Calling all visual arts high school students living in Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties – you are invited to participate in the Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition. Submit your artwork for a chance to be showcased in Washington DC! Entries must be submitted by Friday, April 11.
For more information + competition guidelines: https://fong.house.gov/services/art-competition
We’re thrilled to announce Dignity Health as the Presenting Sponsor for our upcoming 10-year celebration, MOVE, on Saturday, September 20 at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater!
Thank you Dignity Health for your immense support that will help us keep California’s Central Valleys moving through the arts over the next decade – we are so grateful for YOU!
Want to join our esteemed list of sponsors supporting Kern County’s event of the year? There’s still time to become a sponsor and be part of this milestone event!
Visit kerndance.org/MOVE to become a sponsor TODAY!
💃🏽 ABOUT MOVE:
MOVE is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to experience world-class entertainment and divine cuisine by pulling back the curtain of the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater in a manner never seen before by the public. MOVE will illuminate your imagination and spark your love for the arts. Join us as we dine, drink, and dance the night away with renowned movers, leaders, and visionaries.
The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater
September 20, 2025
💸 Sponsorships NOW Available
🎟️ Tickets Available Soon
IMPACT REPORT — December 2024
YEAR IN REVIEW
2024 has been a year of remarkable growth and achievement for the Kern Dance Alliance. We not only met but exceeded expectations as we. . .
~ Wrapped up the KDA Creative Corps Program: With a $4.2 million grant from the California Arts Council, our Creative Corps initiative has been a game-changer, providing arts-based jobs and community service in 14 Central Valley communities. This program has not only supported artists but has also fostered community engagement and economic development. Notably, 100% of the grant funding went directly back into the community, with KDA receiving no financial benefit, ensuring maximum impact for the residents we serve.
~ Awarded $10k on National Dance Day: We celebrated with a bang, distributing $10,000 in grants to local dance initiatives. One highlight was supporting J&M Dance Center’s participation in the Disneyland Parade, showcasing Kern’s talent on a national stage.
~ Supported Education and Literacy: Our “Books in Motion: Dance + Literacy” program continued to thrive, helping students improve literacy through dance. 2024 marked our largest and most successful year yet!
~ Advocated for Proposition 28: With the new arts education funding from Proposition 28, KDA has been at the forefront, advocating for and implementing dance programs in K-12 schools, ensuring that arts education is accessible to all. We are spearheading dance credentialing programs at the collegiate level and look forward to making more announcements in 2025.
~ Elevated our Community Impact: Through scholarships, grants, and professional development, we’ve expanded our reach, nurturing both emerging and established professionals in our community.
Additional 2024 KDA highlights included:
~ Celebrating 9 YEARS of MOVING Kern County
~ Receiving the 2024 Arts and Culture Beautiful Bakersfield Award
~ Serving 70,000 people living in California’s Central Valleys through KDA and KDACC programs
~ Creating over 1,150 jobs through arts programs offered by KDA and the KDACC
~ Generating over 150 million social media engagements
~ Accepting recognition at the California State Capitol as an “exemplary arts agency” by former Assemblymember Vince Fong
~ Reaching over 46,000 square miles of Central California through KDACC arts programs
~ Expanding ADAPTIdance: DANCE + LITERACY to a 20-week program serving over 70 people with disabilities
~ Inspiring 3,869 children to read via our annual Books in MotionⓇ: DANCE + LITERACY program
~ Graduating our 9th SHINE for Girls: DANCE + MATH = SUCCESS class
~ Improving cognitive and physical functionality for over 40 clients through our MemoryMOVESⓇ: DANCE + THERAPY program
~ Receiving 1 of 7 state grant awards from California Humanities
~ Welcoming the opportunity to be a guest speaker at the California Economic Summit, California Arts and Culture Summit, and California Creative Economy Workgroup for our efforts to scale creative economies in the Central Valleys
As we look forward to 2025, we remain committed to our mission. Your support has made all this possible, and we thank you for being part of our journey. We are profoundly grateful to our community for their overwhelming support, which fuels our mission and enables us to make a meaningful impact through our programs and initiatives.
In celebration of the arts. . .
Marcie Hronis – KDA President
Andrea Hansen – KDA Executive Director
The KDA Creative Corps (KDACC)is proud to release our final report, marking the successful conclusion of a transformative $4.2 million pilot program funded by the California Arts Council. Since its inception in October 2022, KDACC has created significant job opportunities and engaged artists and cultural workers in public service projects that enhance the quality of life across the Central Valley and Eastern Sierra regions.
“As a pilot initiative, KDACC achieved extraordinary results in just a short time,” said Andrea Hansen, KDACC Program Director. “This program has fostered economic growth and brought creative voices to the forefront of regional development. Our original target was 571 jobs, but KDACC-funded projects created 972 positions, well beyond our expectations.”
READ KDACC final report shows creative success for Central Valley
Key Highlights of the KDACC Final Report
The KDACC initiative has made a meaningful impact across 14 counties and 154 zip codes, covering 46,217 square miles in underserved regions of California. Some of the major highlights of the report include:
“KDACC has shown the immense potential of the creative economy to drive regional growth and community well-being,” said Jim Damian, Kern County’s Chief Economic Development Officer. “This initiative highlights the importance of sustained investment in our local artists, whose work beautifies our communities and uplifts the spirits of our residents.”
California’s creative workforce is pivotal in community transformation, and KDACC exemplifies this impact. Congressman Rep. Vince Fong, representing (CA-20), praised the initiative, stating, “KDACC’s support for the arts in our community has helped create jobs and spurred economic opportunities. With their involvement, we are revitalizing our local arts industry to grow our economy.”
The Legacy and Future of KDACC
While the California Creative Corps and KDACC were funded as a one-time initiative in the 2021 state budget, the program’s success demonstrates the need for ongoing support for the creative economy in California. KDACC’s impact report underscores the critical role of arts funding in fostering resilient, empowered communities and suggests a pathway for future investment in the state’s underserved regions.
The full KDACC Final Report, detailing these and other achievements, is now available. For more information and to access the report, please visit www.kdacreativecorps.org.
*The KDACC Final Report was compiled from a set of statistical procedures utilizing quantitative and qualitative methodologies to analyze program goals and objectives, reflective of the time period between Oct.2, 2022 – Oct. 31, 2024
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
NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY FOR DANCE ARTS
Kern Dance Alliance Secondary Chapter
NHSDA Information Meeting – March 6, 2024 via Zoom
NHSDA Induction Ceremony – May 5, 2024 at Bakersfield Country Club
NHSDA Information Meeting
KDA offered an information session on Wednesday, March 6 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 sixth class of National Honor Society for Dance Arts / Kern Dance Alliance Secondary Chapter inductees at Bakersfield Country Club on May 5, 2024.
Congratulations 2024 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.
~ Catalina Arias is an honors student at Garces Memorial High School where she participates in many clubs including Latina Leaders, FFA, and the Dance Team. She trains at Mallory Academy of Dance and was featured in Natalia Mallory’s “The Nutcracker”. She is a KDA program participant and this year was awarded a KDA dance scholarship.
~ Payton Butcher is an honors student at Heartland Charter School, trains at Mallory Academy of Dance, and is an active KDA program participant. She serves as the Worship Dance Leader at her church and has performed in musical theater productions at Bakersfield Music Theater and the Ovation Theater.
~ Methea Hansen is an honors student at Frontier High School, a member of ASB Student Leadership, and is concurrently enrolled in courses at Bakersfield College. She trains at Dancer’s Turnout Academy and has competed in many competitions, taking home top awards. She enjoys serving the community and is currently the 2024 KDA Student Intern.
~ Rachel Wetzel is an honors student at Immanuel Christian School in Ridgecrest. She trains at Sierra Academy of Dance and performs in various productions for Cerro Coso Community Theater. She teaches jazz at her dance studio and has participated in KDAs National Dance Day, as well as Books in Motion.
Thank you 2023 NHSDA inductee, Chloe Bickford, who helped with the official NHSDA pinning ceremony! Chloe is an honors student at Bakersfield Christian High School. She trains at Civic Dance Center, dances with Bakersfield City Ballet, and volunteers with Kern County library to provide children with access to dance.
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 2024 NHSDA VIDEO HERE
BOOKS in MOTION®: DANCE + LITERACY
Summer 2024
~ Number of Performances: 42
~ Number of Locations: 20
~ Number of Artists: 216
~ Number of Participants: 3,869
~ Number of Assessments: 973
~ Number of FREE Books Given Away: 2,763
Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY, an award-nominated, evidence-based summer reading program that uses dance to promote literacy by focusing on Common Core Standards for Reading Literature returned to libraries across Kern County this summer. KDA, the Kern County Library, and12 Kern County dance organizations were proud to launch Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY with the goal of reducing summer slide by encouraging reading and promoting healthy living through movement and dance.
Families were invited to visit Kern County library branches between July 8 – August 3 to watch dance performances based upon 12 children’s books. Featuring books like “Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Suess and “Little Red Riding Hood” by Mara Alerpin, children experienced the magic of a book brought to life through an artistic performance. To further enhance learning, children also learned a short dance that coincided with the book’s theme and created an accompanying craft to promote role playing.
The Books in Motion program is intentional about building home libraries and promoting daily reading adventures. Participating children had the chance to collect all 12 books by visiting one of each of the performances to receive a FREE book at the completion of the show.
Books in Motion featured multilingual performances consisting of English and Spanish translation, as well as American Sign Language (ASL) services hosted by the Independent Living Center of Kern County. Locally-owned Russo’s Books Store provided over 2,000 FREE books to the program with the support of generous donors.
The 8th annual Books in Motion program was made possible through the creative vision of Kern County dance artists. 12 contracted Kern County dance organizations worked since the spring to bring books to life through delightful performances and skilled choreography.
Books in Motion is grateful to Alexia & Victoria Tap Dance Co., Aloha Entertainment, Ballet Forklorico Huaztecalli, Bakersfield City Ballet, Civic Dance Center, DAT Krew, Heather Benes and the East Kern Ragtag Revels, J and M Dance Center, McLaughlin Dance Collective, Sosa Creatives Dance Academy, Spotlight Dance Academy, and Spotlight Academy of the Arts who were featured this summer via 42 performances at 20 locations.
Books in Motion is geared for children in the early literacy stages (K-3rd grade) and is designed to tap into their imagination and encourage them to read. For some, reading is a concept that is too foreign to understand due to age and brain development. Books in Motion will bypass this intangible feeling by allowing children to see the magic of a book laid out with real characters coming to life. Children do not have to read the words – they can read the dancers’ movements to understand the story. By tapping into curiosity, children are motivated to explore literacy, which leads them back to the written words that brought the book to life.
Books in Motion has reached nearly 15,000 children and has given away nearly 10,000 free books since 2016.
Books in Motion 2024 was made possible by generous support from 23ABC, Arts Council of Kern County, California Arts Council, Kern Family Health Care, Robert Grimm Family Foundation, Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation, and the Wonderful Company.
Books in Motion Goals
~ 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
To achieve the Books in Motion goals, assessments were created based upon the following Common Core Standards for Reading Literature, K-3rd grade for:
~ “101 Dalmatians” adapted by Pamela Bobowicz and illustrated by Disney Storybook Art Team
~ “B is for Ballet: A Dance Alphabet” written by John Robert Allman and illustrated by Rachael Dean
~ “Bluey: The Pool/La Piscina” by Penguin Young Readers Licenses and translated by Isabel Mendoza
~ “Cat in the Hat” written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss
~ “Giraffes Can’t Dance” written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees
~ “Lilo and Stitch” written by Walt Disney and illustrated by Golden Books
~ “Little Red Riding Hood” written by Mara Alerpin and illustrated by Loretta Schauer
~ “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss
~ “Pepe And The Parade” written by Tracey Kyle and illustrated by Mirelle Ortega
~ “Peter Pan” written by Walt Disney and illustrated by Al Dempster
~ “Stomp, Wiggle, Clap, and Tap” written by Rachelle Burk and illustrated by Alyssa De Asis
~ “The Lorax” written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss
Kindergarten RL.K.1-RL.K.7 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text; retell familiar stories; identify characters, settings, and major events in a story; describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear.
