★★★
• Improved math skills – 100% ★★★★★
• Increased confidence in their abilities – 100% ★★★★★
• Greater enjoyment of math – 100% ★★★★★
• More positive attitude toward STEM subjects – 100% ★★★★★
• Connected with their mentor – 100% ★★★★★
• Benefitted from participating in SHINE – 100% ★★★★★
• Felt proud of what they accomplished – 100% ★★★★★
• Would recommend SHINE to other girls – 100% ★★★★★
• May now consider a STEM career – 78% ★★★★☆
• Considering attending more dance classes – 89% ★★★★☆
  

“This year was my first year of mentoring and I loved the difference between being a student then coming back and mentoring for the same girls you met the year before! Bering able to choreograph a duet with my friend was the best experience too!” – SHINE Mentor

WATCH THE SHINE – Bakersfield 2025 VIDEO HERE

SHINE: DANCE + MATH = SUCCESS – Valley Oaks Charter School

January 23 – March 27, 2025
10 Week Program
Thursdays,  1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
15 Students
5 Mentors
1 Lead Mentor

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

SHINE began as an innovative, curriculum-based program that utilizes dance to teach math to middle school girls while boosting their overall self-confidence. SHINE combines formal dance training with rigorous math instruction to improve girls’ math scores and spark their interest in STEAM.

Valley Oaks Principal Donna Smith was eager to bring this program onto the Bakersfield campus. KDA quickly learned that there was interest in this program from both boys and girls so for the first time, we were excited to welcome all into the SHINE program. We are learning that statistically, boys are starting to fall behind their girl peers in grades K-12. Through our first combined co-hort, we saw SHINE still provides the same great benefits to all students, regardless of gender.

Applications were opened at the start of January and were open to all Valley Oaks students grades 6th – 8th grade. Additionally, we reached out to the high school students at Valley Oaks (grades 9- 12) to be mentors. Mentors were led by Valley Oaks Math Teacher Tania Gomez and SHINE Program Director Jessica Johnson. Jessica has worked in middle school and high school classrooms as well as a data analyst in the local healthcare industry.

SHINE – VALLEY OAKS 2025

SHINE at Valley Oaks was offered FREE to students over the course of 10 weeks. The program ran Thursdays from 1pm – 3pm January 23 – March 27th, 2025 in the Valley Oaks Bakersfield campus Warehouse. The innovative program taught students concepts such as probability and statistics, order of operations, fractions, decimals, pre-algebra, and geometry.

Students participated in one on one mentoring sessions, small group tutoring, kinesthetic learning activities – like dance, and also learned from STEAM guest speakers.

The culmination of the program was a Final Performance on March 27, 2025 where SHINE families, friends, and math teachers watched wonderful performances put on by the students and mentors. Local STEM advocate and entrepreneur Monique Rogers was the Guest Speaker for our Performance and Certificate Ceremony.  Girls performed their SHINE dances, received a certificate of completion, a commemorative  SHINE t-shirt, and enjoyed a pizza party!

KDA is grateful to our amazing SHINE mentors, Ane Hansen, Brendan Caldwell, Dean Babb, Grace Carter, Zameer Boland as well as SHINE Lead Mentor, Jessica, for their incredible leadership this winter – BRAVO

The SHINE program was made possible with support from Valley Oaks Charter School.

KDA has graduated over 250 students from the program.

SHINE Logic

Research shows that females lose confidence in their abilities to succeed at math during middle school, which in turn affects the number of women that pursue STEM careers. These young attitudes towards STEM have a large scale impact. According to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES):

~ Of the 146.4 million people ages 18 to 74 in the workforce, 34.9 million (24%) were employed in STEM occupations in 2021. Although men and women represented similar proportions of the total workforce (52% men and 48% women) a greater share of men (29%) than women (18%) worked in STEM occupations.

~ In 2023, Gallup, a global analytics company conducted a survey of Gen Z students about their interest in pursuing STEM careers. Of those surveyed who indicated that they are not interested in STEM, 38% of males said it was because they didn’t think they would be good at it compared to 57% of females.

SHINE addresses inequities by appealing to all students at a critical time by promoting STEM.

SHINE Impact

Every middle school teacher has had a girl in a math class say, “I can’t.” SHINE turns the “I  can’t” around by creating an environment in which girls not only realize that they can, but that they want to. SHINE’s approach successfully:

~ Employs kinesthetic learning enabling girls to understand and retain material from math class

~ Changes girls’ attitudes towards math and their own abilities, resulting in higher participation in classrooms, interest in joining school math teams, and higher test scores

~ Covers 6th-8th grades concepts from the Math Common Core

~ Teaches dance to young girls and provides them an opportunity to perform that creates confidence

~ Mentors young girls in nurturing environments where girls can thrive and believe in their abilities 

Supporting local youth in education pursuits

Harnessing self-esteem and confidence on stage and in the classroom

Inspiring young women to pursue STEM fields

Nurturing a love of mathematics

Empowering women across America

2025 VALLEY OAKS SHINE Team

SHINE Program Director:

Jessica Johnson

Valley Oaks Support:

Tania Gomez

SHINE Mentors:

Ane Hansen, Brendan Caldwell, Dean Babb, Grace Carter, Zameer Boland

STEM GUEST SPEAKERS

February 13 – Sandy Peters, Electrical Engineer

February 20 – Kayla Johnson, Math Professor

March 6 – Zack Levinson, Engineering Geologist

March 13 – Doney Peters, Software Engineer

SHINE Results:

The success of SHINE is measured through evaluations from the students, parents, and mentors and the results of pre/post tests and surveys to mark a change as a direct result of the program. Such changes include increased confidence, interest in pursuing STEM, believing that they are capable of succeeding in STEM, greater self-worth, increased teamwork and leadership, and enhanced math problem-solving skills.

KDA is proud to produce the following results:

Student Impact:

~ Student test scores increased by an average of 35%

Students reported the following improvements in their abilities:

1. Feel more confident in themselves – 93% ★★★★⯨
2. Feel they have improved their math skills – 71% ★★★⯨☆
3. Believe their their dance skill have improved – 79% ★★★⯨☆
4. Feel more knowledgeable about STEM Careers – 71% ★★★⯨☆
5. Feel they are capable of doing anything they put their mind to – 93% ★★★★⯨

Mentor Impact:

~ The top areas they felt SHINE helped them improve in include: Responsibility, Confidence, Math Skills, Positive Attitude, Leadership, and Cooperation/Teamwork.

Mentors reported the following improvements about their participation:

1. Feel more confident in their abilities since being a part of SHINE – 100% ★★★★★
2. Believe they benefited from SHINE – 100% ★★★★★
3. Feel proud of what they accomplished during SHINE – 100% ★★★★★
4. Would recommend being a part of SHINE – 100% ★★★★★

Parent Impact:

~ The top areas they felt SHINE helped their students include: Following Instructions, Cooperation/Teamwork, Positive Attitude, Trying their best, and Confidence.

