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KDA CELEBRATES NATIONAL DANCE DAY with COMMUNITY EVENT at DIGNITY HEALTH THEATER 

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KDA CELEBRATES NATIONAL DANCE DAY with COMMUNITY EVENT at DIGNITY HEALTH THEATER

KDA (Kern Dance Alliance) will host its National Dance Day celebration on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm at Dignity Health Theater. The daylong dance convention will offer accessible classes, workshops, and seminars taught by local, national, and internationally renowned artists. National Dance Day 2026 is focused on celebrating movers of all ages, levels, and abilities and inspiring every walk of life to keep moving. The event will also feature a vendor marketplace open to the public and focused on health, wellness, the arts, and an improved quality of life.

The KDA National Dance Day will feature 40+ beginning-to-advanced $5 classes for children through adults in styles ranging from folklorico to line dance, hip hop to swing, ballet to tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, bachata, Charleston, Lindy Hop, Scandinavian folk dance, Zumba, Pilates, and more. Returning favorites include Seniors: Dancing Through the Decades, ADAPTIdance® for All, youth and family classes, college and high school dance team prep sessions, and classes led by international renown guest artists.

Taught by 25 Kern County dance instructors, as well as 5 celebrity dance artists representing many of America’s finest dance institutions, the event will offer the Kern County community an opportunity to to try a dance class for the first time or advance a dancers’ technique by training with today’s most respected instructors. National Dance Day 2026 is generously sponsored by KGET – Channel 17, Stockdale Podiatry Group, and Core Chiropractic.

ABOUT NATIONAL DANCE DAY Established in 2010 by American Dance Movement co-founder Nigel Lythgoe of American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, National Dance Day is an annual celebration dedicated to dance that encourages people of all ages to incorporate movement into their lives. Celebrated nationally, KDA will host its community holiday at Dignity Health Theater.

NATIONAL DANCE DAY TICKETS + SCHEDULE National Dance Day tickets are ONLY $5 a class. To purchase National Dance Day tickets and view the full schedule, visit kerndance.org/DANCEDAY.

FOR MORE INFORMATION kerndance.org/DANCEDAY / email info@kerndance.org

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NATIONAL DANCE DAY 2026 (CONDENSED) ITINERARY

10:00 am – 8:00 pm – Classes, workshops, seminars, marketplace, and Open Stage

10:00 – 10:45 am – Mixed Level Zumba with Nesi Sheldon; Pilates Strength and Conditioning for Dancers with Stephanie Bartell-Vadas; Beg Hip Hop for Kids Ages 3–6 with Catalina Arias; Beg/Int Folklorico with Felisa Patiño-Longoria

10:45 – NDD PROCLAMATION with Mayor Karen Goh and local dignitaries

11:00 am – 12:20 pm – Pro Master Class: Int/Adv Musical Theater for Broadway with Jessica Lea Patty

11:00 – 11:50 am – Seniors: Dancing Through the Decades with Jennifer Thompson; Mixed Level Hip Hop with DAT Krew Academy; Beginning Ballet Ages 3–6 with Riley Juliet Thompson; Mixed Level Line Dancing with Joel Hoffman

12:30 – 1:50 pm – Pro Master Class: Int/Adv Ballet with Adji Cissoko

12:00 – 12:50 pm – ADAPTIdance® for All with Myka Steele; Mixed Level Lyrical with Meghan Boggess; Mixed Level Tap with Victoria Marchetti

2:00 – 3:20 pm — Pro Master Class: Int/Adv Ballet Pas De Deux with Shuaib Elhassan

1:00 – 1:50 pm – College Dance Team Prep for HS Students with Lauren Shearon; Mixed Level Ballet Ages 7+ with Kristen McLaughlin; ProLevel Connect Seminar with Jessica Powers; High School Pom Team Experience for Elem/Jr High Students with Rosanna Markham; Mixed Level Country Swing with Josh Harless

3:30 – 4:50 pm – Pro Masterclass: Int/Adv Hip Hop with Lil Buck

2:00 – 2:50 pm – Int/Adv Jazz Technique with Kaci Crowell; Mixed Level Hip Hop with Naomi Rivera; Mixed Level Musical Theater with Riley Juliet Thompson; Mixed Level Urban Bachata with Veronica Hidalgo

3:00 – 3:50 pm – Mixed Level Jazz with Valentina Serrano; Int/Adv Turns and Leaps with Mindi Schiefelbein; Mixed Level Scandinavian Folk Dance with Bernie Johansen