1st Grade RL.1.1-1.7 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text; retell stories and demonstrate understanding of their central message; describe characters, settings, and major events in a story; identify words and phrases in stories or poems that appeal to the senses; use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.
2nd Grade RL.2.1-2.7 Ask questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text; recount stories and determine their central message, lesson, or moral; describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges; describe how words supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or song; use information gained from the illustrations and words to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.
3rd RL.3.1 Ask questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers; recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text; describe characters in a story and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events; explain how specific aspects of a text’s illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story.
Books in Motion Accolades
1. Kern County Board of Supervisors proclaims July 2024 Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY month
On June 18, 2024 the Kern County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to officially proclaim July 2024 as Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY month. A collaborative program offered by KDA and Kern County Library, Books in Motion has encouraged over 10,000 children to read while providing a FREE book to almost every child since 2016.
Books in Motion is not only an educational service, but it is also a JOBS CREATOR that impacts our creative economy and promotes economic prosperity. KDA is proud to pay artists for the work they are doing in the public sphere and even more proud to help them build their capacity that in-turn shapes the overall business sector of Kern County.
The proclamation of July 2024 as Books in Motion not only recognizes our efforts to improve illiteracy in Kern County through the arts, but to also signify the efforts that have been made by many devoted individuals and organizations throughout the years to enrich cities across our community.
2. ASL Services provided by Independent Living Center of Kern County
Books in Motion was proud to feature American Sign Language services for those that are deaf and hard of hearing at nine of the performances. In collaboration with the Independent Living Center of Kern County, these performances provided disability enhancements for a part of our population that require additional services. As a result, Books in Motion 2024 was our most inclusive year yet!
3. Books in Motion En Español
2024 featured multiple Books in Motion performances in Spanish. Spotlight Dance Academy toured “Bluey: The Pool/La Piscina” and Ballet Forklorico Huaztecalli toured “Pepe And The Parade” to many libraries and community centers across the county providing the participants with a Spanish-speaking experience.
Additionally, a few of the Books in Motion en español performances also featured American Sign Language services.
4. BIM Improves Economic Development
BIM is not only an educational service, but it is also a JOBS CREATOR that impacts our creative economy and promotes economic prosperity. KDA is proud to pay artists for the work they are doing in the public sphere and even more proud to help them build their capacity that in-turn shapes the overall business sector of Kern County.
5. BIM Collaborations
Collaborations, partnerships, and sponsorships are key to the success of BIM. This program would not be possible if it weren’t for the countless partners, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and artists that contribute year after year to ensure BIM is offered annually. In 2024, BIM counted 25 partners and sponsors!
6. Repeat Attendance
BIM was thrilled to see families travel across the county to catch as many performances as possible! From Tehachapi to Delano and Bakersfield to Frazier Park, children and their families not only attended multiple performances of the same book, they also attended various performances of the other books on tour. It became clear many children wanted to collect as many of the BIM books as possible and we were happy to see their faces many times throughout the summer.
BIM 2024 Results
BIM 2024 was our most impactful year yet.
~ Attendance increased by 64% from 2023 (2,346) to 2024 (3,869)
~ The number of FREE books offered to participants increased by 51% from 2023 (1,788) to 2024 (2,763)
~ BIM 2024 offered 42 performances compared to 31 in 2023
~ The addition of American Sign Language increased our attendance by ensuring people with disabilities were offered additional learning services.
KDA received 973 assessments from attendees responding to the BIM survey that was available both online and in person. While the data below does not reflect all 100% of attendees, it does show that the program served a diverse population specific to geographic location, age, and gender.
Results found that many of the books presented were brand new to the children with 79% of participants reporting that they had never heard the books before.
The surveys also found that 51% of children reported that their favorite part of the program was the performance, followed by 33% reporting that taking a dance class was their favorite part, and 16% reporting that creating the craft was their favorite.
91% of participants answered the correlating Common Core Standards for Reading Literature questions correctly when relating the theme of the story to the program activities.
Of most importance, 97% reported that the Books in Motion program inspired them to read!
Zip Code, Gender, Age:
Books in Motion served people from 38 zip codes, with a 59/41 ratio of girls attending vs. boys.
The surveys also found that the majority of attendees were the target population (K-3rd grade) with 53% of participants representing 4-7 year olds and 47% making up 5-9 year olds making up the majority of participants.
Press
Social Media:
KDA proudly produced 171 social media posts advertising Books in Motion via our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts between June 1 and September 17.
Documentary:
KDA was proud to work with KDA filmmaker Adam Welch to capture the 2024 Books in Motion program. Mr. Welch produced a short film featuring the impact and reach of the program, as well as highlighting the artists involved in the project.
In celebration of World Literacy Day on September 17, KDA published the Books in Motion film featuring the 2024 program on our social media and YouTube pages.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO
Traditional Media:
Additionally, KDA was proud to count several local news affiliates to assist with the advertising of Books in Motion. KDA wished to extend our deepest gratitude to ABC/KBAK Channel 23 for their exclusive Books in Motion media sponsorship where they highlighted the program weekly for 6 weeks via carefully crafted interviews and storytelling.
August 30, 2024:ABC/KERO Channel 23: Promoting Literacy Through Art: A look back on the eighth season of Books in Motion
July 10, 2024: ABC/KERO Channel 23: First Books in Motion performance of the season brings a little magic
to Beale Memorial Library
July 3, 2024: BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN: Books in Motion back, bigger than ever
July 2, 2024: ABC/KERO Channel 23: Kern County Library talks ‘Books in Motion’ program
June 19, 2024: ABC/KERO Channel 23: Inspiring new readers and artists: Books in Motion celebrates 8 years in Kern County
June 3, 2024: Yahoo News: Books in Motion’ brings learning to life at Kern County Library branches
Books in Motion Future
Books in Motion will return in 2025 and has already received a grant from the California Arts Council and the Wonderful Company to assist with funding the program’s reach. KDA is continually seeking funds to ensure the program’s viability is continued. BIM performer applications will open in February 2025 and the program will tour to the library beginning in July 2025.
SHINE for Girls: DANCE + MATH = SUCCESS
July 22 – July 26, 2024
The Dance Studio at Garces Memorial High School
24 Students
11 Student Mentors
1 Lead Mentor
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, and AP Statistics at Liberty High School.
SHINE 2024
SHINE 2024 was offered for FREE during a summer camp, July 22 – July 26 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 26, SHINE families, friends, and math teachers, as well as Bakersfield City Mayor Karen Goh, 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, Hannah, Aubrey, Alyssa, Audreena, Khloe, Lovie, Noor, Payton, Isela, Zayra, Amanda, 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 200 girls 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
2024 SHINE Team
SHINE Program Director:
Wendy Wisheropp-Brice
SHINE Advisor:
Jessica Johnson
SHINE Mentors:
Khloe Ysabella Abat, Aubrey Baldoz, Payton Butcher, Zaira Lopez Chavolla, Noor Elkereamy, Hannah Horwedel, Amanda Nwankwor, Alyssa Mar, Lovie Peel, Isela Trevino, Audreena Wright
Women in STEM Guest Speakers:
Monday, July 22 – Tia Keeler, Environmental Specialist
Tuesday, July 23 – Mamatha Girigowda, IT Senior Project Manager
Wednesday, July 24 – Stefani Hill, Well Site Representative
Thursday, July 25 – Jenny Garrido, Reservoir 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 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 2.9 and 4.3 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 a 70-90% increase in the fields measured with girls averaging between a 4.2 and 4.3 when asked to rate the same questions asked on the last day of the program.
Of greatest importance, girls reported a 2.9 ranking when stating their level of knowledge about STEM careers prior to the program and reported a 4.1 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.
Mentors Reported:
In addition to measuring the progress of SHINE girls, KDA also measures the impact SHINE makes on our mentors who volunteer their time to help run the SHINE program.
100% of mentors stated “YES” the following questions:
~ I am more confident in my abilities since I have been in SHINE
~ I enjoy math more since joining SHINE
~ I have more of a positive attitude towards STEM subjects since joining SHINE
~ I am considering a STEM career since joining SHINE
~ I believe I can accomplish just as much as men
~ I connected with my girls during SHINE
~ I have benefitted from SHINE
~ I feel proud of what I have accomplished during SHINE
~ I would recommend SHINE
Last year, I had a very positive experience with SHINE as a girl. As a mentor, I am having an even better time. I have loved connecting with every girl and watching them slowly become more confident in themselves. I have learned a lot about myself, like how to lead a group. I love this program and everything it stands for! – 2024 SHINE Mentor Testimonial
Parents Reported:
SHINE also measured parents/guardians of the girls to mark their experiences through the program.
100% of parents/guardians stated “YES” the following questions:
~ I think my girl improved in math since joining SHINE
~ My girl seems more confident in her abilities since she has been in SHINE
~ My girl seems to enjoy math more since joining SHINE
~ My girl shows more of a positive attitude towards STEM subjects since joining SHINE
~ I think my girl may consider a STEM career since joining SHINE
~ My girl believes she can accomplish just as much as a boy
~ My girl enjoyed dancing and is now considering attending more dance classes since joining SHINE
~ My girl connected with her mentor during SHINE
~ My girl made new friends through SHINE
~ My girl enjoyed participating in SHINE
~ My girl benefitted from SHINE
~ SHINE added value from regular schoolwork
~ I saw positive effects of SHINE in my girl’s schoolwork and attitude
~ My girl feels proud of what she accomplished during SHINE
~ I would recommend SHINE to other girls
“My daughter just seems like math is more approachable now.” – 2024 SHINE Parent/Guardian
“My older girl can’t wait to come back and be a mentor! – 2024 SHINE Parent/Guardian
“Both my daughters attended. Great program, they loved their mentors- Hayley and Peyton. Thanks to Wendy for all she does also.” – 2024 SHINE Parent/Guardian
“My daughters both enjoyed SHINE and felt very special to be able to participate. My youngest daughter was so excited to listen to all the mentors that came to speak from various STEM careers in the community. Even though I am an engineer in the oil industry, it wasn’t until she heard from a woman who explained to her how patterns can be found in data and her wonderful experience that she has ever thought about going into that profession. haha The exposure to successful women in the STEM fields has been so rewarding to the girls. They already asked if they could do this next year and I look forward to more opportunities like this one for young girls.” – 2024 SHINE Parent/Guardian
“KDA offers amazing programs. They truly have a passion for spreading happiness and teaching their students. SHINE is a beneficial program for anyone that participates!” – 2024 SHINE Parent/Guardian
WATCH THE SHINE 2024 VIDEO HERE
NATIONAL DANCE DAY
September 21, 2024
KDA was pleased to announce the winners of our National Dance Day $10,000 giveaway contest!
Celebrated annually across America on the 3rd Saturday in September, National Dance Day is focused on celebrating movers of all ages, levels, and abilities by commemorating a day meant to inspire Americans to keep dancing! KDA celebrated our national dance holiday by funding 10 projects that are centered on MOVING Kern County over the next year.
Earlier this summer, KDA invited Kern County individuals and organizations to take center stage by submitting an application to become an awardee of the 2024 KDA National Dance Day $10,000 giveaway contest. Applicants were invited to apply for projects that were focused on dance/movements endeavors that impact all sectors, including healthcare and education. Each application was vetted by 21 adjudicators based upon a rubric and the applications earning the highest ranks were recommended for funding.
On Saturday, September 21, 2024 KDA announced on their website and social media the 10 grant recipients from across Kern County that were awarded $1,000 each. Funded projects were diverse and a few examples include:
~ “Movement in the Park” will create movement opportunities for people experiencing Parkinson’s Disease.
~ 20 dancers from Tehachapi’s J and M Dance Studio will be able to participate in the Disneyland Parade this April.