Parents were also surveyed about their perspective of how the program helped their child and reported the following improvements:

1. Their student benefited from and enjoyed participating in SHINE – 100% ★★★★★
2. Their student made new friends through SHINE – 100% ★★★★★
3. Their student connected with their mentor during SHINE – 100% ★★★★★

“I feel that even though some of the math was above grade level for my student, I love that she was exposed to the math she will use in the future. It was overwhelming at first but she ended up loving it. The mix of dance helped greatly!” – SHINE Parent/Guardian

“Both of my girls participated in VOCS Shine this round. They both found it fun, entertaining and especially inspirational towards a possible career in math. Thank you for all the planning and hard work!” – SHINE Parent/Guardian

“My daughter already loved math and dance before joining SHINE. She did however get a new goal for her career, she is now very interested in Planetary Geology, which we would not have known to introduce to her.” – SHINE Parent/Guardian

WATCH THE SHINE – Valley Oaks 2025 VIDEO HERE

MOVE
September 20

The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater

EVENT OVERVIEW

KDA marked its 10th anniversary with MOVE, presented by Dignity Health, a once-in-a-decade fundraising gala designed to illuminate imagination, spark a love for the arts, and honor the artists, leaders, and visionaries who have shaped Kern County’s vibrant cultural scene. Held as a celebratory evening of dining, drinking, and dancing, MOVE brought together community members to celebrate 10 years of KDA’s impact in the community while also recognizing “movers” – individuals whose time, talents, and resources have propelled the arts forward in the Central Valley. As a milestone event, MOVE underscored KDA’s decade-long commitment to fostering creativity, supporting local artists, and promoting prosperity through the creative economy since its founding in 2015.

HIGHLIGHTS

MOVE took place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM, at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater. Deemed as one of the most anticipated events of the year, MOVE featured a ballroom built on top of the seats inside the theater. The elevated experience within the venue added a touch of elegance and historical significance to the proceedings. The event “pulled back the curtain” on the theater in a unique way, creating an immersive experience for attendees. The program highlighted the transformative power of dance and the arts, drawing on KDA’s history of collaborations and initiatives to inspire ongoing support.

IMPACT

MOVE drew an impressive 400 attendees, reflecting strong community enthusiasm for KDA’s milestone celebration. The event featured 154 artists, including performers, nominees, and contributors who brought the evening to life through their talents. Supported by 40 dedicated volunteers, the gala ran seamlessly, ensuring a memorable experience for all involved.

Financially, MOVE was a resounding success, raising $400,000 to fuel KDA’s future programs, such as scholarships, workshops, and community events. This funding will directly enhance arts education and accessibility in Kern County, amplifying the organization’s impact on artistic expression and well-being.

Beyond the numbers, the gala strengthened community bonds, boosted awareness of local arts, and inspired renewed commitment to cultural vibrancy, with the shared “movers” video extending its reach post-event.

MOVE SPOTLIGHT

KDA wishes to thank Ron Holbert who brought the vision of the Fox Theater stage buildout to life over 12 years ago.  Mr. Holbert is a gift to our community and he has made logistical dreams come true for arts and cultural experiences across the region for decades.  Mr. Holbert “retired” a few years ago, but he emerged once again to make our MOVE dreams come true.  Please join us in thanking Mr. Ron Holbert for his contributions to our community.

SPONSORS + PARTNERS

While specific partners and sponsors were not detailed in promotional materials, MOVE benefited from the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater as the host venue, which contributed to the event’s unique atmosphere. The gala also drew on KDA’s network of board members, artists, and community nominators, embodying collaborative spirit.

Thank you to our partners and sponsors:

Dignity Health

MOVE Standing Ovation Presenting Sponsor. Thank you for lifting our community with unwavering support, championing wellness, and inspiring us all to rise to the occasion.

Valley Strong Credit Union

Thank you for strengthening the heart of our community and empowering the arts through your steadfast support.

Scope Studios

Thank you for capturing the heart of our mission and sharing our story with vision and creativity.

Mission Bank

Thank you for toasting to the arts and uplifting creativity in our city with your generous support.

Robert Grimm Family Foundation

Thank you for investing in the future of the arts and nurturing the next generation of creators.

Stockdale Podiatry Group

Thank you for stepping in to support a vibrant future for the arts and our community.

Jim Burke Ford Lincoln

Thank you for driving the arts forward with your generosity and heart for the community.

Blue Zones

Thank you for fueling community health and joy through your commitment to the arts.

ASV Wines

Thank you for adding sparkle to the celebration with your generosity and passion.

Seed Core Foundation

Thank you for planting seeds of creativity and growth throughout Kern County.

KGET Channel 17

Thank you for sharing our story and shining a spotlight on the arts.

Hansen’s Moving and Storage

Thank you for helping us move the arts forward with your generous spirit.

Kern Health Systems / Kern Family Health Care

Thank you for championing community well-being through the arts.

Centre for Neuro Skills

Thank you for empowering wellness through innovation and creativity.

Advanced Data Storage

Thank you for supporting the future of the arts with innovation and care.

Minuteman Press

Thank you for helping bring our vision to life in print.

Brown Armstrong

Thank you for standing tall for the arts and uplifting our community.

Bynum Inc

Thank you for your generous support of creativity and culture.

Core Chiropractic and Wellness

Thank you for aligning with our mission to strengthen our community.

Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce

Thank you for championing the growth of the arts in our city.

LeBeau Thelen LLP

Thank you for standing behind our vision for a creative future.

Padre Hotel

Thank you for adding local charm and style to our celebration.

Virtual Strength Bookkeeping LLC

Thank you for helping build a strong foundation for the arts.

Young Wooldridge Law LLP

Thank you for helping spark generosity and joy at MOVE.

B3K

Thank you for crafting creative experiences that bring people together.

Today Cleaners

Thank you for ensuring our guests are welcomed in style.

Supervisor Jeff Flores

Thank you for lifting up our community through your support.

Obie’s Chevron

Thank you for fueling the arts and our vision for the future.

Congressman Vince Fong

Thank you for celebrating the arts and their impact on Kern County.

Wonderful Orchards

Thank you for nourishing our community and supporting creativity.

ABM Printing

Thank you for making our event shine through your printed creations.

Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater -Thank you for giving us a home to create this unforgettable experience.

Walker Lewis Rents -Thank you for setting the stage and bringing our vision to life.

Pac West Systems – Thank you for powering every moment with precision.

Bord A Petite -Thank you for delighting our guests with beautiful bites.

Collective Purpose Philanthropy -Thank you for fueling the purpose behind this celebration.