4:00 – 4:50 pm – Advanced Contemporary with Romy Hernandez; Beg/Int Contemporary with Riley Juliet Thompson; Movement is Therapy: Dancing in 3D with Andrew “Dance Fever” Jones; Mixed Level Lindy Hop Swing Dance with Tony Fraser and Suze DeArmond

5:00 – 6:20 pm – Pro Masterclass: Int/Adv Contemporary with Marissa Powers

5:00 – 5:50 pm – Beg/Int Adult Jazz Funk with Ashley Choate; Mixed Level Solo Charleston with Reuben & Pamela Sosa

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KDA Announces California Arts Council Individual Artists Fellowship Awards in the Central Valley & Eastern Sierra

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KDA Announces California Arts Council Individual Artists Fellowship Awards in the Central Valley & Eastern Sierra

Unrestricted Fellowships Totaling $360,000 Support Artists Across 13 Counties

KDA (Kern Dance Alliance) has announced the recipients of the 2026 KDA Individual Artists Fellowship (KDAIAF) awards. Funded by a grant from the California Arts Council (CAC), the program provides unrestricted fellowships totaling $360,000 to individual artists and culture bearers living, working, and/or serving in California’s Central Valley and Eastern Sierra region.

Selected from 265 applications requesting more than $4.55 million, the 34 awards recognize artistic excellence, sustained creative practice, and meaningful community impact. KDA is one of only eight organizations statewide chosen by the CAC to administer this highly competitive initiative. Due to limited available funding, only 8% of applicants were selected for a KDAIAF award.

Awards were determined through a rigorous, confidential peer-review process conducted by a panel of regional artists, culture bearers, and arts professionals who evaluated applications using published criteria focused on artistic excellence, sustained practice, and community impact.

The fellowships will help spark artistic entrepreneurship, free arts programs for youth and seniors, powerful new cultural works, mobile workshops reaching rural and underserved communities, and deeper connections across the counties KDA serves.

 “Artists are essential to the health, identity, and economic vitality of our communities,” said Andrea Hansen, KDA Executive Director and KDAIAF Program Director. “These fellows represent the extraordinary talent and resilience of our region. We are honored to invest in their practices and look forward to the creative work they will continue to share across the Central Valley and Eastern Sierra.”

Although KDA deeply regrets that they could not fund every deserving application, they value the vital work of all artists who applied. Every submission reflected the rich creativity and dedication present throughout the region. KDA remains committed to advocating for increased state funding allocations that will expand future opportunities for artists and culture bearers in California’s Central Valley and Eastern Sierra, and encourages community members, elected officials, and partners to join them in that effort.

After administrative costs, all $360,000 is restricted solely to direct fellowship awards. None of the funds support KDA’s existing programs or operations.

The KDAIAF serves artists and culture bearers in 14 counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, and Tuolumne. The 34 fellows represent 13 of the 14 counties (applications were not submitted from Amador county) in KDA’s service area, underscoring the program’s commitment to equitable access for artists throughout the Central Valley and Eastern Sierra.

 2026 KDAIAF AWARD BREAKDOWN

  • Legacy Artist Fellows (3 awards of $50,000 each – $150,000 total) 
  • Established Artist Fellows (11 awards of $10,000 each – $110,000 total) 
  • Emerging Artist Fellows (20 awards of $5,000 each – $100,000 total)

All awards are unrestricted and matching funds were not required. The Fellowship Activity Period runs August 1, 2026 – August 1, 2027. Fellows will use their awards to enhance their creative practice and artistic entrepreneurship while participating in virtual convenings along with ongoing professional development workshops and networking opportunities throughout the one-year fellowship period.

Legacy Artist Fellows ($50,000)

  • Bobby Von Martin – Fresno: Cultural Bearer/Indigenous Practice 
  • Edna Garabedian – Madera: Music/Opera 
  • Kristen Elizabeth McLaughlin – Kern: Dance & Movement


Established Artist Fellows ($10,000)

  • Anthony Laurence Imperatrice – Fresno: Music, Media & Digital Arts 
  • Corey Brian Strauss – Stanislaus: Theater & Performance 
  • Erick Jovanny Rodriguez Ordoñez – Kern: Interdisciplinary & Social Practice 
  • Francisco Javier Alonso Sanchez – Tulare: Visual Arts 
  • Halima Lucas – San Joaquin: Literary Arts, Media & Digital Arts 
  • Ka’eo Koapaka Yoshikawa – Fresno: Literary Arts 
  • Martha Diana Ramirez – Kern: Literary Arts 
  • Michael Willis – Kern: Design & Applied Arts 
  • Richard Garrett Masterson – Madera: Visual Arts 
  • Valerie Anglen – Tulare: Visual Arts 
  • Victor M. Torres – Fresno: Dance & Movement


