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Explore the Rhythms and Flavors of the Philippines: Kern Dance Alliance Presents Taste of Dance at 47th Annual Philippine Weekend 

October 16, 2025

Explore the Rhythms and Flavors of the Philippines: Kern Dance Alliance Presents Taste of Dance at 47th Annual Philippine Weekend Kern Dance Alliance (KDA) is thrilled to kick off the next installment of its Taste of Dance series with a vibrant celebration of Philippine cu ...

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Tiler Peck Returns to Hometown for Special Bakersfield Sneak Peek Screening of Documentary and Launch of New Book

October 7, 2025

Tiler Peck Returns to Hometown for Special Bakersfield Sneak Peek Screening of Documentary "Tiler Peck: Suspending Time" and Launch of New Book "XO Ballerina Big Sis"
 Kern Dance Alliance is proud to host internationally renowned ballet star and Bakersfield native Tiler P ...

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Kern Dance Alliance Now Accepting Applications for 2026 Internship Program 

October 1, 2025

Kern Dance Alliance Now Accepting Applications for 2026 Internship Program Kern Dance Alliance Now Accepting Applications for 2026 Internship Program Kern Dance Alliance (KDA), a leading non-profit arts agency dedicated to supporting and promoting dance and the ar ...

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Kern Dance Alliance Celebrates National Arts and Humanities Month with Exciting Events and National Honors

October 1, 2025

Kern Dance Alliance Celebrates National Arts and Humanities Month with Exciting Events and National Honors Kern Dance Alliance (KDA) is thrilled to join the nationwide celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month this October. As a dedicated advocate for dance and the ...

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Kern Dance Alliance Announces Open Applications for Free Artist Stage Time at Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater in 2025 

September 30, 2025

Kern Dance Alliance Announces Open Applications for Free Artist Stage Time at Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater in 2025 The Kern Dance Alliance is excited to announce that applications are now open for its Open Stage 2025 program, offering local artists a unique opportunity ...

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KERN DANCE ALLIANCE AWARDED NATIONAL HONORS

September 23, 2025

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 Orga ...

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Italian Heritage Farmhouse Dedication Celebration

September 14, 2025

Italian Heritage Farmhouse Dedication Celebration Celebrating the contributions of Kern County Italians throughout the decades, the Kern Dance Alliance is pleased to partner with the Kern County Museum and the Italian Heritage Dante Association by presenting Taste of Da ...

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ADAPTIVE DANCE PROGRAM ANNOUNCES 2025/2026 SEASON

August 18, 2025

ADAPTIVE DANCE PROGRAM ANNOUNCES 2025/2026 SEASON BAKERSFIELD, CA.- August 18, 2025 - Kern Dance Alliance (KDA) and the League of Dreams (LoD) are proud to announce their annual ADAPTIdance® program, an adaptive dance program for people with intellectual, physical, and dev ...

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CSUB and Kern Dance Alliance Launch Innovative Dance Education Credential Program to Empower Future Educators in California’s Central Valley

August 15, 2025

CSUB and Kern Dance Alliance Launch Innovative Dance Education Credential Program to Empower Future Educators in California's Central Valley Kern Dance Alliance and California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) are proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking danc ...

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SHINE for Girls Applications – Student + Mentors NOW OPEN

June 2, 2025

SHINE for Girls Applications - Student + Mentors NOW OPEN 📢 CALLING ALL 6th - 8th GRADE GIRLS + HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE WOMEN MENTORS ‼️ Join us for the next session of SHINE for Girls: DANCE + MATH = SUCCESS in BAKERSFIELD and LOST HILLS!#KDA is SEEKING DANCING MATHEMATICIAN ...

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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.