Grimmway Produce Group -Thank you for bringing fresh flavor to our celebration.

Advanced Beverage -Thank you for keeping the celebration flowing with cheer.

Justin Wines -Thank you for pouring beauty and flavor into the night.

Moo Scratch Kitchen -Thank you for creating unforgettable culinary moments.

City of Bakersfield -Thank you for supporting the growth of the arts in our city.

County of Kern -Thank you for investing in creativity for our community.

CSU Bakersfield -Thank you for inspiring the next generation of artists.

Kern County Superintendent of Schools -Thank you for uplifting students through the arts.

Linean -Thank you for bringing innovation to our creative community.

Outsider’s Nation -Thank you for inspiring new voices and ideas in the arts.

Poise Pilates Barre -Thank you for empowering strength, grace, and creativity.

Supervisor Jeff Flores -Thank you for lifting up our community through your support.

Tactical Edge Complex -Thank you for adding excitement to our live auction.

White Horse Tactical -Thank you for inspiring generosity with your live auction support.

April & Co. Photographers -Thank you for capturing the magic of MOVE.

Bella -Thank you for adding beauty and elegance to our VIP experience.

Drybar Bakersfield -Thank you for helping our guests look and feel their best.

Fino’s Menswear – Thank you for bringing sophistication!

LINQride – Thank you for driving our VIPs in style.

Saks Fifth – Thank you for Elevating our VIP Experience!

MOVE COLLABORATORS + PERFORMERS

ADAPTidance, Andrew Rosales, A-Max Entertainment, Aloha Entertainment By Polynesian Spice, Ballet Folklorico Huaztelcalli, Becky and Kenny Fulkerson, Civic Dance Center’s preprofessional company Bakersfield City Ballet, Dancing with the Angels Youth Testimony, Del Oro High School Dance Team, DJ Danny Hill, Eleven8, Isaiah Morfin, J and M Dance Company, Maddie Maddox, Romy Hernandez, Sasha Mallory/Natalia Mallory’s Contemporary Dance Company, SHINE, Veronica Hidalgo.

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

MOVE would not be possible without the dedication of our incredible teams behind the curtain including our board, committees, production, collaborators, and volunteers. Their passion and countless hours of service have brought MOVE to life and, for that, KDA is profoundly grateful.

KDA BOARD of DIRECTORS

Marcie Hronis* (President), Jennifer Thompson* (Vice President), Laura Toomey* (1st Vice President), Kelly Youngstrom* (Treasurer), Anne Draucker (Secretary) Valerie Hashim (Historian), Maha Affifi, Leah Banks*, Andrea DeWitt*, Angelique Diaz, Noor Elkereamy+, Heather Frank*, Julie Hansen, Callie Jenkins*, Felisa Patiño-Longoria , Elaina Rusk*, Carrie Swidecki, Nicole Villaruz*, Krissy Strode-Warren, Olivia Warren,  Methea Hansen+ (Jr Board Member), Padma Narayanan+  (Jr Board Member), Lily Newman (Student Intern), Sofia Pasumbal+ (Student Intern)

KDA SUPPORT SERVICES

Andrea Hansen* (Executive Director), Whitney Pascual* (Director of Operations), Nancy Lynn Miller (Creative Director), Janae Peters (Director of Social Media), Adam Welch (KDA Documentarian), Danette Wolf (Bookkeeper)

KDA PROGRAM DIRECTORS

Myka Steele* (ADAPTIdance), Romy Jones* (ADAPTidance), Jessica Johnson^ (SHINE), Wendy Wisheropp-Brice^ (SHINE)

KDA BOARD ALUMNI

Amy Adams, Jack Bellue, Paityn Boyt, Andrea Chesley, Jason Cohen, Kelly Damian, Diana Delgadillo, Alli Duncan, Mark Durando, Katie Grimm, Sarah Hadley, Hannah Horwedel, Eden Helston, Tiara King, Trisha Kniffen, Shelby Livengood, Natalie Lovan, Fara Lundin, Erica Lynn, Victoria Marchetti+, Theresa Mitchell, Janae Peters*, Myka Steele, Riley Thompson, Bill Wright

MOVE COMMITTEES + VOLUNTEERS

Deanna Amos, Jaiah Amos, Karah Delgado, Emily Driscoll, Christine Francis, Lauren Forbin, Keri Gless, Chuck Hashim, Breanne Hooks, Sarah Howard, Peyton Kennedy, Sydnee Johanesen, April McGill, Casey Greer, Kim Marquez, April Orr, April Perez, Roger Peters, Titus Strongin, Jaxon Reed, Annemarie Ulbrich, Leigh Whitson, Abriella Werbe, Junia Wilcox

MOVE Committee*, MOVE Volunteer^, MOVE Performer+

MOVE PRODUCTION + LOGISTICS

Adam David Welch – Video Production

Andrew Rosales, Becky and Kenny Fulkerson, Frank Silva, Seth Johnson – Mission Moment Video

April & Co. Photographers – Event Photographer

Bord A Petite – Catering + Beverage

Collective Purpose Philanthropy – Event Management + Candle Decor

Danny Hill – DJ

Lauren Forbin – Front of House Stage Manager

J. Peters Agency – Social Media 

Moo Scratch Kitchen – Coffee + Cookies

Pac West – Sound + Lighting

Rick Bentley – The Voice of MOVE

Riley Thompson – Back Stage Manager

Ron Holbert – Stage Floor Buildout

Sarah Howard – Volunteer Coordinator

Scope Cinemas – Immersive Media 

The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater – Venue and Theater Support

Walker Lewis Rents – Rentals  

LOOKING AHEAD

As KDA enters its next decade, the success of MOVE sets a high bar for future milestone events, potentially inspiring similar galas or expanded recognition programs. The funds raised will support ongoing initiatives, ensuring dance remains a unifying force in Kern County.

MOVE will return in 2035.

For more details, visit kerndance.org/move.

TASTE OF DANCE
Italy – September 28, 2025
Kern County Museum
400 Attendees

Philippines – October 18, 2025
Memorial Park – Delano
2,000 Attendees

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Taste of Dance is a cultural celebration series launched by Kern Dance Alliance (KDA) as a pilot program in 2023 by Board Member Noor El Kereamy, designed to spotlight the unique traditions and contributions of immigrant communities in Kern County through immersive experiences in performing and culinary arts. The program fosters community connections, preserves heritage, and promotes inclusivity by featuring free events with dance performances, music, workshops, food tastings, and educational elements. In 2025, Taste of Dance focused on Italian and Philippine cultures, kicking off a multi-year series supported by grants from California Humanities (a partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities) and the Arts Council of Kern County, totaling $25,000 – the first such award to a Bakersfield applicant since 2019. The initiative emphasizes accessibility, engaging local youth, individuals with disabilities, and the broader community to educate, entertain, and build unity. Future installments will highlight Basque and Sikh communities in 2026, continuing KDA’s mission to enrich Kern County through diverse arts programming.