~ “Movement & Melody: A Dance on Canvas” will offer 10 students the chance to merge dance, music, and visual art into a creative experience.
~ “Day of Dance”, a community-focused event, will provide classes in hip-hop, majorette, Afrobeat, and freestyle dance.
KDA National Dance Day $10,000 Giveaway Grant Recipients:
1. Congratulations to Aloha Entertainment by Polynesian Spice, the recipient of a $1,000 grant from KDA! This family-owned organization is dedicated to celebrating and preserving Polynesian culture through traditional songs, dances, and community engagement. They will use the grant to host a specialized workshop featuring a guest instructor who will teach traditional Polynesian drumming and dancing techniques. This hands-on experience will enrich the community’s understanding of these culturally significant art forms and continue their mission of cultural preservation. www.alohaentertainmentps.com
2. Congratulations to April Orr, a Bakersfield-based personal trainer with over 10 years of experience working with Parkinson’s patients, for receiving a $1,000 grant from KDA! April will use the funds to launch an outdoor movement class for Parkinson’s patients, offering a refreshing change of environment to promote both physical and emotional well-being. By incorporating dance and social interaction in a park setting, “Movement in the Park” will help improve the quality of life for participants through engaging and therapeutic exercise.
3. Congratulations to Jerry Fierro’s folklorico ensemble, Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli, a community-based dance group founded in 1994, for winning a $1,000 grant from KDA! The funds will support their upcoming cultural showcase, highlighting the beauty and diversity of Mexican dance traditions. This event aims to increase cultural awareness and provide an inclusive space for community engagement, with plans to expand into a weekend-long workshop featuring professional dancers from Mexico. The grant will help ensure financial accessibility for participants and support the creation of new costumes, keeping the tradition alive for future generations.
4. Congratulations to Dance Fitness Academy & Healing Arts, founded by Veronica Hidalgo, for winning a $1,000 grant from KDA! Veronica’s organization provides workshops, classes, and social activities promoting joy and wellness in Kern County. The grant will support their mission of using dance as a form of therapy and healing, offering services to seniors, adults, and youth. With this funding, Dance Fitness Academy & Healing Arts will continue to make dance accessible to the community, fostering mental, physical, and emotional well-being. www.Academyofdfa.com
5. Congratulations to the Dance Nation Booster Club for receiving a $1,000 grant from KDA! The Booster Club supports the Dance Nation Company Team by helping cover competition and performance-related expenses. This grant will go toward the convention fees for the team’s first competition of the season, allowing dancers to learn from industry experts and professional choreographers. With this support, the Dance Nation Company Team will proudly represent Bakersfield while continuing to grow and thrive in the competitive dance world.
6. Congratulations to D.A.T Krew Academy for receiving a $1,000 grant from KDA! D.A.T Krew, a non-profit founded in 2014, is dedicated to inspiring at-risk and underserved youth through the power of dance and expression. They will use the grant to support their upcoming “Day of Dance Workshop,” a community-focused event offering classes in hip-hop, majorette, Afrobeat, and freestyle dance. This workshop will provide participants with a positive, inclusive environment to learn new skills, improve their technique, and express themselves creatively. https://www.datkrewacademy.org/
7. We are thrilled to announce that J & M Dance Center has been awarded a $1,000 grant to support their dancers’ participation in the Disneyland Parade this April from KDA! Located in Tehachapi, J & M Dance Center has been inspiring young dancers for 17 years. This grant will help cover the expenses of costumes, shoes, and Disneyland tickets, making it possible for more dancers to join this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The dancers, ranging from ages 7-18, will spend months preparing for this unforgettable performance, and the financial assistance will help ensure that everyone can participate. http://jmdance.center
8. We are excited to announce that Jaiah and Jaleah Amos have been awarded a $1,000 grant from KDA to support their dance journey! These talented and passionate dancers from Kern County are currently enrolled in a pre-professional conservatory program at Mallory Academy of Dance and Arts in Bakersfield, California. The grant will help cover their training expenses, allowing them to continue honing their skills and pushing their boundaries in dance. Beyond the studio, Jaiah and Jaleah are dedicated to making a positive impact in their community through local events and volunteer work, fostering mental and physical well-being for youth.
9. We are thrilled to announce that McLaughlin Dance Collective, directed by Kristen McLaughlin, has been awarded a $1,000 grant from KDA! This funding will support the creation of a new dance piece, featuring both professional and pre-professional dancers. The grant will cover rehearsal and performance costs, allowing the collective to showcase their talent at prestigious events such as Bravo! with Ballet California in Torrance, CA, and other statewide showcases. This project provides local dancers with opportunities to grow, perform, and represent Kern County on a larger stage.
10. We are excited to announce that Valerie Anglen and the “Movement & Melody: A Dance on Canvas” project has been awarded a $1,000 grant from KDA! A grant will provide this innovative initiative, designed to merge dance, music, and visual art, will provide 10 young art students with a unique creative experience. The funding will be used to support the purchase of large canvases and art supplies, as well as to facilitate the dynamic art-making process where students paint with their feet while dancing to classical music. This project aims to foster creativity, build confidence, and offer a memorable, interdisciplinary art experience that connects students to their work and to each other.
ABOUT NATIONAL DANCE DAY
Established in 2010 by American Dance Movement co-founder, Nigel Lythgoe from the hit television show So You Think You Can Dance, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, National Dance Day is an annual celebration dedicated to dance that encourages Americans of all ages to incorporate dance into their lives. Celebrated annually at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Los Angeles and the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, KDA has hosted their national dance holiday at Mechanics Bank Theater in Bakersfield, CA. For more information on National Dance Day, including its history and celebrations happening across America, please click HERE.
WATCH THE NDD 2024 VIDEO HERE
ADAPTIdance®: DANCE + DISABILITY
September 21 – December 14, 2024
Fruitvale Norris Multipurpose Room
68 Participants
1 Program Director
1 Program Coordinator
16 Student Interns
KDA and the League of Dreams (LoD) were proud to announce the expansion of our annual 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 offers classes in ballet, modern, and hip hop. Additionally, the new program will host their very own dedicated ADAPTidance recital celebrating the accomplishments of the ADAPTidancers after several months of classes.
Registration opened for both the 2024 and 2025 newly expanded programs in the fall providing a paid and free series of classes that culminate in a final performance at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater.
To heighten the excitement, the new ADAPTidance program has received funding from the CARE Foundation, Arts Council of Kern County, and Kern Family Health Care to cover the purchase of recital costumes for every ADAPTidancer, a fee that can often cost more than $100 per student.
The fall 2024 tuition-based ADAPTidance program ran on Saturdays, September 21 – December 14 with three classes offered from 9:30 – 12:45.
The 2025 winter program will be offered for free and will run on Saturdays, January 11 – February 22 with three classes running from 9:30 – 1:30.
Both the fall and winter classes are hosted in the Fruitvale Norris 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 23, 2025.
“We’ve heard our ADAPTIdance families loud and clear, they want MORE DANCE and are willing to support a tuition-based program so that those who have served as dedicated volunteers for the past seven years will receive a stipend to honor the time they will give to grow the expansion of the program.” Kayla Nelson, LoD Executive Director
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, have spearheaded the expansion of the program. As veteran ADAPTIdance volunteers for several years, both Steele and Jones have earned the trust of not only the ADAPTIdancers, but also their families, by consistently volunteering for the program that 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.
Additionally, ADAPTIdance sought volunteers to ensure the program’s success. The program accepted applications from technically trained dancers and “angels” to assist with the 2024/2025 ADAPTIdance® program.
~ Technically Trained Dancers: ADAPTIdance technically trained dancers have at least 3 years of formal dance training in techniques such as ballet, jazz, and hip hop. Technically trained dancers assist in teaching dance technique in the classroom and on stage.
~ Angels: ADAPTIdance Angels are movers, but do not necessarily have dance training. Angels assist ADAPTIdancers in and out of the classroom while also ensuring their safety and promoting their joy.
Technically trained dancers and angels support the ADAPTIdance staff and participants, assist with dance classes and choreography, program assessments, and will perform in the ADAPTIdance performance at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater on February 23, 2025.
The deadline to apply to become a volunteer for the 2024 fall program was September 13 and the deadline for the 2025 program is January 6.
“The opportunity to become an ADAPTIdance volunteer is tremendous! Not only are trained dancers invited to share in this community service opportunity, but so are members of the community who want to lend their time to helping others. We know that our community LOVES to give back and ADAPTidance is the perfect chance to not only give back, but to also boost a resume or college admissions applications.” – Andrea Hansen, KDA Executive Director
The 2024/25 ADAPTIdance program is supported in part by Kern Dance Alliance, League of Dreams, the Arts Council of Kern County, CARE Foundation, Kern Family Health Care, and North of the River.
2024 ADAPTIdance Team:
ADAPTIdance Program Director:
Myka Steele
ADAPTIdance Program Coordinator:
Romy Jones
ADAPTIdance Student Interns:
Ashlynn Victory
Audreena Wright
Joselyn Cortes
Alyssa Mar
Peyton Jackson
Breana Riggs
Aubrey Tercero
Padma Narayanan
Lily Newman
Dakota Steele
Sophia Gholz
Methea Hansen
Hailey Fitch
Khloe Ysabella Abat
Victoria McFarlan
Savvy Garrett
ADAPTIdance Goals:
~ Provide access to creative movement and dance training for all students regardless of disability, income level, or prior dance experience
~ Provide a forum for physical activity that is a model for kids of all abilities to collaborate as equals while developing skills in cooperation and a respect for self and others
~ Educate about disability, collaboration, and inclusion through the medium of dance and the presentation of positive role models and images of people with disabilities
~ Provide Kern County dancers and dance educators the opportunity to give back to their community by participating in a dance program geared towards populations with disabilities
ADAPTIdance Outcomes:
~ Brightened affect
~ Increased quality of life/joyfulness
~ Increased Self-Expression
~ Educate about disability, collaboration, and inclusion through the medium of dance and the presentation of positive role models and images of people with disabilities
ADAPTIdance Impacts:
~ Participants have a positive association with dance and are eager to move when in an environment that has dance.
~ Caretakers assist participants in participating in other dance experiences outside the program, and see dance as a positive addition to the participants’ routine.
ADAPTIdance Results:
At the conclusion of each ADAPTidance dance class, KDA collected data from the ADAPTIdance student interns measuring specific categories including the participants’ brightened affect, eagerness to move, increased quality of life, and joyfulness.
These key indicators allowed KDA to gauge the impact of the program over a six-week series of classes. Once data was collected and measured, KDA found there was an average increase in metrics as the classes progressed week from week. The categories were rated on a scale of 1-5 with approximately 98 measurements for each category.
KDA is happy to report the following data:
~ 99% Improved Brightened Affect
~ 100% Improved Eagerness to Move
~ 90% Increased Quality of Life
~ 99% Improved Joyfulness
~ 100% Improved Self-Expression
OPEN STAGE
December 1, 2024
The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater
107 Artists
400 Attendees
KDA was thrilled to have hosted Open Stage 2024, 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, December 1.
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 four incredible groups:
~ Sosa Creative Dance Academy
~ J & M Dance Center
~ McLaughlin Dance Collective with Kern Arts Academy
~ Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli
With over 100 dancers performing and more than 300 guests in attendance, we were thrilled to welcome over 400 people into 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 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!
WATCH THE 2024 OPEN STAGE VIDEO HERE
MEMORYMOVES®: DANCE + THERAPY
December 16 – 20, 2024
Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County (ADAKC)
49 Participants
1 Dance/Movement Therapist
3 Artists
KDA 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 pm on December 16 – 20, 2024 at ADAKC. Celebrating the holiday spirit, the program will feature a Nutcracker theme and will also include opportunities for caregivers to experience the transformative power of Dance/Movement Therapy while learning techniques to apply to their own lives. 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
“We are thrilled to partner with KDA to bring the MemoryMOVES program back to ADAKC. This program is such a fun and meaningful way to connect with our clients, enhancing their cognitive and emotional well-being while celebrating the joy of the season. This collaboration embodies the heart of our mission—enriching the lives of those impacted by memory loss through innovative and meaningful experiences.” – Tamara Baker, ADAKC Executive Director
MemoryMOVES was generously funded by the Arts Council of Kern County and the Robert Grimm Family Foundation..