Emerging Artist Fellows ($5,000)

  • Alicia Ramona van de Bor – San Joaquin: Visual Arts 
  • Amanda Lee Stone – Kings: Literary Arts / Visual Arts 
  • Antonio Anaya Tapia – Stanislaus: Design & Applied Arts 
  • Ashlee Albrecht – Merced: Visual Arts 
  • Benjamin Blaine Ditto – Inyo: Visual Arts 
  • Brian Le Bui – San Joaquin: Culture Bearer 
  • Desirae Washington – Fresno: Media & Digital Arts 
  • Holly Meagher – Kings: Visual Arts 
  • Jacob Hazzard Been – Stanislaus: Visual Arts 
  • Jesse James Hunt – Merced: Visual Arts 
  • Laura D. Perrone – Stanislaus: Visual Arts, Design & Applied Arts 
  • Margaret Ruth Sloan – Calaveras: Literary Arts, Visual Arts 
  • Maria Fernanda Rosas – Fresno: Visual Arts 
  • Martha L. Gonzalez – Kern: Dance & Movement 
  • Michaela Carole Graves – Tuolumne: Visual Arts 
  • Nathaniel Scott Norman – Tulare: Interdisciplinary, Visual Arts 
  • Ruth Soderlund – Fresno: Visual Arts 
  • Susan Lee Bains – Mono: Visual Arts 
  • Tabatha Mills – Kern: Literary Arts 
  • Troian M. G. Cummings – Mariposa: Visual Arts

FELLOWS HIGHLIGHTS

  • Kristen Elizabeth McLaughlin (Legacy Artist Fellow, Kern County) will expand free and scholarship-supported programs that bring interactive arts workshops to children ages 4 – 8, immersive “Concerts 4 Kids,” and intergenerational movement sessions for seniors in assisted-living facilities – removing financial barriers while creating local artistic jobs.
  • Corey Brian Strauss (Established Artist Fellow, Stanislaus County) will deliver more than 20 free, high-quality live theatre performances directly onto elementary school campuses, prioritizing schools with limited arts access and giving thousands of students their first professional performing arts experience.
  • Holly Meagher (Emerging Artist Fellow, Kings County) will launch “Wheels on Wheels,” a mobile ceramics program that brings affordable, hands-on pottery workshops to schools, community events, and public spaces throughout Kings County’s military and rural communities, eliminating the one-hour travel barrier to the nearest studio.

Fellows were notified of their awards on July 31, 2026.

Follow the announcement and future updates on Instagram (@kda-ca) and Facebook (@KDA).

Full program details and the complete list of awardees are available at kda-ca.org/IAF.

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Kern Dance Alliance and Kern County Library Celebrate 10 Years of Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY 

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Kern Dance Alliance and Kern County Library Celebrate 10 Years of Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY with Record Growth, New Anniversary Initiatives, and Expanded Community Reach

Kern Dance Alliance (KDA) and Kern County Library proudly announce the launch of the 10th anniversary season of Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY, running July 6 – August 1, 2026, at libraries, schools, and community centers across Kern County.

This milestone year celebrates a decade of bringing stories to life through the arts while introducing special commemorative offerings and building on the program’s success.

All Books in Motion events are free and family-friendly. Families can attend one show or visit multiple performances throughout the summer to experience the diversity of the program. Every child receives one free book per show, giving families the exciting opportunity to collect up to all 12 books to build their own home libraries and reinforce literacy goals at home. “For ten years, Books in Motion has brought beloved children’s stories to life through the magic of the arts, inspiring thousands of young readers across Kern County to connect reading, creativity, and physical expression,” said Andrea Hansen, Executive Director of KDA. “This anniversary season we’re making it even more special with new ways for families to participate and be celebrated.”

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BOOKS IN MOTION BIBLIOGRAPHY

Children will experience 12 beloved children’s books including Aloha, Hawaii, Coco, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Bluey: Bob Bilby, The Sleeping Beauty, The Princess and the Frog, Team Up! (Toy Story), I Got The School Spirit, I Am Enough, If I Ran Your School, and The Ugly Duckling through live performances and dynamic dance performances with many multilingual performances in English, Spanish, and ASL.

10th ANNIVERSARY TOUR SCHEDULE

The full 2026 tour schedule is available now at kerndance.org/BIM and features 50 performances at 24 locations in communities across Kern County from Delano to Rosamond.