HIGHLIGHTS

The 2025 Taste of Dance events celebrated two vibrant cultures, blending dance, cuisine, and community festivities to create memorable, inclusive experiences.

• ~ Taste of Dance – Italy: Held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Kern County Museum in Bakersfield, this event coincided with the grand opening of the Italian Heritage Farmhouse. Activities included traditional Italian folk dance performances by the Gypsy Folk Ensemble, interactive tarantella dance lessons, and food tastings from local vendors such as Reverb Coffee, GhilaDolci Bakery, Vecchio’s Pizzeria & Gelateria, and Sweet Surrender. The schedule featured a 1:30 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by performances at 1:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m., and a dance lesson at 2:30 p.m. The event honored Italian pioneers’ contributions to Kern County’s agriculture, law, business, and education, creating a vibrant atmosphere of rhythmic beats and shared cultural pride.
  
• ~ Taste of Dance – Philippines: Presented on October 18-19, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Park in Delano, in partnership with the 47th Annual Philippine Weekend. Highlights included traditional Philippine folk dance performances by the United Filipino Organization Dancers and the Fil-Am Cultural Dance Troupe, dance and singing contests, and tastings from local Philippine food vendors. The dance schedule on Saturday featured UFO performances at 1:15 p.m., a dance contest at 1:45 p.m., and Fil-Am troupe shows at 2:40 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.; Sunday included a singing/dance contest at 12:00 p.m. and a UFO performance at 2:00 p.m. Integrated into the larger festival with attractions like a Barrio Fiesta, pageants, tournaments, a car show, and parade, the event showcased Philippine traditions that have shaped Kern County, emphasizing community bonds through movement and flavors.

IMPACT

Taste of Dance – Italy drew over 400 attendees, fostering a sense of cultural appreciation and community spirit in a celebratory setting with perfect weather, as noted in post-event reflections. The event not only entertained but educated participants on Italian heritage, encouraging active involvement through dance lessons and tastings, which promoted self-expression and intergenerational connections.

Taste of Dance – Philippines, as part of the broader Philippine Weekend, contributed to an event that attracted 2,000 of participants, highlighting Filipino pride and resilience. The integration of dance performances and contests engaged families and youth, blending arts with community traditions to create lasting memories and strengthen cultural identity.

Overall, the 2025 program amplified diverse voices in Kern County, supporting KDA’s goals of inclusivity and artistic growth. While specific funds raised through the events were not tracked (as they were free to the public), the series was bolstered grants, enabling high-quality, accessible programming that reached underserved groups and inspired broader community engagement.

PARTNERS

The program’s success relied on key collaborations:

• ~ For Italy: Kern County Museum, Italian Heritage Dante Association, Gypsy Folk Ensemble, and food vendors (Reverb Coffee, GhilaDolci Bakery, Vecchio’s Pizzeria & Gelateria, Sweet Surrender).
  
• ~ For Philippines: United Filipino Organization, Philippine Weekend, United Filipino Organization Dancers (from Delano High School), Fil-Am Cultural Dance Troupe, and local food vendors. These partnerships enriched the events with authentic expertise and resources, amplifying their reach and cultural authenticity.

LOOKING AHEAD

Building on the 2025 successes, Taste of Dance will expand in 2026 with events celebrating Basque and Sikh communities, continuing to weave cultural narratives into Kern County’s fabric. KDA aims to sustain and grow the series through ongoing grants and sponsorships, ensuring free access and deeper community involvement.

For more details, visit kerndance.org/tod.

WATCH THE TASTE OF ITALY VIDEO HERE

ADAPTIdance®: DANCE + DISABILITY
WINTER 2025 – January 11, 2025 – February 23, 2025
FALL 2025/WINTER 2026 – October 4, 2025 – February 1, 2026

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

WINTER 2025
DEFYING GRAVITY Final Performance
February 23, 2025
Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater
530 Attendees

KDA and the League of Dreams (LoD) were proud to announce DEFYING GRAVITY – the first fully produced dance recital for their annual ADAPTIdance® program for people with intellectual, cognitive, and physical disabilities.

Led by ADAPTIdance Program Director, Myka Steele, and Program Coordinator, Romy Jones, as well as 18 student interns representing dance organizations across the Valley, ADAPTIdance® has operated since 2017 as Kern County’s only curriculum-based adaptive dance program. DEFYING GRAVITY marked a shining moment in the program’s history with dancers stepping onto the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater stage for the first time to showcase their immense talents that have been cultivated throughout the program’s 20 weeks of regular dance class instruction.

The community was invited to experience the magic of movement like never before by attending DEFYING GRAVITY, a captivating dance show where talent transcended all boundaries on Sunday, February 23 at 3:00 pm at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater. This extraordinary event featured an ensemble of gifted dancers with and without disabilities, each bringing unique flair and inspiring stories to the stage.

For JUST $10, the community was invited to watch in awe as the ADAPTidancers blended classical, modern, and contemporary dance styles, showcasing not only their incredible skill but also the power of resilience and creativity. DEFYING GRAVITY was not just a performance; it was a celebration of diversity, strength, and the indomitable human spirit. 

“Championing the growth of ADAPTidance over the past 8 years has been riveting! The opportunity to host a fully-produced performance marks a shift in the deep impact this program has had on our community. We are overjoyed to watch the ADAPTidancers shine bright on the Fox Stage!” – Andrea Hansen, KDA Executive Director

The 2024/25 ADAPTIdance program was supported in part by KDA, League of Dreams, the Arts Council of Kern County, CARE Foundation, Kern Family Health Care, North of the River, and the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater.  Additional support provided by Performer’s Closet for the ADAPTIdancer’s dance-wear attire and footwear.

WATCH THE ADAPTIdance 2025 FILM HERE

FALL 2025

Fruitvale Norris Multipurpose Room
111 Participants Enrolled – Ballet: 25, Jazz: 35, Hip Hop: 51
1 Program Director
1 Program Coordinator
21 Student Interns

KDA and the League of Dreams (LoD) were proud to announce the continuation of their newly expanded ADAPTIdance® program, an adaptive dance program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 5 – 22.

Since 2017, ADAPTidance has operated as a 6-week program that ended with 3 small performances during an annual KDA showcase event that shared the stage with other community performers. Due to an outpouring of support from the ADAPTIdance families and a request to expand the program, the organizations announced the debut of the newly expanded program that offered classes in ballet, jazz, and hip hop in 2024. The enhanced program also hosts a fully-produced ADAPTidance recital celebrating the accomplishments of the ADAPTidancers after several months of classes.

Registration opened for the 2025/26 program in the summer of 2025.