Program Overview
MEMORY Moves was a 5 day Dance/Movement Therapy program working with the Alzheimers and Dementia population at ADAKC. The program utilized a Dance/Movement Therapist (DMT) to work with 49 enrolled participants over 5 days, culminating in a Nutcracker-themed performance that included clients, caregivers and staff. 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.)
Group Structure:
All Memory Moves groups began with the therapist orienting the group to time and place (i.e. “Today is Monday, December 19, at 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 breathwork and 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 through movement. At times, props such as scarves, ribbons, fans 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. We were joined by dancers from the Bakersfield City Ballet, who performed two dances, while the clients, with the help of myself and staff, performed two other dances using silk flowers as props. It was a very memorable and special conclusion to the week.
Results:
Memory Moves measured progress in 6 areas: 1. Brightened Affect, 2. Relief from Depression/Anxiety, 3. Functional Mobility and Increased Range of Motion, 4. Increased Social Interaction, 5. Increased Cognitive Functioning and Recall, and 6. Mind/Body Connection. Progress notes were recorded for each client for each group during the week, and reflected changes noticed from the beginning to end of the group.
Findings:
1. Brightened Affect
44/49 clients (90%) displayed consistently brighter affect during each group attended, while 5/49 clients (10%) had no visible change in affect.
2. Relief from Depression/Anxiety
44/49 clients (90%) 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.” 5/49 clients (10%) did not show reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
3. Functional Mobility and Increased Range of Motion
44/49 clients (90%) displayed consistently increased range of motion and functional mobility, while 5/49 clients (10%) did not display a change in their range of motion.
4. Increased Social Interaction
44/49 clients (90%) 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 5/49 clients (10%) did not show increased social interaction.
5. Increased Cognitive Functioning and Recall
42/49 clients (86%) 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. 7/49 clients (14%) did not display any indicators of increased cognitive functioning or recall.
6. Mind/Body Connection
43/49 clients (88%) displayed increased mind/body connection, as observed by responding appropriately through movement to verbal prompts and cues from the therapist, while 6/49 clients (12%) did not display an increased mind/body connection.
Clients Reported…
~ Several higher-functioning clients reported looking forward to Memory Moves every day, and expressed happiness upon seeing the dance therapist every day, at times saying “it’s good to see you again!” and at the end of the week, “thank you for coming and working with us this week.” One woman expressed that Memory Moves was the highlight of her day.
~ One client who was present last year at Memory Moves recognized us, one year later, and was excited that we were back. Upon the program ending, he expressed excitement at participating in the program again next year.
~ One client reported that at all other times of the day, she is sad and feeling down, but that when she dances with Memory Moves, she becomes happy. She loves to dance and did several styles of dance when she was younger.
Additional Comments offered by Staff about Clients
~ “She was so happy” and “She was smiling more than usual.”
~ “She usually gets stiff, but was moving more.”
~ “Client had a lot of fun.”
~ “Client was participating and staying awake all the time.”
~ “She doesn’t usually participate by herself, but she looked like she enjoyed participating. She was moving a lot more because she loves music and dancing.”
~ “Client usually doesn’t move well with our regular exercise, but she loves to dance.”
Summary
Memory Moves allowed clients to break from their normal routine in order to experience the transformative effects of dance. 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 difference from the beginning of the week to the end, with clients participating more and more as the week went on, and energy levels rising.
Tiler Peck – City of Bakersfield Hall of Fame Induction
December 23, 2024
Mechanics Bank Arena
On December 23, internationally renowned artist and Bakersfield-native, Tiler Peck was inducted into the City of Bakersfield Hall of Fame.
Celebrated as the first female to enter Bakersfield’s Hall of Fame, Ms. Peck was honored with a display case featuring many of her most cherished items including her 2nd pair of pointe shoes from 1998, photos from when she received the Princess Grace Award, playbills, books, magazines, costumes, and DVDs debuting her work at Mechanics Bank Arena.
Additionally, City of Bakersfield Mayor, Karen Goh, honored Tiler with the Mayor’s Medal of Honor and also dedicated December 23 as “Tiler Peck Day” in the city.
Tiler has been a long time supporter of KDA since our launch in 2015 and we are so proud that she has been honored in her hometown for her talents.
Congratulations Ms. Peck!
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
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO
KDA was pleased to award the following grants and scholarships to deserving Kern County dance artists and organizations:
KDA 2024 Scholarships:
~ Abbey Lowe
~ Catalina Arias
~ Alondra Guadarrama
KDA had a very active year full of presentations, promotions, and advocacy!
~ 2024 Beautiful Bakersfield – Arts and Culture Awardee
~ Accepted recognition at the California State Capitol as an “exemplary arts agency” by former Assemblymember Vince Fong
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE
~ Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater improves amenities with brand new dance floor made by Harlequin Floors
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE
~ March California Arts Education Month Advocate
~ Do The Math Guest Speaker – March 13
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE
~ April California Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month Advocate
~ California Arts Advocacy Day Attendees – April 14-16
~ California Arts Summit Guest Speaker – April 14
~ 2024 Hall Lettershop Calendar – May Cover Model
~ Stonecreek Junior High School Career Day Guest Speaker – May 3
~ California Governor’s Assistant Visit with Abigail Solis – May 6
~ Kern County Board of Supervisors Proclaims July 2024 Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY MONTH –
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE
~ October National Arts and Humanities Month Advocate
~ Leadership Bakersfield – Arts and Culture Day Presenter – September 16
~ California Economic Summit Guest Speaker – October 10
~ California Creative Economy Workgroup Guest Speaker – October 15
~ Beyond the Moves: An Interview with Tiler Peck + Roman Mejia – October 29
~ Kern County Superintendent of Schools, EMBRACE Symposium Presenters – November 14
~ Tiler Peck inducted into City of Bakersfield Hall of Fame – December 23
~ Featured on “Voices of the Community” Broadcast
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE
~ Local Media Promotions” KGET, KBAK, FOX 58, KUZZ, The Bakersfield Californian, Bakersfield Life Magazine
~ Prop 28 + Dance Credential Advocate
~ Women’s and Girls’ Fund Luncheon – Honoring Noor Elkereamy, Cynthia Lake, and celebrating KDA SHINE Grant Award
~ Kern County Dance Organization Summer Performance/Programs + Holiday Show Announcements
“Kern Dance Alliance has been a part of my life ever since I was little! This year, I was given the opportunity to participate as a KDA student intern and I am so grateful! This organization has given me several outlooks on Kern County as a whole, especially through the dance arts! Dance is an impactful art form that can truly be expressed through several programs within KDA. “ADAPTIdance” has been my absolute favorite service to take part in. The friendships that have been made with every single League of Dreams athlete has been so heartwarming. I will forever cherish every Saturday spent with them. Through the help of each and every one of KDA’s board members, I was inducted into the National Honors Society of Dance Arts this past May. I would like to express my utmost gratitude towards my support system for helping me get to where I am today. Kern Dance Alliance is an organization like no other and I look forward to what 2025 holds for this incredible organization.” – Methea Hansen, 2024 KDA Student Intern
“To me dance was a craft, something I learnt to keep in touch with my roots and culture. I did not realise the power that dance could harness and how much it would help the community out. This realization hit me after I joined KDA. At first I was so nervous for my final interview but the kindness and warmth the KDA team held really soothed my nerves. The past summer I saw the beauty that the Books in Motion program brought to the kids who went to the shows and got to bring home a book. Volunteering in the ADAPTIdance program has been one of the most life changing experiences, and the bonds I have forged and the memories I have made with the athletes is something that I will treasure for all my life. I am looking forward to my future with KDA and I am so grateful for my position in this organization because KDA is not just an organization, it is a family”. – Padma Narayanan, 2024 KDA Student Intern
IMPACT REPORT — December 2023
YEAR IN REVIEW
Reflecting on the events and achievements of the past year, 2023 stands out as a pivotal and transformative period for KDA. This year proved to be a testament to our resilience and commitment to our mission, marking a complete resurgence of our programs and services since the challenges faced in 2020.
Undeniably, the global pandemic presented formidable obstacles to numerous nonprofits, including ours, causing a significant limitation in our offerings for nearly three years. However, with great pride, we announce that KDA has successfully overcome these hurdles and is now operating at full capacity following a substantial uphill journey.
The commencement of the year featured a significant leadership announcement for KDA. In a historic move, Andrea Hansen, with eight years of dedicated service, assumed the role of Executive Director, while Marcie Hronis, previously the KDA Vice President, transitioned into the position of KDA President. This pivotal change in leadership positions also saw Whitney Pascual, KDA 2nd Vice President, taking on the role of KDA Program Coordinator after stepping off the board.
The strategic realignment of leadership and governance has empowered KDA to shoulder additional responsibilities, resulting in an enhanced capacity to serve our community. This shift has facilitated a more dynamic and effective organizational structure, enabling us to better fulfill our mission.
2023 witnessed significant organizational growth on multiple fronts:
Furthermore, iIn 2023 we. . .
As we step into 2024, we are feeling very encouraged to continue to put our mission in motion. KDA cares deeply about supporting the arts in California’s Central Valleys and we are most thankful to our donors, partners, members, and volunteers that continue to provide valuable resources that MOVE our cause. Thank you for supporting KDA, our community is better because of people like YOU!
In the spirit of dance. . .
Marcie Hronis – KDA President
Andrea Hansen – KDA Executive Director
KDA was awarded $4,223,447 by the California Arts Council (CAC) to administer the California Creative Corps program throughout the Central Valley and Eastern Sierra region of the state.
The California Creative Corps is a pilot program designed to promote community and civic engagement, spread awareness about water and energy conservation, climate change, emergency preparedness, relief and recovery through the arts. Fourteen organizations, including KDA, were selected statewide to regrant funds in their region to arts and social service organizations, individual artists, and cultural workers.
The KDA Creative Corps (KDACC) regranted funds to arts and social service organizations, individual artists, and cultural workers throughout fourteen counties in the Central Valley and Eastern Central region of the state.
From south to north, they include Kern, Kings, Tulare, Inyo, Fresno, Madera, Mono, Merced, Mariposa, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, San Joaquin, Calaveras and Amador counties.
KDA Creative Corps Goals:
The KDACC program launched on January 13 and awarded 20 grant recipients on May 1.
Total Amount Invested: $4.2 million
Total # of Grant Recipients: 20 (14 organizations / 6 individuals)
Total # of 1st-Time Grant Recipients: 70%
Regional Impact:
Professional Learning Opportunities:
Creative Workforce + Economic Development:
Community Outreach:
Advocacy:
Sectors Impacted by KDACC Programs:
People Impacted by KDACC Programs:
Breakdown of KDACC Projects by Arts Discipline:
Breakdown of KDACC Project Focus Areas:
Impacts Reported through KDACC Programs:
KDA CREATIVE CORPS GRANT RECIPIENTS:
February 26, 2023
The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater
63 Artists
On Sunday, February 26 KDA opened the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater for the 2nd annual OPEN STAGE event that allowed Kern County dance artists to use the theater for FREE! Artists used their exclusive time for a variety of endeavors and we enjoyed seeing over 250 people come through the theater on that special day.
Dance artists presented private performances, rehearsed for upcoming shows, filmed marketing materials, created dance for film projects, and filmed audition reels. For many, this was their FIRST TIME stepping foot on the famous Fox stage and KDA was delighted to be able to experience that first moment with them.
Thank you Kern County dance artists for taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity – we are honored to serve you!