Upcoming Shows:

July 6 @ 2:00 pm – Beale Library: “The Sleeping Beauty” by Bakersfield City Ballet

July 7 @ 2:00 pm – Baker Library: “I Got The School Spirit” by Liberty High School Dance Team

July 8 @ 2:00 pm – Southwest Library: “Coco” by Ballet Folklorico Huaztelcalli

July 9 @ 2:00 pm – Northeast Library: “The Princess and the Frog” by DAT Krew Academy

July 10 @ 3:00 pm – Rathbun Library: “Bluey: Bob Bilby” by Spotlight Dance Academy

July 11 @ 10:30 am – Arvin Library: “I Am Enough” by Lions Elite

 

10th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIONS

• Kern County Board of Supervisors Proclaim July as Books in Motion Month – On July 14 at 9:00 am at the Kern County Board of Supervisors Meeting in the Kern County Administration Building.

• Books in Motion Commemorative Library Card – The countdown is on until the public can add the newest specially designed Books in Motion library card to their wallet. Sign up for this special keepsake launching this summer to celebrate 10 years!

• Books in Motion Summer Reading Challenge – Children are invited to participate in the Books in Motion reading challenge designed to encourage a love of reading throughout the summer. Participants who complete the challenge will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the coveted “Books in Motion Champion Reader” t-shirt.

• FREE Books, Crafts, and 10-Year Anniversary Stickers – Provided to every Books in Motion participant to build their home libraries and celebrate the festivities!

BOOKS IN MOTION PARTNERS + SPONSORS

This year’s program is presented by KDA and the Kern County Library and features performances by 12 local dance organizations: Aloha Entertainment by Polynesian Spice, Bakersfield City Ballet, Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli, Civic Dance Center, DAT Krew Academy, J&M Dance Center, McLaughlin Dance Collective, Spotlight Dance Academy, Spotlight Academy of the Arts, Sosa Creatives Dance Academy, Lions Elite, and Liberty High School. The program is made possible through the generous support from the California Arts Council, 23ABC, Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation, Amicus Foundation, Blue Zones Project, Kern County Library Foundation, Valley Strong, Ability Central, California Resource Corporation (CRC), and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Additionally community partnerships include the Independent Living Center of Kern County, Russo’s Books, and Shafter Library and Learning Center

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BOOKS IN MOTION IN KERN COUNTY SCHOOLS

The program continues its valued partnership with Panama Buena Vista Unified School District, where Books in Motion and all 12 featured books will be highlighted at multiple school sites from June 16 – July 7.

PROVEN IMPACT + GROWTH

Since launching in 2016, Books in Motion has reached more than 20,000 children, distributed 15,000 free books, and brought 76 children’s book titles to life through dance. More than 1,000 artists have participated over the decade. The 2025 season delivered the strongest numbers yet: • 50 performances across 20 sites • 5,141 participants • 5,595 free books given away • 235 artists from 12 dance organizations Participant surveys showed powerful results: • 91.7% said the performance inspired them to read • 89.0% said it inspired them to dance • 72.1% were repeat attendees “We know that not everybody learns the same way… Books in Motion really helps us in that effort,” noted Genevieve Egana, Kern County librarian.

BOOKS IN MOTION PRESS KIT

High-resolution photos, videos, graphics, and the printable 2026 tour calendar are available HERE.

ABOUT KDA

KDA is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the arts throughout California’s Central Valley. Since 2015, KDA has served over 200,000 people through their diverse programs and services. In 2025, KDA was named America’s Outstanding Dance Education Organization of the Year. Learn more at kerndance.org.

ABOUT KERN COUNTY LIBRARY

Kern County Library is dedicated to building community and cultivating opportunities for Kern County residents, by connecting people, ideas, information, and technology.

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KDA Opens Applications for SHINE 2026 Summer Program in Bakersfield

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KDA Opens Applications for SHINE 2026 Summer Program in Bakersfield

Free One-Week Dance + Math Program for Middle School Girls Now Accepting Student and Mentor Applications 

Kern Dance Alliance (KDA) is now accepting applications for both students and mentors for the SHINE: DANCE + MATH = SUCCESS 2026 Summer Program in Bakersfield. The nationally recognized, free one-week program combines formal dance training with rigorous, kinesthetic math instruction to help middle school girls improve their math skills, build confidence, and explore STEAM careers.

SHINE serves girls in grades 6 – 8 and uses a proprietary curriculum aligned with national math standards. Daily sessions include snacks and bonding, hands-on math activities through movement, dance technique and choreography, and small-group tutoring. The week culminates in a celebratory performance featuring original choreography, solo performances, and guest speakers for family, friends, and teachers. Since its launch, SHINE has served nearly 300 girls and mentors with remarkable results: 100% of participating girls improved their math scores and reported greater confidence, while 94% gained stronger interest in STEAM fields.