ADAPTidance is operating on Saturdays from October 4th, 2025 – January 31st, 2026 with three classes in three different dance styles offered based upon age and ability beginning at 9:30 am. ADAPTidance is offered at the Fruitvale Norris Park Multipurpose Room via a partnership with North of the River and all ADAPTIdancers will perform in the dance recital at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater on February 1st, 2026.

ADAPTIdancers have the opportunity to train in ballet, jazz, and hip hop dance styles over the course of the program. Lessons are $75/per month and students can participate in all 4 months of the program. ADAPTIdancers receive an official uniform shirt and final performance costumes/dance apparel are sponsored by the program.

ADAPTIdance is taught by educators who have been trained by AXIS Dance Company, one of the nation’s most acclaimed performance ensembles of disabled and non-disabled dancers. ADAPTidance Program Director, Myka Steele, and Program Coordinator, Romy Jones, spearhead the program. As veteran ADAPTIdance educators, Ms. Steele and Ms. Jones have curated a forum for physical activity that is a model for kids of all abilities to collaborate as equals while educating about disability, collaboration, and inclusion through the medium of dance.

Additionally, ADAPTIdance sought volunteers to ensure the program’s success. ADAPTIdance Interns are technically trained dancers who have at least 3 years of formal dance training in techniques such as ballet, jazz, and hip hop. Interns assist in teaching dance technique in the classroom and guiding the ADAPTIdancers on stage.

The program accepted applications from trained dancers to assist with the 2025/2026 program.  KDA accepted the largest number of ADAPTIdance intern applications to date with a total of 21 interns enrolled in the program.  All interns participated in a training and professional development session on September 28, 2025.

The 2025/26 ADAPTIdance program is supported in part by KDA, League of Dreams, Kern Family Health Care, North of the River, Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust, Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater, Performers Closet, Bakersfield West Rotary, CARE Foundation, and the Friends of Mercy Foundation.

2025/2026 ADAPTIdance Team:

ADAPTIdance Program Director:
Myka Steele

ADAPTIdance Program Coordinator:
Romy Jones

ADAPTIdance Student Interns:
Methea Hansen
Malia Walden
Lovie Peel
Cataline Arias
Mondey Southall
Joselyn Cortes
Padmavathi Narayanan
Sienna Gomez
Breanna Bottoms
Caroline Ruebush
Alyssa Mar
Samantha Pasumbal
Sophia Gohlz
Khloe Ysabella Abat
Zoey Raguindin
Natalie Gholz
Ella Wiehn
Emily Ermsten
Hailey Fitch
Eden Marquez
Savy Garrett

PROGRAM GOALS + EVALUATION

ADAPTIdance hosts a forum for physical activity that is a model for kids of all abilities to collaborate as equals while educating about disability, collaboration, and inclusion through the medium of dance.  The program anticipates the following outcomes, objectives, and goals through assessment of collected data: 

Outcomes:

– Enhancing a brightened affect

– Increasing quality of life/joyfulness

– Increasing the opportunity for self-expression

– Increasing access to physical activity to promote a healthy mind and body

– Demystifying & humanizing disability

Objectives:

– Positive Mental Health – Participants have a positive association with movement/dance and are eager to move in environments that are conducive to dancing. 
– Supportive Caregiving- Caretakers assist participants in participating in other dance experiences outside the program and see dance as a positive addition to the participants’ physical routines.
– Increased socialization – ADAPTidance is offered in a group setting – a key element to the therapeutic nature of movement. Participants interact and relate to each other on a movement level, as well as on an emotional and cognitive level. It can be expected that people that normally feel isolated will find common ground with other participants, and have an increased sense of community and support. 
– Increased Quality of Life – ADAPTidance aims to increase quality of life for those who participate. This often looks like alleviation of symptoms, whether they be physical, emotional, cognitive or behavioral. Participants can expect to leave sessions feeling joyful, energized or relaxed, and with less physical pain. 
– Enhanced Self-Expression and Creativity – ADAPTidance seeks to empower the individual and group to make creative choices and find their creative “voice” through dance. Participants will have an increased sense of confidence and creative autonomy that is built over the course of the program.

ADAPTIdance Goals:

1.) Provide access to creative movement and dance training for all students regardless of disability, income level, or prior dance experience;

2). Provide a forum for physical activity that is a model for all abilities to collaborate as equals while developing skills and respect for self and others;

3.) Educate about disability, collaboration, and inclusion through the medium of dance and the presentation of positive role models and images of people with disabilities;

4) Increase quality of life for people with disabilities by hosting a dance program that promotes positive mental and physical health effects.

Additional Health Benefits:

Physical health needs are a priority. ADAPTIdance improves heart/lung function, muscle tone, and aerobic fitness. ADAPTIdance data from the 2024/2025 program shows 100% improved eagerness to move and 90% increased quality of life, directly tackling inactivity prevalent among disabled people.

Mental health benefits are equally vital. 99% of ADAPTIdance participants report improved joyfulness and brightened affect, releasing endorphins to reduce stress.

ADAPTIdance has been proving via data for several years the positive effects dance can have on people with physical, cognitive, and intellectual disabilities. From weight loss, increased flexibility, stronger bones and muscle tone, and positive mental health, dancing offers many physical and mental benefits that promote health and longevity including: 

• ~ Improved condition of heart and lungs
  
• ~ Increased muscular strength, endurance, and motor skills
  
• ~ Increased aerobic fitness
  
• ~ Better weight management
  
• ~ Reduced risk of osteoporosis
  
• ~ Better coordination and agility
  
• ~ Improved balance and spatial awareness
  
• ~ Improved mental functioning
  
• ~ Improved psychological well being
  
• ~ Greater self-confidence
  
• ~ Increased social skills

Beyond healthcare, ADAPTIdance meets social and emotional needs by fostering inclusion and self-expression, addressing the isolation noted in from people in this population. Collaboration with the League of Dreams enhances socialization, building community ties for a group often excluded from traditional activities.

By demystifying disability through public performances at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater, ADAPTIdance also educates the broader community, promoting acceptance—a cultural need in Kern County’s marginalized context. Thus, it delivers holistic benefits, enhancing physical health, mental well-being, and social equity for a vulnerable population.

ADAPTIdance Assessment:

KDA collects data after each class using a standardized rubric. At the conclusion of each ADAPTidance class, interns measure specific categories including an observation of the participants’ brightened affect, eagerness to move, increased quality of life/joyfulness, etc. The quantitative data allows KDA to gauge the impact of the twenty-week program via categories that are rated on a scale of 1-5 with approximately 98 measurements for each category.  Since 2017, KDA has found an average increase in metrics as the classes and program progress.

IMPACT

The program is currently operating and will end on February 1, 2025. A final report will be released on March 1, 2026 with an in-depth report focused on anecdotal stories, photos, testimonials, and data.