~ BCSD Folklorico Dance Groups
~ Whitchard Choral and Theatre Arts Academy
~ Spotlight Academy of the Arts
~ McLaughlin Dance Collective
~ Bakersfield City Ballet
~ Victoria Marchetti/Alexia Nankill
Thank you Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater for your support of the Kern Dance Alliance!
PASO a PASO. . . LIFE IS A DANCE
Saturdays, March 4 – 25, 2023
The Dance Studio at Garces Memorial High School
26 High School Students
9 Professional Mentors
KDA was pleased to host Paso a Paso. . . Life is a Dance, a FREE after-school confidence-building program geared towards high school girls. Paso a Paso empowered girls by teaching them that life is a dance and it is necessary to learn the right steps to achieve success. Girls utilized dance to create a support system of sisterhood while becoming empowered through life skills workshops.
Paso a Paso was a FREE program that was offered on Saturdays, March 4 – 25 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm at the dance studio at Garces Memorial High School. The program featured guest speakers and dancing. Girls partook in life skills building workshops for the first hour of the program, followed by Latin dance instruction taught by a professional Latin dancer for the second hour. The dance classes inspired confidence and cultural understanding as the participants learned to express themselves through Bachata dance.
The Paso a Paso life-skills workshops focused on a variety of topics including resume writing, college admissions training, mental health, financial and cyber security, as well as basic life skills like how to change a tire, use jumper cables, and establish a budget. The Paso a Paso life skills workshops were led by Kern County Latina community leaders.
The goals of Paso a Paso were to empower young girls through the mentorship of experienced female leaders in the community and through dance classes/performance. The weekly steps were focused on guiding the young women towards a future path of success.
To become enrolled in Paso a Paso, interested applicants had to submit an application through the Kern Dance Alliance website.
Paso a Paso Guest Speakers + Dance Instructor:
Step One – Building Your Brand with Virginia Nuñez (Personal Presentation, Resume Writing, Interview Training)
Step Two – Mastering Basic Automotive Success with Kat Irwin (How to charge a car battery, how to change the oil, etc)
Step Three- Financial + Cyber Security with Mary Dávalos, Elva Saraí Torres and Ana Soriano (Maintain a Budget/Bill Pay, Credit Building, Social Meeting Protection, Scams + Fraud)
Step Four- Mindful Mental Health with Adeana Church and Maritza Jimenez (How to handle internal and external pressure)
Karina Villarreal, Bachata Instructor, started dancing in 2004 at the University of California Riverside. In 2006, she became the President of the Salsa Club at UCR and she taught lessons every week at the school’s rec center. After graduating college she became part of a dance team directed by Riverside Community College. She then joined a professional Bachata team in Buena Park. Karina continued teaching salsa and bachata lessons in different venues. Karina also started her own dance team in Riverside named Apasionados Dance Co. Her team performed at dance festivals in Los Angeles and also different clubs. Karina then moved to Bakersfield and started teaching weekly bachata lessons at Studio 9. She then started an all ladies dance team named Ritmo Aché. The team performed at Bachata Festivals in Anaheim; as well as dance studios in LA, Fresno and Bakersfield. Overall Karina Villarreal enjoys teaching dance to others and making friendships through dance.
Paso a Paso Data:
Participants reported improvements in all areas measured through the program via a pre and post test, with the most impressive statistic indicating that 90% of students stated that they felt accomplished after completing the program and that they would like to participate in Paso a Paso again.
~ 80% of participants reported a 2 indicating moderate confidence (some days I am high and some days I am on low.
~ Post event, 60% of girls reported a 3 indicating they had gained confidence since completing the program.
Paso A Paso Testimonials:
At first when my mom told me that she applied to Paso a Paso I was very mad and didn’t want to do it, but when I started it I absolutely loved it and I’m so glad that my mom put me in the Paso a Paso. – Paso a Paso Participant 2023
I really liked to be part of Paso a Paso! It is an educational and inspiring program for all young girls to build their skill levels. Especially their confidence levels! I learned I can be successful and some new dance moves! – Paso a Paso Participant 2023
Paso a Paso was one of the best things that I’ve done. I always looked forward to going to Paso a Paso. – Paso a Paso Participant 2023
Paso a Paso was a great experience, lots of things were taught that I didn’t know I needed to know. Plus I made some friends! – Paso a Paso Participant 2023
Congratulations to the Paso A Paso participants who successfully completed the program! We see you. We believe in you. And, we are so PROUD OF YOU!
A special thank you to all of the incredible volunteers, sponsors, and donors that helped to make Paso A Paso a reality including our guest speakers and Paso Program Director, Diana Delgadillo.
NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY FOR DANCE ARTS
Kern Dance Alliance Secondary Chapter
NHSDA Information Meeting – March 1, 2023 via Zoom
NHSDA Induction Ceremony – April 24, 2023 at Bakersfield Country Club
NHSDA Information Meeting
KDA offered an information session on Wednesday, March 1 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 fifth class of National Honor Society for Dance Arts / Kern Dance Alliance Secondary Chapter inductees – Chloe Blake and Hannah Horwedel. Students received honors cord and pin, as well as a NHSDA plaque during the NHSDA luncheon at Bakersfield Country Club on April 24.
Chloe is an honors student at Bakersfield Christian High School and the youngest KDA/NHSDA inductee to date! She trains at Civic Dance Center and is a company member with the Bakersfield City Ballet. She was the winner of the 2022 Bakersfield Choreography Conference, she has attended the Tiler Peck Summer Intensive, and she will attend the San Diego Ballet summer intensive this summer. Chloe is equally active in her academic community. She participates in Debate and Forensics, and is active with many on-campus clubs and programs.
Hannah is an honors student at Liberty High School. She trains at Civic Dance Center and is a company member with the Bakersfield City Ballet. She has competed in the Youth Grand American Prix and has attended the JoffreyRED Summer Intensive. She is an accomplished student who is enrolled in AP and dual-enrollment college courses. She is specifically focused on STEM subjects, particularly in science and engineering, and she currently serves as the 2023 KDA Student Intern.
In addition to celebrating the induction of Chloe and Hannah, KDA Executive Director- Andrea Hansen, presented KDA President- Marcie Hronis and KDA Program Coordinator- Whitney Pascual with an honorary NHSDA induction in light of their tenured efforts and service to the field of dance. Both Mrs. Hronis and Mrs. Pasucal received a NHSDA induction pin.
KDA is proud to celebrate equally accomplished academicians and artists that are exemplary in their merit, character, and leadership. Congratulations to Chloe, Hannah, Marcie and Whitney who now officially join 1000s of NHSDA inductees throughout the USA!
BOOKS in MOTION®: DANCE + LITERACY
Summer 2023
Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY, an award-nominated, evidence-based summer reading program that uses dance to promote literacy by focusing on Common Core Standards for Reading Literature returned to libraries across Kern County this summer. The Kern Dance Alliance and Kern County Library were proud to launch Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACYwith the goal of reducing summer slump by encouraging reading and promoting healthy living through movement and dance.
Families were invited to visit a library branch between July 7 – August 5 to watch dance performances based upon well-known children’s books. Featuring books like “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin and “Groovy Joe Ice Cream and Dinosaurs” by Eric Litwin, children experienced the magic of a book brought to life through an artistic performance.
To further enhance learning, children also learned a short dance that coincided with the book’s theme and created a craft to promote role playing. To encourage reading at home, children were offered a FREE book at the completion of the program.
Books in Motion 2023 also featured bilingual performances and American Sign Language (ASL) services hosted by the Independent Living Center of Kern County.
The 7th annual Books in Motion program was made possible through the creative vision of Kern County dance artists. Nine contracted Kern County dance organizations had been working since the spring to bring books to life through delightful performances and skilled choreography. Aloha Entertainment, Bakersfield City Ballet, Civic Dance Center, DAT Krew, Heather Benes and the East Kern Ragtag Revels, J and M Dance Center, McLaughlin Dance Collective, Spotlight Dance Academy, and Spotlight Academy of the Arts were all featured via 31 performances at 17 library locations.
Books in Motion is geared for children in the early literacy stages (K-3rd grade) and is designed to tap into their imagination and encourage them to read. For some, reading is a concept that is too foreign to understand due to age and brain development. Books in Motion will bypass this intangible feeling by allowing children to see the magic of a book laid out with real characters coming to life. Children do not have to read the words – they can read the dancers’ movements to understand the story. By tapping into curiosity, children are motivated to explore literacy, which leads them back to the written words that brought the book to life.
Books in Motion has reached over 10,000 children and has given away nearly 6,290 free books since 2016.
Books in Motion was made possible by generous support from 23ABC, Arts Council of Kern County, California Arts Council, Chevron, Kern Family Health Care, Junior League of Bakersfield, Robert Grimm Family Foundation, and the Wonderful Company.
Books in Motion featured the following beloved children’s books:
Books in Motion Schedule:
Books in Motion Goals:
To achieve the Books in Motion goals, assessments were created based upon the following Common Core Standards for Reading Literature, K-3rd grade:
Kindergarten RL.K.1-RL.K.7 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text; retell familiar stories; identify characters, settings, and major events in a story; describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear.
1st Grade RL.1.1-1.7 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text; retell stories and demonstrate understanding of their central message; describe characters, settings, and major events in a story; identify words and phrases in stories or poems that appeal to the senses; use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.
2nd Grade RL.2.1-2.7 Ask questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text; recount stories and determine their central message, lesson, or moral; describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges; describe how words supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or song; use information gained from the illustrations and words to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.
3rd RL.3.1 Ask questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers; recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text; describe characters in a story and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events; explain how specific aspects of a text’s illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story.
Books in Motion Accolades:
1. Kern County Board of Supervisors proclaims July 2023 Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY month
On June 27, 2023 the Kern County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to officially proclaim July as Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY Month! CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO
Books in Motion is an award-nominated, evidence-based, trademarked program that has been offered consecutively for 7 years in Kern County, CA.
A collaborative program offered by the Kern Dance Alliance and Kern County Library, Books in Motion has encouraged over 10,000 children to read while providing a FREE book to almost every child since 2016.
Books in Motion is not only an educational service, but it is also a JOBS CREATOR that impacts our creative economy and promotes economic prosperity.
Kern Dance Alliance is proud to pay artists for the work they are doing in the public sphere and even more proud to help them build their capacity that in-turn shapes the overall business sector of Kern County.
Collaborations, partnerships, and sponsorships are key to the success of Books of Motion. This program would not be possible if it weren’t for the countless donors, volunteers, and artists that contribute year after year to ensure Books in Motion is offered annually.
We are grateful that Kern County has acknowledged Books in Motion in the month of July with an official proclamation! This honor not only recognizes our efforts to improve illiteracy in Kern County through the arts, but to also signify the efforts that have been made by many devoted individuals and organizations throughout the years to make tomorrow better.
2. ASL Services provided by Independent Living Center of Kern County
Books in Motion was proud to feature American Sign Language services for those that are deaf and hard of hearing at nine of the performances. In collaboration with the Independent Living Center of Kern County, these performances provided disability enhancements for a part of our population that require additional services. As a result, Books in Motion 2023 was our most inclusive year yet!
3. Books in Motion En Español
2023 featured Books in Motion performances in Spanish. Spotlight Dance Academy toured Cindergorilla to the Shafter Learning Center and Library and provided the participants with a Spanish-speaking experience.
4. Repeat Attendance
BIM was thrilled to see many community members attend a variety of performances. Children and their families were delighted to not only attend multiple performances of the same book, they also attended various performances of the other books on tour. It became clear many children wanted to collect as many of the BIM books as possible and we were happy to see their faces many times throughout the summer.
Books in Motion Results:
KDA received 758 assessments resulting in 32% of attendees responding to the BIM survey that was available both online and in person. While the data below does not reflect all 100% of attendees, it does show that the program served a diverse population specific to geographic location, age, and gender.
Results found that many of the books presented were brand new to the children with 75% of participants reporting that they had never heard the books before.
The surveys also found that 46% of children reported that their favorite part of the program was the performance, followed by 35% reporting that taking a dance class was their favorite part, and 19% reporting that creating the craft was their favorite.