Program Details – Bakersfield 2026

  • Dates: Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily
  • Location: Garces Memorial High School Dance Studio, 2800 Loma Linda Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305

Application Information

Applications for both students and mentors are open now and must be submitted by Friday, July 10, 2026.

  • Students: Open to all Bakersfield-area girls entering grades 6–8 in fall 2026. No dance or math experience is required—just enthusiasm and a desire to grow.
  • Mentors: Open to local high school and college women with strong math backgrounds, tutoring experience, dance training, and a passion for empowering girls. Mentors receive customized online certification and a half-day training session on Thursday, July 16, 2026. All mentors must pass a background check.

The program is completely free for all participants, thanks to generous support from local sponsors and donors. Space is limited to 30 girls and 15 mentors per session. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is encouraged. Girls not selected for the 2026 summer session will be offered spots in future programs.

“SHINE for Girls is the program I wished I could’ve been a part of as a young teen!” said Jessica Reyes, SHINE Lead Mentor. “Through mentorship and tutoring we show girls what it looks like to be a woman in STEM, and how they can get there too! We also use dance as a way to reinforce their math skills and help build the confidence to put themselves out there and SHINE both on stage and in the classroom.”

Bakersfield is the first city in California and on the entire West Coast to host the SHINE program through its partnership with KDA. The 2026 program is proudly supported by Garces Memorial High School.

To apply or learn more, visit kerndance.org/shine/bakersfield/ or contact KDA at info@kerndance.org.

LINK: SHINE PRESS KIT

About KDA

KDA (Kern Dance Alliance) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing dance education, performance, and community outreach throughout Kern County. Through innovative programs like SHINE, KDA empowers people to discover their potential in the arts, academics, and beyond.

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KDA Selected to Administer California Arts Council Individual Artists Fellowship Program for Central Valley & Eastern Sierra Counties 

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KDA selected by California Arts Council to administer the Individual Artists Fellowship Program for Central Valley & Eastern Sierra Counties

Unrestricted Fellowship Awards - Up to $50,000 - Available to Individual Artists

KDA (Kern Dance Alliance), announced it was selected by the California Arts Council (CAC) to administer a $450,000 Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) Program for California’s Central Valley and Eastern Sierra region. KDA is one of only eight organizations statewide chosen to steward this highly competitive initiative.

“Artists are essential to the health, identity, and economic vitality of our communities,” said Executive Director of KDA, Andrea Hansen. “Being selected to administer this program allows KDA to directly support the creative workforce across 14 counties, ensuring that artists have the resources they need to thrive and that public investment in the arts reaches every corner of our region.”

This statewide initiative will provide up to $50,000 in unrestricted funding to individual artists and culture bearers at Emerging, Established, and Legacy career stages. The program recognizes artistic excellence, sustained creative practice, and meaningful community impact, while advancing economic opportunity and equitable access to public arts funding across California.

RESTRICTED FUNDING FOR KDA 

After administrative costs are deducted, KDA will oversee the distribution of approximately $360,000 in fellowship awards. None of these funds will be used to support KDA’s existing programs or operations. All funding is restricted to program administration and direct regranting to individual artists. KDA’s role is to ensure a fair and transparent process, expand access across the region, and provide professional development support to fellows throughout the program.

SERVICE REGION 

The KDA Individual Artists Fellowship (KDAIAF) serves artists and culture bearers living, working, and/or serving in the following 14 counties: 

Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne. 

AWARD AMOUNTS 

● Emerging Artist Fellow: $5,000 

● Established Artist Fellow: $10,000 

● Legacy Artist Fellow: $50,000 

All awards are unrestricted and matching funds are NOT required. 

ELIGIBILITY 

Applicants must: 

● Be 18 years of age or older 

● Be a California-based individual artist or culture bearer 

● Show two consecutive years of California residency 

● Live, work, and/or serve within the 14-county service region 

● Apply as an individual artist (groups, collectives, and fiscal sponsors are not eligible) 

● Submit work samples and one letter of recommendation 

GRANT WRITING EDUCATION + TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WEBINARS

KDA will offer free grant writing education and technical assistance webinars throughout May to support artists at all career stages. Webinars will be held live via Zoom and recorded for later viewing. May 4 @ 12:00 pm – Individual Artists Fellowship Overview / Which Tier Should I Apply For? May 11 @ 12:00 pm – Creating a Strong Individual Artists Fellowship Application May 18 @ 12:00 pm – Individual Artists Fellowship Application Tech Support

TIMELINE 

● Applications Open: May 1, 2026 

● Education Webinars: Mondays on May 4, May 11, May 18 @ 12:00 pm via Zoom 

● Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 (11:59 PM) 

● Fellowship Activity Period: August 1, 2026 – August 1, 2027 

GRANT GUIDELINES

Applicants can learn more about eligibility, fellowship tiers, and application requirements by downloading the KDA Individual Artists Fellowship Grant Program Guidelines at kda-ca.org/IAF. 