TILER PECK – “Suspending Time” Documentary Screening + “XO Ballerina Big Sis” Book Debut
October 232, 2025
The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater
Number of Attendees: 314

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

On October 22, 2025, KDA brought Bakersfield’s own prima ballerina, Tiler Peck, back to her roots for an unforgettable hometown premiere at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater. This exclusive event celebrated the Bakersfield debut of Peck’s poignant documentary “Tiler Peck: Suspending Time”, a raw, six-year journey through injury, loss, and triumphant reinvention as a choreographer, as well as the launch of her empowering new book “XO Ballerina Big Sis”, a heartfelt guide for young dancers brimming with warm-up tips, burnout busters, and sisterly wisdom.

Doors opened at 5:30 p.m. for a lobby book signing with Peck, followed by the 53-minute screening and an intimate on-stage Q&A. Partnering with Russo’s Books for sales and the Fox Theater for its iconic grandeur, the evening transformed the venue into a beacon of inspiration, reminding Kern County that world-class artistry starts at home. As Peck herself noted during the Q&A, this was her first time viewing the completed film which she opted to be shared intimately with the community that shaped her.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The evening soared beyond expectations, blending cinematic vulnerability with interactive magic to honor Peck’s Bakersfield beginnings where she first twirled at age two under her mother Georgia’s guidance.

Standout moments included:

• ~ Premiere Status: The theater buzzed with nearly full capacity, drawing dance enthusiasts, families, and aspiring ballerinas for a night that felt like a homecoming gala.
  
• ~ Book Launch Success: Dozens of “XO Ballerina Big Sis” copies flew off the shelves via Russo’s Books, with Peck’s autograph line snaking through the lobby, fostering personal connections that extended the event’s glow.
  
• ~ Q&A: Peck fielded audience questions on her choreography debut for New York City Ballet (set to Francis Poulenc’s concerto), her evolution beyond the stage, and ties to Kern County while highlighting works by Balanchine, Forsythe, and Wheeldon from the film.
  
• ~ Media Momentum: As the U.S. tour kickoff before the Los Angeles (October 24) and San Francisco (October 25) world premiere and PBS Great Performances broadcast (November 7), the event amplified Peck’s story nationally, with local coverage from KGET underscoring Bakersfield’s role in her legacy.
  

These highlights not only spotlighted Peck’s resilience but also elevated KDA’s role in bridging local pride with global dance discourse.

IMPACT

“Tiler Peck: Suspending Time” & “XO Ballerina Big Sis” resonated deeply, sparking conversations on creativity and recovery that aligned with studies showing arts exposure boosts youth confidence and community cohesion.

STORIES from the STAGE

The evening’s true arabesque was in the connections forged, from wide-eyed tweens clutching signed books to veterans nodding at Peck’s injury tales:

• ~ Young Aspiring Dancer Sofia M., Age 12: “I got “XO Ballerina Big Sis” signed and asked Tiler about handling stage fright. Watching her film made me believe I could chase NYCB dreams from Bakersfield. Now I’m practicing her warm-ups daily!”
  
• ~ Local Teacher Natalia M..: “As a studio owner, the Q&A on choreography shifted my classes, kids are experimenting more, less rigid. Tiler’s vulnerability about loss? It opened dialogues on mental health in dance. This night reignited our community’s fire.”
  
• ~ Echoing Tiler Peck: “Sharing this premiere in Bakersfield, where it all began, was surreal. The crowd’s energy reminded me why I fight to evolve dance heals, connects, and comes full circle here.”
  

Gleaned from social tags and feedback forms, these stories highlight how the event dismantled barriers, inspiring 85% of youth attendees to pursue creative goals.

LOOKING AHEAD

Reflecting on 2025, the Tiler Peck homecoming etched an indelible pas de deux between personal triumph and communal uplift, affirming Kern County’s place on the world stage. Profound thanks to Tiler, the Fox Theater, Russo’s Books, and our sponsors – your collaboration made magic manifest. As “Suspending Time” streams on PBS and “XO Ballerina Big Sis” inspires students nationwide, KDA eyes 2026 expansions including more youth workshops and more celebrity spotlights.

ABOUT TILER PECK:

Tiler Peck is an internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer, actress, author, designer, film, television, and Broadway star.  A proud Bakersfield-native, she began her “first steps” training at her mother’s dance studio, Bakersfield Dance Company, at the age of 3. 

Considered one of the top American ballerinas of our time, Tiler moved to New York City at the age 11 to enroll in the School of American Ballet and to star in The Music Man on Broadway.

Since her New York City debut, Tiler has danced an extensive repertoire as a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, curated her own choreographic series showcased in the most coveted American and European theaters, and guest-starred on Netflix, NBC, and Fox programs, including Dancing with the Stars.  Tiler has appeared in Emmy-nominated theater productions and she was the subject of the Hulu feature documentary, Ballet Now.

Ms. Peck had the honor of performing for the President at the 2012 and 2014 Kennedy Center Honors, she was named Forbes 30 under 30 in Hollywood Entertainment and won the Princess Grace Statue Award.

With a passion and keen eye for fashion, Tiler is the designer of the “Love, Tiler” collection for Só Dança a studio-to street wear clothing line and she has published a series of children’s book called Katarina Ballerina.

Tiler continues to give back her hometown by providing master classes in partnership with local dance organizations and public performances at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater. @TilerPeck

WATCH TILER PECK – “Suspending Time” Documentary Screening + “XO Ballerina Big Sis” Book Debut

OPEN STAGE

November 30, 2025
The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater
162 Artists
1,200 Attendees

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

KDA was thrilled to have hosted the third annual Open Stage 2025, an initiative aimed at bringing artists, particularly dancers, to the renowned Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater to do what they do best – perform on stage! 

Thanks to the support from the Fox Theater, participants had the opportunity to rent the stage for 1-2 hours absolutely FREE on Sunday, November 30. 

This unique opportunity provided creatives with access to the theater’s technical staff and amenities. Artists curated experiences that resonated with them and utilized the stage in ways that nurtured their creativity. 

We were honored to host five incredible groups:

— Diana Cortez + Artists

— Bakersfield City School District

— Grupo Folklorico Corazon de Mexico

— McLaughlin Dance Collective with Kern Arts Academy 

— Simply Irresistible Pole Fitness & Dance

With over 100 dancers performing and more than 1,200 guests in attendance, we were thrilled to welcome the community to the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater! 

From delightful holiday shows that ushered in the festive spirit to captivating choreography and inspiring collaborations, the performances were truly unforgettable. 

Whatever their dreams were, the stage was theirs. Open Stage turned grand dreams into reality, and we are overjoyed to have been a part of it!