87% of participants answered the correlating Common Core Standards for Reading Literature questions correctly when relating the theme of the story to the program activities.
Of most importance, 95% reported that the Books in Motion program inspired them to read!
Books in Motion served 2,346 participants and gave away 1,788 free books.
Books in Motion Demographics- Zip Code, Gender, Age:
Books in Motion served people from 34 zip codes, with a 65/35 ratio of girls attending vs. boys.
The surveys also found that the majority of attendees were the target population (K-3rd grade) with 40% of participants representing 4-7 year olds and 45% making up 5-9 year olds making up the majority of participants.
Books in Motion Press:
Social Media:
KDA proudly produced 50 social media posts advertising Books in Motion via our Facebook and Instagram accounts between June 29 and September 8.
Documentary:
KDA was proud to work with KDA filmmaker Adam Welch to capture the 2023 Books in Motion program. Mr. Welch produced 10 short films featuring the impact and reach of the program, as well as highlighting the artists involved in the project.
In celebration of World Literacy Day on September 8, KDA published all 10 Books in Motion films featuring the 2023 program on our social media and YouTube pages. CLICK HERE TO WATCH ALL 10 FILMS!
Traditional Media:
Additionally, KDA was proud to count several local news affiliates to assist with the advertising of Books in Motion. KDA wished to extend our deepest gratitude to ABC/KBAK Channel 23 for their exclusive Books in Motion media sponsorship where they highlighted the program weekly for 8 weeks via carefully crafted interviews and storytelling.
August 25, 2023 ABC / KBAK Channel 23: McLaughlin Dance Collective dances it up as yearly Books in Motion program comes to a close
August 18, 2023 ABC / KBAK Channel 23: Bakersfield City Ballet shares the spotlight during Books in Motion program
August 4, 2023 ABC / KBAK Channel 23: Spotlight Dance Academy shines a light on books during Books in Motion program
July 26, 2023 ABC / KBAK Channel 23: Aloha Entertainment turns love into literacy during Books in Motion program
July 21, 2023 ABC / KBAK Channel 23: J&M Dance Center inspires children through Books in Motion program
July 19 2023 Bakersfield Californians: Playing by the book for KDA literacy program
July 19, 2023 ABC / KBAK Channel 23: Kern Dance Alliance combines dance and education with Books in Motion program
July 7, 2023: NBC / KGET Channel 17 : Books In Motion’ brings books to life at Kern County Libraries
July 7, 2023: ABC / KBAK Channel 23: Kern Dance Alliance holds yearly ‘Books in Motion’ literacy program
July 3, 2023 KBAK / KBFX Kern County Library ‘Books in Motion’
Books in Motion Takeaways and Future:
Books in Motion 2023 was our most impactful year yet.
One challenge presented in 2023 was the departure of a key partner from the program 18 hours before the first performance launched on July 7. For the past six years, this organization had been instrumental in offering funding to help pay for the books offered to the participants, providing volunteers at the performances, and assisting with analyzing data. While partner expectations were clearly outlined in February 2023, the new leadership of the organization never attended a partner meeting and fell short in delivering their expected contributions the final week before the launch of the program. Ultimately, the organization departed the project in an unsatisfactory way jeopardizing not only the program, but the relationships built with the other project partners and our community. While this experience was very painful, KDA, the Kern County Library, and incredible volunteers banded together to ensure Books in Motion did not fail. We are proud that this final report has demonstrated that the program was successful and we look forward to launching the program again next year.
Another unanticipated challenge was the rise in the cost of books. Due to inflation, book prices have increased and the final amount paid to ensure free books were offered to every participant was much higher than anticipated. KDA is grateful that Books in Motion was generously funded this year which assisted with the unexpected higher costs of books. KDA will be mindful to increase our book budget for the 2024 program.
While challenges were presented, KDA was proud to work directly with Russo’s Book Store to assist with the ordering and delivery of nearly 2000 books.Thank you to Russo’s for their attention to detail and support of Books in Motion!
Books in Motion will return in 2024 and has already received a grant from the California Arts Council and the Wonderful Company to assist with funding the program’s reach. KDA is continually seeking funds to ensure the program’s viability is continued. BIM performer applications will open in February 2024 and the program will tour to the library beginning in July 2024.
SHINE for Girls: DANCE + MATH = SUCCESS
July 31 – August 4, 2023
The Dance Studio at Garces Memorial High School
23 Students
3 Student Mentors
1 Lead Mentor
KDA announced the return of SHINE for Girls: DANCE + MATH = SUCCESS after a three year hiatus due to the pandemic. 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 STEM. KDA has graduated 186 girls from the program and celebrated our 8th class this summer.
SHINE 2023 was offered for FREE during a summer camp on July 31 – August 4 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 STEM guest speakers. On the final day of the program, girls performed their SHINE dances, received a certificate of completion, a commemorative SHINE t-shirt, and enjoyed a pizza party!
Female high school and college level students assisted with teaching the SHINE program and was directed by the SHINE Lead Mentor, Wendy Wisheropp-Brice, an accomplished dancer who also teaches 9-12 grade Advanced Algebra, GATE Geometry, and AP Statistics at Liberty High School.
An online application was required for all SHINE girls/mentors and the program was made possible with support from Chevron and the Chevron Women’s Employee Network.
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):
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:
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
2023 SHINE Team:
SHINE Advisor: Jessica Johnson
SHINE Lead Mentor: Wendy Wisheropp-Brice
SHINE Mentors: Aubrey Baldoz, Hannah Horwedel, Sam Peel
Women in STEM Guest Speakers:
Monday, July 31 – Science – Tia Keeler, Environmental Specialist
Tuesday, August 1 – Technology – Ananda Fidalgo, Process Engineer
Wednesday, August 2 – Math – Selina Green, Project Controls Analyst
Thursday, August 3 – Engineering – Amanda Nordstrom, Petroleum Engineer -Subsurface Optimization
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:
Prior to the beginning of the SHINE program, girls participated in a pre-event survey indicating how they felt about:
On a scale of 1 – 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest), girls averaged between a 2.1 and 3.9 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 a 70-90% increase in the fields measured with girls averaging between a 4.3 and 4.8 when asked to rate the same questions asked on the last day of the program.
Girls not only 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.
In addition to measuring the progress of SHINE girls, KDA also measures the impact SHINE makes on our mentors who volunteer their time to help run the SHINE program.
100% of mentors stated “YES” the following questions:
SHINE was an amazing way to mesh my love for math and dance while also working on my leadership skills. This week I was able to evaluate myself and become more confident in my leadership abilities. I loved connecting with all of the girls, and it was so amazing to see how far they progressed. Overall, this program was extremely inspiring!! – 2023 SHINE Mentor Testimonial
SHINE also measured parents/guardians of the girls to mark their experiences through the program.
100% of parents/guardians stated “YES” the following questions:
My daughter is painfully shy and was in tears the first day and did not want to go or stay. I spoke to the instructor to let her know and she assured me she would watch over her. When I picked her up the first afternoon she was all smiles and could not wait to go back the next day. On the eve of the last day she is tearful again as it is all coming to an end tomorrow. She had so much fun and learned so much. She can’t wait to do it again. Thank you SHINE! – 2023 SHINE Parent/Guardian Testimonial
Math has been a struggle for my daughter for the last couple years. She plays travel soccer, but during the summer it’s slower so I was looking for something to cover learning and keep her active.
SHINE was absolutely the best answer. She has loved it so much and I love that she has enjoyed it. Her confidence in Math has improved and she feels ready for the school year. She has really enjoyed the dancing component so much that I am looking at dance studios to add dancing into her schedule by her request.
I hope that we are chosen for next year, but in all honesty, I wish this program was run year-round so we could continue to be part of this marvelous program. – 2023 SHINE Parent/Guardian Testimonial
My daughter was so excited to be blessed with this whole experience, and we are so thankful that it exists for girls to enjoy. – 2023 SHINE Parent/Guardian Testimonial
ADAPTIdance®: DANCE + DISABILITY
September 30 – November 15, 2023
The Dance Studio at Garces Memorial High School
44 Participants
1 Program Director
1 Program Coordinator
6 Student Interns
KDA and the League of Dreams (LoD) were proud to host the 7th year of ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY this fall. ADAPTIdance is Kern County’s ONLY adaptive dance program that serves people with disabilities, ages 5-22, and is produced in collaboration with the LoD, a nonprofit adaptive sports league. LoD participants have physical or developmental diagnosis like, but not limited to Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Spina Bifida, that prevent them from participating in traditional sports or dance programs. ADAPTIdance participants learn inclusive and creative dances that are accessible and adaptable for movers with and without disabilities
ADAPTIdance ran on Saturdays from September 30 – November 4 with three different classes offered based upon age, ability, and experience at the dance studio at Garces Memorial High School. The program culminated with a final performance at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater on Wednesday, November 15.
In the seventh year of our ADAPTIdance program, KDA proudly extended 26 hours of adaptive dance classes tailored specifically for our underserved population of disabled children. This initiative not only exemplifies our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessibility but also underscores our dedication to providing tailored programs that cater to the unique needs of the individuals within our community. The success and continuity of ADAPTIdance exemplify our unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for all, irrespective of physical abilities.
ADAPTIdance was led by Myka Steele, who has been trained by AXIS Dance Company, one of the nation’s most acclaimed performance ensembles of disabled and non-disabled dancers. Myka is currently working towards achieving a degree in education with a focus on working with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Myka also works for the Panama-Buena School District, assisting the special needs programs.
In addition to Myka assuming the role of the ADAPTIdance Program Director, KDA was overjoyed to add Romy Jones to ADAPTIdance serving in the role of Program Coordinator. Ms. Jones is a former ADAPTIdance student intern and currently works as an educator for special needs programs in Bakersfield. She supported the ADAPTIdance team in 2023 by assisting in developing curriculum, training the student interns, creating choreography, assessing the program, and supporting the program participants.
ADAPTIdance was also assisted with the support from 6 student dance interns from different Kern County dance studios. Student interns were trained to assist teaching the adaptive dance classes and assisted in assessing the progress of the students. As an added benefit, the student interns also acquired community service hours and learned the importance of service over self.
Registration for ADAPTIdance opened on August 1. All registrants were required to provide a diagnosis confirmation or first page of an IEP and be between the ages of 5 and 22.
ADAPTIdance 2023 was made possible by sponsorships from Garces Memorial High School, Arts Council of Kern County, Friends of Mercy Foundation, and the Bakersfield West Rotary. Funding graciously supported volunteer training, program supplies, marketing, website and technology integrations, insurance costs, and the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater rental.
2023 ADAPTIdance Team:
ADAPTIdance Program Director: Myka Steele
ADAPTIdance Program Coordinator: Romy Jones
ADAPTIdance Student Interns:
Alicia Brunni
Savvy Garrett
Methea Hansen
Lily Newman
Breanna Riggs
Leila Wilson
At the conclusion of each ADAPTidance dance class, KDA collected data from the ADAPTIdance student interns measuring specific categories including the participants’ brightened affect, eagerness to move, increased quality of life, and joyfulness.
These key indicators allowed KDA to gauge the impact of the program over a six-week series of classes. Once data was collected and measured, KDA found there was an average increase in metrics as the classes progressed week from week. The categories were rated on a scale of 1-5 with approximately 98 measurements for each category.
KDA is happy to report the following data:
Key indicators responsible for the increase in metrics include:
After seven years of operating ADAPTIdance, the program has had a long-standing goal of providing professional warm ups to the participants to wear to/from dance class and performances. Many of the other League of Dreams programs (cheerleading, baseball, basketball, etc) offer the participants uniforms and the dance program always admired their attire. Due to an increase in funding for 2023, KDA and LoD officially made our dreams come true by offering all 46 participants brand new warm ups donning the program branding. Participants were provided with their warmups on the final day of the program and proudly wore them to their final performance at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater!
