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Ndeo award

KERN DANCE ALLIANCE AWARDED NATIONAL HONORS

Kern Dance Alliance (KDA), a leading nonprofit arts advocacy organization in California’s Central Valley, has been selected to receive the 2025 Outstanding Dance Education Organization Award from the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). The award will be presented during NDEO’s virtual awards ceremony on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. ET, recognizing KDA’s exceptional contributions to dance education and community impact. In addition to the award presentation, KDA will participate as panelists in the “Empowering Excellence in Dance Education” session at NDEO’s National Conference in Detroit, MI, on October 4, 2025.

The NDEO Outstanding Dance Education Organization Award honors non-profit or private sector organizations established for at least five years that have made unique and impactful contributions to their communities through creative and scholarly efforts in dance education. KDA, founded in 2015, stood out for its innovative programs that integrate dance with education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, serving nearly 200,000 individuals and investing $5 million dollars across Kern County and the Southern San Joaquin Valley.

Hailed as one of the most prestigious honors in the arts sector, this award shines a national spotlight on California’s Central Valley, an often-overlooked and underserved region where the arts are not as prevalent.  By elevating KDA’s work, it underscores how arts organizations in underrepresented areas can drive economic prosperity, attract talent, boost community resilience, and inspire greater investment and vibrancy.

“KDA is deeply honored to receive this national recognition from NDEO, which validates our decade-long mission to make dance accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background,” said Andrea Hansen, Executive Director of Kern Dance Alliance. “This award celebrates not just our team of dedicated volunteers, but the entire community we’ve empowered through programs that foster creativity, wellness, and opportunity. We’re excited to continue building on this momentum as we mark our 10th anniversary.”

Over the past 10 years, KDA has achieved numerous milestones, including advocating for key legislation like California Senate Bill 916 and Proposition 28 to secure dance’s place in public school curricula. In 2025, KDA played a pivotal role in the approval of the single-subject dance teaching credential at California State University, Bakersfield, the first in the Central Valley. As home to the region’s only National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) secondary chapter, KDA promotes artistic excellence and leadership among youth.

KDA’s pioneering programs address systemic inequities and promote holistic development:

  • SHINE: DANCE + MATH = SUCCESS boosts girls’ math proficiency and confidence in STEAM fields.
  • Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY has engaged over 20,000 children since 2016, distributing nearly 15,000 free books to combat illiteracy in at-risk communities.
  • ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY offers adaptive classes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, culminating in performances like “Defying Gravity” at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater.
  • MemoryMOVES: DANCE + THERAPY supports Alzheimer’s patients and those with dementia through therapeutic movement.
  • KDA Creative Corps, a $4.2 million initiative funded by the California Arts Council, created 3,000 arts jobs and regranted funds to underserved areas, amplifying social and economic empowerment.

KDA’s all-volunteer model has raised $5 million since inception for scholarships, professional development, and free access for artists to theater venues via programs like OPEN STAGE.

The organization has hosted international artists from renowned companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, New York City Ballet, Giordano Dance Chicago, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, inspiring local dancers and proving professional careers in dance are attainable. Community events like National Dance Day and Taste of Dance celebrate cultural diversity, while initiatives like Paso a Paso empower Latina high school girls with life skills.

The community is invited to attend the virtual awards ceremony on Friday, September 26 at 7:00 EST/4:00 PST by RSVP’ing for the event via the link below.

RSVP Link: National Honors Award Ceremony  or https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TTZGIY08SvCaRliI_KAsUw#/registration 


Link: KDA AWARDED NATIONAL HONORS PRESS KIT

About Kern Dance Alliance (KDA)

KDA is a nonprofit organization founded in 2015 to promote dance and the arts in Kern County and California’s Central Valleys. Through inclusive programs, advocacy, and grantmaking, KDA addresses education gaps, health disparities, and economic inequities, fostering wellness, creativity, and community vitality for all residents.

For more information about Kern Dance Alliance and its programs, visit kerndance.org or kdacreativecorps.org.

Follow KDA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube — @kerndance

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

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Jen Thompson

Vice President | Board Member

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

Marcie Hronis

President | Board Member

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

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

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

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

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

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