INTEREST FORM

Applicants are encouraged to submit an interest form found at kda-ca.org/IAF to stay up to date prior to the application opening on May 1.

APPLY 

Applicants can access the application portal at kda-ca.org/IAF on May 1.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Updates, reminders, and webinar announcements will also be shared on KDA’s social media channels – Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

General Inquiries: hello@kda-ca.org

ABOUT KDA 

KDA (Kern Dance Alliance) is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to using the arts to improve life throughout California’s Central Valleys. Through programs, services, grant making, education, and community partnerships, KDA promotes economic development by supporting artists and communities while fostering inclusive and equitable arts opportunities. From 2023-2025, KDA administered the $4.2 million KDA Creative Corps program, a regional regranting program funded by the California Arts Council that created thousands of jobs in the arts and programs that served the Central Valley and Eastern Sierra. KDA has served over 200,000 people and has raised $6 million for the arts in the region since 2015. 

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KDA to Participate in Give Big Kern 2026 

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KDA to Participate in Give Big Kern 2026

 KDA is proud to announce its participation in Give Big Kern, the Kern Community Foundation’s 24-hour community-wide fundraising event on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Give Big Kern brings together donors across Kern County for one powerful day of giving to support local nonprofits. KDA is excited to join this effort alongside other outstanding Kern County organizations dedicated to strengthening our community through mission-based work.

“KDA is thrilled to take part in Give Big Kern and invites our supporters, artists, families, and the entire Kern County community to help us ignite creativity through the arts,” said KDA Executive Director, Andrea Hansen. “Every donation will directly support our programs that bring meaningful arts experiences, education, and creative opportunities to people of all ages across the region.”

Donations to KDA during Give Big Kern start at just $5 and are fully tax-deductible. All proceeds will fuel KDA’s arts programs, including education initiatives, community performances, outreach efforts, and creative development projects that enrich lives and build stronger community connections through the power of the arts.

 

How to Give

KDA encourages everyone who believes in the transformative power of the arts to “Give Big” and help sustain vital creative programming in Kern County.

About KDA

KDA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to igniting

creativity through the arts. The organization provides inclusive arts education, performances, and community programs designed to inspire, educate, and connect people of all ages and backgrounds across California’s Central Valley.

To learn more about Give Big Kern please visit https://www.givebigkern.org.

For More Information – Email info@kerndance.org

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KDA Opens Performer Applications for 10th Anniversary of Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY Program 

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KDA Opens Performer Applications for 10th Anniversary of Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY Program

Kern Dance Alliance (KDA) is thrilled to announce the opening of performer applications for the 2026 season of Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY, marking the program’s 10th anniversary of inspiring young readers in Kern County. Since its launch in 2016, Books in Motion has reached nearly 20,000 children, gifted close to 15,000 free books, and transformed literacy education by blending storytelling with dance to combat summer learning loss and foster creativity.

Books in Motion is an award-nominated, evidence-based summer reading initiative presented by KDA in partnership with Kern County Library and local dance organizations. The program brings children’s books to life through narration, dance performances, choreography, and hands-on crafts, aligning with Common Core Standards for Reading Literature in grades K-3. By engaging multiple learning modalities (visual, aural, verbal, and physical) the program motivates children to connect with stories, build confidence, and develop critical thinking skills. This is especially vital in Kern County, where only 28% of 3rd graders meet or exceed English Language Arts standards, and significant portions of adults face literacy challenges.

In celebration of a decade of community impact, KDA invites dance organizations and performers to apply as collaborators for the 2026 tour, scheduled from July 6 to August 1. Applicants can propose a beloved children’s book suitable for K-3 audiences or select from a provided bibliography. Selected performers will narrate and perform the stories, teach child-friendly choreography, and deliver at least four performances across Kern County libraries, schools, and community centers.

“We are honored to celebrate 10 years of Books in Motion, a program that has not only boosted literacy but also united our community through the arts,” said Andrea Hansen, Executive Director of Kern Dance Alliance. “This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our partners, sponsors, dance artists, educators, libraries, volunteers, and families. We look forward to welcoming new performers to continue this legacy of joyful learning.”