September 16, 2023
Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater, and Convention Center
Tickets Issued: 917
Number of Classes + Experiences: 42
Number of Artists: 35
KDA hosted our National Dance Day celebration on Saturday, September 16 from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. The 9-hour dance convention offered $5 classes, workshops, and seminars taught by local, national, and internationally renowned artists at Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater & Convention Center.
National Dance Day 2023 was focused on celebrating movers of all ages, levels, and abilities by commemorating a day meant to inspire all walks of life to keep moving. The event also featured a vendor marketplace that was open to the public focused on health, wellness, the arts, and promoting an improved quality of life.
The KDA National Dance Day offered 42 beginning to advanced classes for children through adults ranging from hula to line dance, hip hop to swing dance, ballet to tap dance, and more! New in 2023, the day also featured a “Dancing Through the Decades” class for seniors, a cinema room presented by Dance Camera West featuring 8 hours of curated dance films, and free 5-10 minute ‘Dance Breaks” where the public could learn social dances like the Country Two Step and Salsa.
Taught by 30 Kern County dance instructors, as well as 5 celebrity dance artists representing many of America’s finest dance institutions including So You Think You Can Dance celebrities, Alex Wong and Jim Nowakowski, Sean Aaron Carmen from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Disney’s “The Lion King” on Broadway, and hip hop dance artist Max Pham, the event offered the Kern County community an opportunity to try a dance class for the first time or advance a dancers’ technique by training with today’s most revered instructors.
KDA is grateful for all of the instructors, attendees, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, partners, media, parents/guardians/caretakers, members, donors, theater staff, Mayor Karen Goh, Assemblyman Vince Fong, the office of Senator Shannon Grove and DANCERS! Your participation made this the BIGGEST event in KDA history and we are so thankful for your support.
NDD 2023 Guest Teachers-
NDD 2023 Local Teachers-
2023 NDD Marketplace Vendors:
NDD 2023 Sponsors:
NDD 2023 Portable Dance Barre Sponsors:
PREVIEW EVENT: September 13, 2023 at Iron Lily
MAIN EVENT: October 19, 2023 at Mill Creek Park
22 Artists
75 Attendees
Taste of Dance Overview:
In collaboration with the Bakersfield Downtown Business Association, Kern Dance Alliance (KDA) held Taste of Dance, a wonderful community event aimed to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Kern County through dance and cuisines. This event fostered cultural awareness of global diversity and promoted cultural appreciation within Kern County. This event showcased five unique dance traditions: American Line Dance, Indian Bhangra, Mexican Traditional Folklorico, Polynesian Hula, and Turkish Belly Dancing. The program featured captivating dance performances followed by engaging dance lessons given by the performers, and offered attendees the opportunity to savor the respective cultural cuisines, creating an immersive experience.
Envisioned by KDA Jr. Board Member Noor El Kereamy, Taste of Dance was created to celebrate the unique cultural diversity within Kern County and to help our community recognize that our differences can serve as a unifying factor between us all.
”Growing up and moving between countries such as Canada, Egypt, and America, I’ve come to appreciate not only the unique cultures each background offers but also my personal roots. It’s not just a source of pride; I consider culture a personal asset.” – Noor ElKereamy
Taste of Dance Preview Event:
The Taste of Dance Preview event at Taste of Downtown brought our community together as we learned and danced a line dancing routine, embracing an important facet of American culture. The event featured the talented guest teacher, Anais Cordebard, whose outstanding accomplishments included qualifying for the USLDCC 2021-2022 Nationals with her own line dances and earning a spot on the 2023 Stagecoach Honkytonk Dance Team. Anais’s belief that line dancing is a joyful and inclusive activity for all, regardless of age or skill level, gave everyone the most memorable experience. With approximately 250 attendees, the event not only served as a prelude to the upcoming Taste of Dance on October 19th but also created a memorable shared experience of learning and dancing a line dance together.
Taste of Dance Main Event:
Held at the Mill Creek Park, our event was an open invitation to everyone, providing a showcase of our cultural diversity through dance. At our event booth, we offered bites of dishes representing the four cultures featured in the dance performances: Indian Bhangra, Mexican Traditional Folklorico, Polynesian Hula, and Turkish Belly Dancing.
The heart of the event was the performances on the Bakersfield City pop-up stage, where talented artists from each culture showcased their beautiful dance traditions. What made this event truly special was that it offered the audience a chance to take part in these dances. Following each performance, the audience joined the performers on the dance floor, learning and dancing short segments of these cultural dances.
With a turnout of about 300 participants, our event proved the power of cultural celebration and unity.
Each cultural dance brought its unique flavor to the event:
Overall, “Taste of Dance” demonstrated the power of the arts in celebrating diversity and fostering community unity. It made an impact on our community by promoting cultural awareness and appreciation, leaving a lasting legacy of unity and celebration of the wonderful diversity we have here, in Kern County.
CHILDREN’S DANCE EDUCATION and OUTREACH EVENT
November 15, 2023
Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater
52 Artists
KDA was proud to host the Children’s Dance Education and Outreach Event on November 15 at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater. This Children’s Dance Event is all about GIVING BACK to Kern County the best way we know how. . . through movement and dance!
This private event benefitted local children from organizations that serve the underserved by closing the arts gap and making the arts more accessible via an afternoon of arts-centric programming at one of Kern County’s most treasured theaters, the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater!
Kern County dance studios and artists presented a rich community performance. The artists included Yo Yo Jatt Bangra, Dancer’s Turnout Academy, Dance Fitness and Healing Arts Studio, DAT Krew, Noor Elkereamy, Emylee Wright, Andrew Rosales, and Katherine Mills.
The performance showcased a number of different dance styles including Indian Bhangra, hip hop, jazz, and contemporary dance. Additionally, the performance featured participants with and without disabilities from the KDA ADAPTidance: DANCE + DISABILITY program. Kern County dancers also assisted in teaching the children choreography and partaking in a Q&A session.
In collaboration with the Fox Theater Foundation, the Children’s Dance Education and Outreach Event provided children with a live dance performance, dance class + choreography, and the opportunity to perform on the Fox stage. Additionally, children were provided afternoon snacks donated by Grimmway Farms and were given a commemorative t-shirt.
MEMORYMOVES®: DANCE + THERAPY
December 11 – 15, 2023
Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County (ADAKC)
29 Participants
1 Dance/Movement Therapist
5 Artists
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. After a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the organizations were proud 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 offered daily from 10:00 – 11:00 am on December 11 – 15, 2023 at ADAKC. Celebrating the holiday spirit, the program featured 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 culminated in a final performance at the end of the session featuring The Nutcracker performed by the Bakersfield City Ballet 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
“MemoryMoves is a gift that keeps on giving! Grateful to KDA and their community sponsors for helping us spread the Christmas cheer for local families living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Plus, how special to share in the season with a Nutcracker theme.” -Janelle Capra, Executive Director, ADAKC
MemoryMOVES was generously funded by the Arts Council of Kern County and the Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust.
Program Overview:
MEMORY Moves was a 5 day Dance/Movement Therapy program working with the Alzheimers and Dementia population at ADAKC. The program utilized a Dance/Movement Therapist (DMT) to work with 29 enrolled participants over 5 days, culminating in a Nutcracker-themed performance that included clients, caregivers and staff. Groups met daily from 10:00-11:00 am. 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.)
Group Structure:
All Memory Moves groups began with the therapist orienting the group to time and place (i.e. “Today is Monday, December 11, at 10:00am,”) 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 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. We were joined by dancers from the Bakersfield City Ballet, who performed two dances, while the clients, with the help of myself and staff, performed two other dances using scarves and silk flowers as props. It was a very memorable and special conclusion to the week.
Memory Moves measured progress in 6 areas: 1. Brightened Affect, 2. Relief from Depression/Anxiety, 3. Functional Mobility and Increased Range of Motion, 4. Increased Social Interaction, 5. Increased Cognitive Functioning and Recall, and 6. Mind/Body Connection. Progress notes were recorded for each client for each group during the week, and reflected changes noticed from the beginning to end of group.
Additional Comments offered by Staff about Clients
~ “Client usually doesn’t move well with our regular exercise, but she loves to dance.”
Summary:
Memory Moves allowed clients to break from their normal routine in order to experience the transformative effects of dance. 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.
KDA Community Grants + Scholarship Program
KDA was pleased to award the following grants and scholarships to deserving Kern County dance artists and organizations:
KDA Grant:
KDA Scholarship:
KDA had a very active year full of presentations, promotions, and advocacy!
STUDENT INTERN TESTIMONIALS
Being part of KDA as a student intern has been one of the greatest joys and learning experiences I’ve ever had in the realm of dance education. As a university student studying for my dance education degree, KDA provided real life, practical application scenarios for me to put into practice what I was learning, and to give back into the community I love so much. The KDA team is so positive, talented, and full of life and all are such a giving group of individuals. I am proud to serve the community as a Kern Dance Alliance student intern and hope to continue serving in greater capacity in the future. – Elyanna Kim, 2023 KDA STUDENT INTERN
Kern Dance Alliance has completely expanded my understanding of the importance of dance and the arts to our community. Being able to see the behind-the-scenes of programs like “Books in Motion,” “SHINE,” and “ADAPTIdance” and how they benefit and enrich Kern County has been extremely inspirational. I am honored to be a part of KDA’s positive influence and have enjoyed every moment as a Student Intern! This has been a monumental year for Kern Dance Alliance, and I am so excited to see what next year brings. – Hannah Horwedel, 2023 KDA Student Intern
IMPACT REPORT — December 2022
YEAR IN REVIEW
KDA is pleased to produce another year in review – lucky number seven! We enjoyed looking back on the year and are mindful that our reflections help us to celebrate our wins, capture our lessons, and remember what we accomplished.
In hindsight, 2022 had a bumpy start. Omicron was emerging and the world continued to shutter from the impacts of the pandemic. Reflecting on lessons learnt from the previous two years, the KDA board treaded slowly into our 2022 season. Deliberating on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, KDA was hesitant to plan live programs due to the uncertainty of what the future may hold.
As March approached and the world began to open again, KDA made a triumphant return to a live format with the launch of DANCING WITH THE ANGELS, an arts collaboration with the Bakersfield Angels benefitting our foster care community. After two years of hosting digital programs, momentum quickly shifted and KDA ran full steam ahead into more live projects.
From the spring on, KDA launched program after program and positively enjoyed seeing people benefitting from movement and dance. While returning back to normal operations was considered a “win”, we were also overjoyed to see our programs garner support from our community once again.
A few of the year’s highlights include:
We two-stepped into 2022 and we leave this year’s dance feeling more accomplished and more focused on what is to come! KDA cares deeply about supporting the arts in Kern County and we are thankful to our donors, partners, members, and volunteers that continue to provide valuable resources that MOVE our cause. Thank you for supporting KDA, our community is better because of people like YOU!
In the spirit of dance. . .
Andrea Hansen, M.F.A.
KDA President
DANCING WITH THE ANGELS
Saturday, April 9
Garces Memorial High School
136 Participants
On April 9, KDA had the honor of serving alongside some amazing angels that truly live to give. Dancing with the Angels was a collaborative project with the Bakersfield Angels using the arts to connect our foster care community through movement, music, and visual art.
The Dancing with the Angels event hosted dance classes taught by Kern County dance educators from the Bakersfield City Ballet, Bakersfield Line Dancers, and DAT Krew. Additionally, the Playful Space provided hands-on visual art experiences, and a music education class that offered a “bucket band” experience rooted in an introduction to drumming taught by Stephen Penner.
Dancing with the Angels was a FREE event. Participants received snacks donated by Bolthouse Farms, a free lunch sponsored by Subway, and they took home a commemorative Dancing with the Angels t-shirt.
Dancing with the Angels was created with the intent to connect parents/guardians with their children. Dancing with the Angels fostered creativity and self-expression, promoted trust and communication, built confidence and teamwork, and offered a day where achievements were celebrated and memories were made through a valued community experience.