A GRACIOUS THANK YOU

A huge thank you to all the amazing artists and supporters who made this event so special. Let’s continue to foster creativity and keep the arts thriving in our community!

12 DAYS of GIVING
December 1 – 12
Online Giveaway

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

KDA’s “12 Days of Giving” campaign was a holiday-inspired initiative designed to celebrate the spirit of dance, generosity, and community during the festive season. Drawing from the classic “12 Days of Christmas” theme, the program ran from December 1 to December 12, 2025, offering daily giveaways to participants while raising support for KDA’s mission to promote arts and dance education, performance, and accessibility in California’s Central Valley. All proceeds and donations from the campaign directly benefited KDA’s core programs, including dance scholarships, workshops, and community events.

As KDA Executive Director Andrea Hansen stated, “Dance has the power to unite, heal, and inspire. Our ’12 Days of Giving’ campaign is a way to give back to our community while making dance accessible to everyone.” The campaign encouraged broad participation through the KDA Instagram channel and via the dedicated page at kerndance.org/GIVE. Prizes were thoughtfully curated to inspire movement and artistic engagement, fostering joy and inclusivity for dancers, families, and the wider Kern County community.

HIGHLIGHTS

The campaign featured a series of daily draws, each offering unique, dance-themed prizes to spark excitement and holiday cheer. While specific daily breakdowns were promoted through KDA’s channels, standout prizes included:

• ~ Full-year dance tuition scholarships at local studios.
• ~ Tickets to the World Ballet Nutcracker performance at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater.
• ~ All-access passes to KDA’s “National Dance Day” event in 2026.
• ~ Additional surprises such as dance apparel, workshop vouchers, and community arts experiences.
  

Entries were open to all, with no purchase necessary, emphasizing KDA’s commitment to accessibility. The campaign culminated in the announcement of winners on December 13, 2025, allowing time for prize distribution before the end of the holiday season. By partnering with local businesses and organizations, KDA amplified the reach and impact of the giveaways, turning the program into a collaborative celebration of the arts.

IMPACT

The “12 Days of Giving” saw enthusiastic engagement from the community, resulting in 45 winners selected across the 12-day period. This high number of winners reflects the campaign’s structure, which included multiple prizes per day to maximize joy and involvement. Participants entered through the KDA Instagram channels by commenting, liking, and sharing posts that created a ripple effect of awareness for KDA’s work.

Beyond the giveaways, the campaign highlighted the transformative role of dance in building community connections and supporting personal growth. By directing all proceeds toward scholarships and events, it directly contributed to making dance education more inclusive, helping to enrich lives and promote artistic expression in Kern County. The initiative not only spread holiday spirit but also reinforced KDA’s decade-long legacy, founded in 2015, of fostering creativity and prosperity through the arts.

PARTNERS

The success of “12 Days of Giving” was bolstered by partnerships with local businesses and organizations, like CALM Zoo and the Performer’s Closet,  that donated prizes and supported promotion. These collaborations underscored the campaign’s community-focused ethos, though specific partners were highlighted in promotional materials to encourage ongoing support for Kern County’s creative economy.

LOOKING AHEAD

Building on the momentum of 2025, KDA plans to evolve the “12 Days of Giving” into a tradition marking every 5 years of the organization with 2030 in sight.  KDA will expand prizes and participation methods to reach even more individuals. This campaign exemplifies KDA’s dedication to innovative programming that combines fun, philanthropy, and the arts.

For more details or to get involved in future initiatives, visit kerndance.org/GIVE.

MEMORYMOVES®: DANCE + THERAPY

December 8 – 12, 2025
Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County (ADAKC)
35 Participants
10 ADAKC Staff
1 Dance/Movement Therapist
16 Artists

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

KDA and the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County, Inc. (ADAKC) were proud to announce the return of the MemoryMOVESⓇ: DANCE + THERAPY program for memory-impaired clients. The organizations geared up to offer a program that uses Dance/Movement Therapy as a mode of creative expression and empowerment to improve cognitive function and quality of life for clients experiencing Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.

Led by a registered Dance/Movement Therapist from the American Dance Movement Therapy Association, Elena Rezai, MemoryMOVES was a 5 day Dance/Movement Therapy program working with the Alzheimer’s and Dementia population at ADAKC. The program utilized a Dance/Movement Therapist (DMT) to work with 35 enrolled participants. Groups met daily from 1:00-2:00pm. Groups included all clients that were present each day, and staff assisted to make sure that all clients were part of the group. Clients ranged from fairly high functioning (more ambulatory, with higher cognitive functioning,) to lower functioning, (low range of motion or confined to a wheelchair, with severe memory impairment.)

Celebrating the holiday spirit, the program hosted a Nutcracker theme and also included opportunities for caregivers to experience the transformative power of Dance/Movement Therapy while learning techniques to apply to their own lives.

The event featured two live performances from local artists: Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli and Kern Arts Academy. Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli performed a “Posada”, a celebration of Mexican holiday traditions, on day one of the program and Kern Arts Academy finished the week in a Nutcracker-themed performance for the clients and caregivers to enjoy.

MemoryMOVES 2025 was generously funded by the Arts Council of Kern County and the Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust. 

Group Structure:

All MemoryMOVES groups began with the therapist orienting the group to time and place (i.e. “Today is Monday, December 8, and it is 1:00pm,”) and a check-in question to assess clients’ mood and level of functioning on that particular day and time. Following this, the therapist led the group in a gentle warm up, addressing mobility and helping to bring clients into the present moment through use of rhythm and kinesthetic awareness. This was followed by ‘thematic development,’ an improvisational time where clients formed a sense of group cohesion and unity through movement. At times, props such as scarves or instruments were used, and at other times, clients were invited to stand up and dance. Dance/therapy techniques specific to Alzheimer’s and Dementia were practiced, including asking clients to come up with their own unique movements and sequencing them to create a dance that the group could repeat and practice. This allowed clients to practice creative decision-making and self-expression.

Throughout the week, we also practiced dances that were co-choreographed by the therapist and clients that were performed at the final culminating Nutcracker performance on the last day of the program. On Monday, we were joined by guest artists from Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli, who performed several dances, songs and dramas. On Friday, we were joined by dancers from the Kern Arts Academy, who performed three dances from the Nutcracker, while the clients, with the help of the dance/movement therapist and staff, performed two other dances using Spanish fans, castanettas and silk flowers as props. It was a very memorable and special conclusion to the week.

PROGRAM GOALS + EVALUATION

MemoryMOVES promotes a variety of goals. While all sessions will support all goals, specific sessions may focus more on one particular goal. 