Application Details:

• Eligibility: Applicants must be KDA Organization Members (non-members can join at kerndance.org/membership).

• How to Apply: Submit via the online form at kerndance.org/BIM.

• Timeline: Applications open Friday, February 20, 2026, and close Friday, March 20, 2026. Selected performers will be notified by Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

• Requirements: Performers must provide clear narration and theatrics, create injury-free choreography tied to the book’s theme, supply high-quality costumes, offer a portable sound system, provide proof of insurance, attend a mandatory information meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Beale Memorial Library, and allow program administrators to observe a June rehearsal.

• Benefits: Selected participants receive an honorarium, marketing exposure to over 5,000 attendees, features on the Books in Motion website and KDA social media, inclusion in press releases and promotional materials, and opportunities for local media appearances. The program remains free to families, supported by generous donations, ensuring equitable access to arts-based literacy for all Kern County children.

For more information or to apply, visit kerndance.org/BIM

About KDA (Kern Dance Alliance) KDA is a nonprofit arts agency dedicated to supporting and promoting dance and the arts throughout California’s Central Valleys, with a primary focus on Kern County. As an advocate for arts education, performance, and appreciation, KDA fosters community collaboration to enrich lives through innovative programs that blend artistic expression with social impact. Key initiatives include Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY, ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY, and MemoryMOVES: DANCE + THERAPY. 

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KDA Announces 2026 National Honors Society for Dance Arts Induction Program

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KDA ANNOUNCES 2026 NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY FOR DANCE ARTS INDUCTION PROGRAM

Kern Dance Alliance (KDA), an established Secondary Chapter of the National Honors Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA), is excited to provide access to this prestigious program for 9th–12th grade students studying dance who meet national induction requirements. NHSDA, a program of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), recognizes outstanding artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement among dance students in public and private schools, dance studios, cultural centers, and performing arts organizations. Since its launch for secondary students in 2005, NHSDA has inducted thousands of students nationwide, promoting high standards in dance education and offering national prestige. Students interested in becoming inducted in 2026 are invited to learn more about the induction requirements and apply. To qualify for induction, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 overall GPA and earn at least 30 points through a structured system that rewards dance activities, such as classes, rehearsals, performances, choreography, teaching, and leadership roles. At least 20 points must come from participation in
chapter-related programs. Full details on the point system and rubrics are available on the KDA NHSDA webpage. Inductees receive valuable benefits, including a certificate of recognition, gold honors pin, blue and white honor cord, and medallion for graduation ceremonies. Membership also enhances college applications, provides leadership opportunities through chapter activities, and qualifies students for scholarships like the NHSDA Artistic Merit, Leadership, and Academic Achievement Award. Kern County students who attend a high school without a dance program, or whose high school or private dance studio is not a current NHSDA chapter, are eligible for induction through KDA’s chapter. This inclusive model expands access to national recognition and ensures that motivated students are not limited by institutional barriers. “We’re thrilled to open NHSDA induction to all deserving Kern County students, helping them shine on a national stage and fostering their growth as artists and leaders,” said Marcie Hronis, KDA President.

KDA 2026 NHSDA PROGRAM DATES, TIMES, AND LOCATIONS:
● KDA NHSDA Webinar Meeting via Zoom: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST     REGISTER at kerndance.org/nhsda
● KDA NHSDA Student Induction Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
● KDA NHSDA 2026 Induction Ceremony: Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Bakersfield Country Club

KDA is committed to ensuring that excelling dance students throughout Kern County have every opportunity to grow, be recognized, and succeed, regardless of where they receive their training. Photos from past induction ceremonies are available upon request for media use. To learn more about NHSDA, please visit ndeo.org/nhsda

For More Information – Email NHSDA@kerndance.org

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Community Invited to Experience Adaptive Dance Performance “UNSTOPPABLE”

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COMMUNITY INVITED TO EXPERIENCE ADAPTIVE DANCE PERFORMANCE “UNSTOPPABLE”

AT THE HISTORIC BAKERSFIELD FOX THEATER

 Kern Dance Alliance and the League of Dreams proudly announce UNSTOPPABLE, the second annual fully produced performance for their ADAPTIdance® program, Kern County’s only curriculum based adaptive dance program for individuals with intellectual, cognitive, and physical disabilities.

Founded in 2017, ADAPTIdance has grown into a robust and respected program that provides consistent, high quality dance training in an inclusive and supportive environment. Led by ADAPTIdance Program Director Myka Steele and supported by a dedicated team of interns and volunteers, the program emphasizes technique, artistry, confidence, and performance readiness. Dancers participate in a full season of instruction culminating in a professional theater performance.