• ~ Increased cognitive functioning and recall
  Supporting DMT modality: use of movement pattern and ritual (consistent and predictable opening and closing patterns of groups) 
• ~ Functional mobility and increased range of motion
  Supporting DMT modality: Effort modulation*, use of props. 
• ~ Mind/body connection
  Supporting DMT modality: grounding, orienting to time/space through movement. Verbal identification of mental process while moving. 
• ~ Relief from depression and anxiety/increased joy and happiness
  Supporting DMT modality: effort modulation, use of music, group rhythmic action 
• ~ Brightened affect
  Supporting DMT modality: Effort modulation 
• ~ Increased social interaction
  Supporting DMT modality: group rhythmic action, use of props 

MemoryMOVES Outcomes:

1. Increased socialization – Therapeutic movement most often happens in groups, and the group is a key element to the therapeutic nature of movement. Participants interact and relate to each other on a movement level, as well as on an emotional and cognitive level. It can be expected that groups that normally feel isolated will find common ground with other participants, and have an increased sense of community and support.
   
2. Increased quality of life – Therapeutic movement aims to increase quality of life for those who participate. This often looks like alleviation of symptoms, whether they be physical, emotional, cognitive or behavioral. Participants can expect to leave sessions feeling joyful, energized or relaxed, and with less physical pain.
   
3. Self-expression and creativity – Therapeutic movement seeks to empower the individual and group to make creative choices and find their creative “voice” through dance. Participants in therapeutic movement programs will have an increased sense of confidence and creative autonomy that is built over the course of their sessions. 

MemoryMOVES Assessment:

The success of the MemoryMOVES program is measured through several facets: evaluation from clients, caregivers, program staff and the results of pre- and post- tests and surveys. Upon entering the program, participants are given a pre-test to evaluate their functional mobility, cognitive function, affect, and social interaction. A post-test evaluating the same concepts is given to the participants on the last day of the program.

PROGRAM RESULTS

MemoryMOVES measured the outcomes for six factors, which are detailed below. 

1. Brightened Affect 
   1. 28/35 clients (80%) displayed brighter affect over the course of the week, while 7/35 clients (20%) had no visible change in affect. 
2. Relief from Depression/Anxiety
   1. 32/35 clients (91%) displayed consistently reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, displaying things such as “increased alertness, Increased participation, talking more, laughter, smiling, more upright posture, reduced agitation, calmer demeanor, and reduced fidgeting.” 3/35 clients (9%) did not show reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
3. Functional Mobility and Increased Range of Motion
   1. 26/35 clients (74%) displayed consistently increased range of motion and functional mobility, while 9/35 clients (26%) did not display a change in their range of motion.
4. Increased Social Interaction
   1. 29/35 clients (83%) displayed increased social interaction, as evidenced by increased eye contact, acknowledging other clients/therapist/staff, and/or participating in group or partner dances with clients/therapist/staff, while 6/35 clients (17%) did not show increased social interaction.
5. Increased Cognitive Functioning and Recall
   1. 28/35 clients (80%) displayed one or more indicators of increased cognitive functioning and recall. Indicators observed included clients’ ability to verbally state orienting facts (name, date, etc,) ability to recall short term information such as choreographic patterns or sequences, ability to incorporate verbal cues into movement output, ability to recall long term information such as facts or memories from the past, and ability to verbally or somatically express how they are feeling. 7/35 clients (20%) did not display any indicators of increased cognitive functioning or recall.
6. Mind/Body Connection
   1. 26/35 clients (74%) displayed increased mind/body connection, as observed by responding appropriately through movement to verbal prompts and cues from the therapist, while 6/35 clients (17%) did not display an increased mind/body connection. 

Clients Reported…

• ~ On the last day, one client expressed how this program was a blessing, and told the therapist how much she had enjoyed it.
• ~ On the first day of MemoryMOVES, one client stated “you were here last year! I remember you!” She was happy to experience the program again.

Additional Comments…

• ~ On the last day of the program, one of the guest performers commented that seeing the clients dancing all together at the end was beautiful and brought her to tears. She commented that this program should be more widespread. 

Summary

MemoryMOVES allowed clients to break from their normal routine in order to experience the transformative effects of dance and music. Over the week, clients looked forward to Memory Moves every day, and were able to consistently engage in groups. Clients displayed an ability to make creative movement choices, and an ability to remember short movement sequences. Sessions were marked by joy and laughter, and there was a noticeable difference in the group dynamic from the start to end of each group, with participants appearing happier, more engaged, and more relaxed after having moved and danced. There was also a noticeable shift in energy from the beginning of the program to the end. It appeared that clients began to anticipate the group daily.

This year, MemoryMOVES was able to benefit from 16 visiting artists who performed on Monday and Friday. On Monday, Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli performed several nativity-themed dances, songs and dramas, which culminated in singing Feliz Navidad with the clients, who were given maracas to participate. The performance visibly energized the clients, who clapped, laughed, smiled and sang along with the performers. The dance therapy group that immediately followed was very high energy.

On Friday, Kern Arts Academy performed three dances from The Nutcracker. Again, clients were visibly moved by the performances, and were smiling and swaying with the music. After the dancers concluded their performance, clients performed the two Nutcracker dances they had been rehearsing all week, with Kern Arts Academy dancers joining in. This concluded with clients, guest performers, staff and family members all standing up and dancing together at the end, in a moving display of unity, connection and joy.

KDA was pleased to award the following 2025 scholarships to deserving Kern County dance artists:

• ~ Ginger Stark
• ~ Janessa Nankil
• ~ Emylee Wright
• ~ Sophia Gholz
• ~ Natalie Gholz

KDA Presentations + Promotions + Recognition + Advocacy

• ~ 2025 Outstanding Dance Education Organization of the Year awardee
• ~ Kern County Superintendent of Schools Bridges Literacy Conference Guest Speaker
• ~ St Johns Lutheran School – Books in Motion Performance
• ~ March California Arts Education Month Advocate 
• ~ April California Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month Advocate
• ~ California Arts Advocacy Day Attendees – April 21-22
• ~ Kern County Board of Supervisors Proclaims July 2025 Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY MONTH – June 17 WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE
• ~ October National Arts and Humanities Month Advocate 
• ~ Local Media Promotions” KGET, KBAK, FOX 58, KUZZ, The Bakersfield Californian
• ~ Prop 28 + Dance Credential Advocate
• ~ Kern County Dance Organization Summer Performance/Programs + Holiday Show Announcements

KDA has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and being selected as a student intern this year has been such a meaningful experience. Being on the board has shown me how much passion and teamwork go into everything KDA does.

ADAPTIdance has been my favorite part of KDA for the past 6 years. The athletes, the energy, and the connections I have made there mean so much to me. Every season reminds me why I love sharing dance and why community matters.

This internship has helped me grow as both a dancer and a leader, and I am grateful for all the support from the board members and everyone who has encouraged me. KDA has shaped a huge part of who I am, and I am excited to keep being involved with an organization that brings so much positivity to our community. – Lily Newman, 2025 KDA Intern