UNSTOPPABLE marks the program’s second consecutive year on the iconic Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater stage. This year’s performance features ballet, hip hop, and jazz, showcasing the versatility, commitment, and growth of the dancers. These performers take the stage not as participants in a program, but as trained ADAPTIdancers presenting a polished and meaningful performance.

The community is invited to attend UNSTOPPABLE on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 3:00 PM, with doors opening at 2:00 PM. Audiences can expect an inspiring afternoon of movement, music, and storytelling that reflects the power of dedication, collaboration, and the arts.

“ADAPTIdance continues to redefine what inclusive dance education can look like,” said Marcie Hronis, President of Kern Dance Alliance. “This performance celebrates the discipline, growth, and artistry of dancers who have earned their place on stage.”

Tickets are $10 General Admission and are available through the Bakersfield Fox Theater website and box office.

The 2025–2026 ADAPTIdance program is supported in part by Kern Dance Alliance, League of Dreams, CARE Children’s Resource Endowment for the Kids of Kern County, Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust, Friends of Mercy Foundation, Kern Family Health Care, North of the River Recreation and Park District, Rotary Club of Bakersfield West, and the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater. Additional support is generously provided by Performer’s Closet, Kern County’s only dance retail store, for ADAPTIdancer dancewear and footwear.

“UNSTOPPABLE” INFORMATION:
Second Annual ADAPTIdance Performance
UNSTOPPABLE
Featuring ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY

Sunday, February 1, 2026
3:00 PM Performance
2:00 PM Doors Open

At the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater

TICKETS ON SALE NOW – General Admission $10
thebakersfieldfox.com | (661) 324-1369

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Kern Dance Alliance:
kerndance.org/ADAPTIdance
info@kerndance.org
Instagram and Facebook @kerndance 

The League of Dreams:
ourleagueofdreams.com
info@ourleagueofdreams.com
Instagram and Facebook @leagueofdreams

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KDA Launches “12 Days of Giving” Campaign to Celebrate the Spirit of Dance and 
Community

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

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

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

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

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

Winners will be announced on December 13.

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

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


LEARN MORE: kerndance.org/GIVE

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MemoryMOVES® Brings Holiday Joy & The Nutcracker to Bakersfield Residents Living with Memory Loss

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MemoryMOVES® Brings Holiday Joy & The Nutcracker to Bakersfield Residents Living with Memory Loss

KDA (Kern Dance Alliance) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County, Inc. (ADAKC) are proud to announce the return of the MemoryMOVESⓇ: DANCE + THERAPY program for memory-impaired clients. The organizations are gearing 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 will be offered daily to clients from 1:00 – 2:00 or 2:30 pm on December 8 – 12 at ADAKC. Celebrating the holiday spirit, the program will feature cultural holiday and arts traditions with opportunities for caregivers to experience the technique and transformative power of Dance/Movement Therapy. The event will culminate in a final performance at the end of the session featuring Nutcracker-themed performances for the clients and caregivers to enjoy. 

The goals of MemoryMOVES are to increase cognitive function and recall, functional mobility and increase range of motion, support a mind/body connection, provide relief from depression and anxiety by increasing joy and happiness, brighten the client’s affect, and increase social interaction

Bringing back MemoryMOVES with ADAKC during the holiday season is a true gift! I can’t wait to observe our Dance/Movement Therapist, Elena, tie in the sounds and sights of Tchaikovsky's “The Nutcracker” with her curriculum to enhance the client’s cognitive function! - Andrea Hansen, KDA Executive Director

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MemoryMOVES has become a cherished tradition at ADAKC, and we are thrilled to welcome it back again this year. This program has evolved into a meaningful part of our calendar—and are deeply grateful for our ongoing partnership with Kern Dance Alliance. Regardless of age or cognitive ability, dance and music have a profound ability to reach people, awaken memory, and foster healing. That is the heart of what makes MemoryMOVES so impactful. - Tamara Baker, ADAKC Executive Director

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

MemoryMOVES Press Kit –  CLICK HERE

MemoryMOVES LOCATION – Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County – 4203 Buena Vista Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93311 

MemoryMOVES DATES – December 8 – 12, 2025 @ 1:00-2:00 or 2:30 PM

TO ENROLL in MemoryMOVES – Participants must be enrolled in the ADAKC Day Program to participate in MemoryMOVES.  For admission criteria contact Family Services at 665-8871 or email info@adakc.org to register your loved one. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION –  kerndance.org/MEMORYMOVES / email info@kerndance.org