We danced. We made art. We drummed. We experienced the joy of the arts connecting our community in ways that were meaningful and impactful.
Video courtesy of Adam David Welch.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR PROJECT PARTNERS + SPONSORS:
Bakersfield City Ballet
Bakersfield Line Dancers
Anais Cordebard
DAT Krew
The Playful Space
Stephen Penner
Garces Memorial High School
Bolthouse Farms
Subway
Fab 5 Yard Cards
Sassy’s Balloonz
Annie Payne
Adam Welch
OPEN STAGE
Sunday, April 24
The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater
312 participants
On Sunday, April 24 KDA opened the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater stage to Kern County dance artists for FREE! Artists used their exclusive time for a variety of endeavors and we enjoyed seeing over 300 people come through the theater on that special day.
Dance artists presented private performances, rehearsed for upcoming shows, filmed marketing materials, created dance for film projects, and filmed audition reels. For many, this was their FIRST TIME stepping foot on the famous Fox stage and KDA was delighted to be able experience that first moment with them.
Thank you Kern County dance artists for taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity – we are honored to serve you!
My Dance And Fitness Studio
Victoria Marchetti
DANCENATION
Juliet Thorner Elementary School
Aloha Entertainment by Polynesian Spice
McLaughlin Dance Collective
Thank you Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater for your support of KDA!
KDA RUN FOR THE ARTS
Sunday, March 27
Bakersfield Marathon
Number of Runners: 2
Total Raised: $1614
Total Number of Donors: 27
KDA was proud to participate in the Bakersfield Marathon on Sunday, March 27. KDA President, Andrea Hansen, and KDA Jr Board Member, Victoria Marchetti, ran a collective 29.1 miles to increase the visibility of KDA’s cause and raise funds for our programs. KDA asked for donations in increments of marathon-inspired amounts that started at JUST $6.21 (representing the mileage of a 10k)! No donation was too small or too big, and, as always, KDA was very grateful for the support. KDA was able to raise $1614 via 27 donor gifts.
5 STEPS to SUCCESS: MOVING YOUR COLLEGE DANCE APPLICATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Step 1: Professional Dance Photography – March 18-20
Step 2: Resume Writing Workshops – June 24
Step 3: Professional conference featuring faculty from America’s most recognized college and university dance programs – September 17
Step 4: Interview Training Seminars + Mock Interviews – November 28
Step 5: College Essay Writing + Review – December 20
5 Steps to Success: Moving your College Dance Application to the Next Level was a program designed for dancers to discover and complete a successful path to pursue dance beyond high school. According to the most recent census data, Kern County experiences lower percentages of college educated individuals as compared to other counties in California. Furthermore, Kern County is especially underserved with respect to higher education opportunities for dancers and other creatives to learn about pathways of acquiring a higher education in the arts. There are no local college fairs for dancers and high school fairs rarely focus on the arts. While online fairs are available, they are often very expensive which can exclude dancers from our economically disadvantaged areas. 5 Steps to Success; Moving Your College Dance Application to the Next Level offered students an opportunity to understand the vast landscape of colleges and universities that offer dance as a major. Additionally, this program taught students that they can be successful at attending one of those schools and how a college dance major will serve them beyond their academic years.
Conceived by KDA Jr Board Member, Victoria Marchetti, 5 Steps to Success was created because Victoria felt there were not enough resources available to high students to assist them with their college dance application process.
“As a high school student, I am beginning my college application process. I found that there are not many resources available to assist students with their college dance applications. I created 5 Steps because wanted to support Kern County dancers so they realize they have support from KDA as they create their own successful college application that will hopefully result in acceptance in to a higher education dance program!”
Step 1: Dance Photography Session – Dancers were provided the opportunity to obtain free professional headshots, arabesque shots, and jump photos for their applications. This session was located at Mesh Co-Work on March 18-20. Dance photographer Nancy Lynn Miller provided over 50 proofs for dancers to choose from.
Step 2: Dance Resume Writing Workshop – The step was offered on June 24 and assisted dancers with crafting a resume tailored to college dance program application requirements. The free workshop was hosted over zoom in collaboration with Kat Clowes from March Consulting. Kat covered topics from how “not all resumes are created equal”, Anne Draucker covered how the professional resume is used, and Andrea Hansen talked on “getting prepared for your resume”. Dancers left the zoom prepared to create their resumes with helpful resources and new professional contacts to ask for assistance if needed.
Step 3: Professional Conference with College/University Faculty – KDA’s National Dance Day coincided with step 3 that featured several college and university faculty on Saturday, September 17 at Mechanics Bank Arena. The series featured Christopher Compton – Assistant Professor, University of Arizona School of Dance, Lil Buck – Movement Artist, Memphis Jookin’, and Juilliard Creative Associate, Dr. Suzanne Knosp – Professor Emeritus: Music Director, University of Arizona School of Dance, and Saleemah E. Knight – Choreographer, Performer, and Professor, USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance.
Step 4: Interview Seminar – Step 4 prepared dancers for interviews through a Zoom session that was led by KDA 1st Vice President and interview specialist, Marcie Hronis. Marcie offered dancers the skills to nail their interviews by creating an “awesome list” derived from the dancer’s resume. The session provided dancers with assurance that they can take control of their interviews by leading with their personal assets and skills.
Step 5: Essay Writing Workshop and Review – Dancers had the opportunity to submit essay drafts for KDA board members to review.
Overall, this program helped prepare dancers to pursue dance beyond high school by providing them with the knowledge, tools, and support through the application process.
NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY FOR DANCE ARTS
NHSDA Information Meeting – March 3
KDA offered an information session on Thursday, March 3 via Zoom for students interested in learning more about the National Honors Society for Dance Arts. Led by KDA’s 2nd Vice President, 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
Sunday, May 24
Bakersfield County Club
5 Inductees
KDA celebrated our fourth class of National Honor Society for Dance Arts / Kern Dance Alliance Secondary Chapter inductees – Avery Wood, Victoria Marchetti, Grayson Gallella, Alex Zaletel, and Kaya Leyendecker. Students received honors cord and pin, as well as a NHSDA plaque during the NHSDA luncheon at Bakersfield Country Club on May 24.
Avery is an honors student at Heartland Charter School. He has trained at J and M Dance Center, Civic Dance Center, and is a company member with the Bakersfield City Ballet. He has competed in the Youth Grand American Prix and has spent his summers at the Boston Ballet School and Los Angeles Ballet. He spent his summer attending the Rock School and Pacific Northwest Ballet summer intensives.
Victoria is an honors student at Liberty High School. She trains at Civic Dance Center and is a company member with the Bakersfield City Ballet. Victoria has spent a summer at Ballet West and attended the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Joffrey School summer intensives in New York City this past summer. Victoria is an accomplished dance filmmaker and has served as the KDA Student Intern and currently as a KDA Junior Board Member.
Grayson is an honors student at Heartland Charter School. He has trained at J and M Dance Center, Civic Dance Center, Antelope Valley Ballet and is a company member with the Bakersfield City Ballet. He has participated in the Spotlight, KAR, and Jump conventions and he has competed in the Youth Grand American Prix. He attended the Ballet Austin summer intensive last summer.
Alex is an honors student at Liberty High School. She trains at Civic Dance Center and is a company member with the Bakersfield City Ballet. She has competed in the Youth Grand American Prix, has attended the Tiler Peck Summer Intensive, and she attended the American Ballet Theater summer intensive this past summer.
Kaya is an honors student at Bakersfield Christian High School. She trains at Mallory Academy of Dance and has competed in several dance conventions and competitions. Kaya is a triple threat – excelling in acting, dancing and singing. She was NYC-bound this past summer to attend the Broadway Artist Alliance summer intensive.
KDA continues to accept nomination applications and looks forward to future inductions.
GIVE BIG KERN
Tuesday, May 3
Total Raised: $2015
Total Number of Donors: 39
KDA raised $2015 and WON the FARTHEST AWAY DONATION AWARD from the Kern Community Foundation equaling an extra gift of $300 on May 3. Additionally, KDA experienced 100% board participation with all members donations at lead $5. Gifts supported KDA essential programs and services. BRAVO to all that donated, liked, clicked, and shared – we are humbled by your bighearted ways!
BOOKS in MOTION: DANCE + LITERACY
Summer 2022
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Celebrating 6 years, Books in Motion® (BIM) is an award-nominated FREE summer literacy program that encourages reading through dancing by focusing on Common Core Standards for Reading Literature for children, K-3rd. After two years of presenting BIM in a digital format due to the pandemic, KDA was proud to work in collaboration with the Kern County Library, Kern Literacy Council, and Kern County dance organizations by bringing this beloved program back to an in-person format.
Between July 7 – August 12, 2022 families had the opportunity to visit Kern County library branches to watch 26 dance performance based upon a well-known children’s book, engage in kinesis by learning choreography, and participate in creating a craft that coincided with the book’s theme. At the culmination of the session, children were divided into groups based upon age/level and posed questions to evaluate their comprehension. At the end, children were able to take home a FREE book after participating in the evaluation.
The 6th annual Books in Motion program was made possible through the creative vision of Kern County dance artists. Eight contracted Kern County dance organizations worked to bring books to life through delightful performances and skilled choreography. The Bakersfield City Ballet, McLaughlin Dance Collective, Spotlight Dance Academy, Spotlight Academy of the Arts, Aloha Entertainment, DAT Krew, DANCENATION, and Heather Benes and the East Kern Ragtag Revels performed at 15 library locations.
Books in Motion featured the following beloved children’s books:
To officially kick off Books in Motion this summer, New York City Ballet principal dancer and Bakersfield native, Tiler Peck, visited Bakersfield’s Beale Memorial Library on June 22 @ 1:00 pm for a live reading of her second book “Katarina Ballerina and the Victory Dance”. Accompanied by her co-author, Kyle Harris (Broadway, film and television star), Ms. Peck and Mr. Harris provided a live reading of their book, taught a mini dance lesson, participated in a Q&A session and an autograph signing to an audience of over 300. Free Katarina Ballerina books were donated by the publisher, Simon and Schuster, and were available on a first-come, first-serve basis for attendees.
Books in Motion was made possible by generous support from the Robert Grimm Family Foundation, Chevron, Alfred and Virginia Harrell Foundation, Kern Family Health Care, Adventist Health, and 23ABC.
26 BOOKS IN MOTION PERFORMANCES:
July 7 @ 1:00 pm, Southwest Branch, “Splat the Cat with A Bang and Clang” – McLaughlin Dance Collective
July 18 @ 1:00 pm, Southwest Branch, “Cha Cha Chimps” – DanceNation
July 21 @ 1:00 pm, Wilson Branch, “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” – Bakersfield City Ballet
July 25 @ 11:30 am, Beale Branch, “Cha Cha Chimps” – DanceNation
July 26 @ 3:00 pm, Rathbun Branch, “Cha Cha Chimps” – DanceNation
July 27 @ 4:30 pm, Wilson Branch, “Groovicorns” – DAT Krew
August 1 @ 3:00 pm, Mojave Branch, “Peter and the Wolf” – Heather Benes and the East Kern Ragtag Revels
August 1 @ 3:30 pm, Baker Branch, “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” – Bakersfield City Ballet
August 2 @ 3:00 pm, Rosamond Branch, “Peter and the Wolf” – Heather Benes and the East Kern Ragtag Revels
August 2 @ 4:30 pm, Tehachapi Branch, “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” – Bakersfield City Ballet
August 3 @ 12:00 pm, Wilson Branch, “Sock Monkey Boogie Woogie”- Spotlight Dance Academy
August 3 @ 4:30 pm, Northeast Branch, “Groovicorns” – DAT Krew
August 3, @ 3:00 pm, California City Branch, “Peter and the Wolf” – Heather Benes and the East Kern Ragtag Revels
August 4 @ 1:00 pm, Beale Branch, “Splat the Cat with A Bang and Clang” – McLaughlin Dance Collective
August 4 @ 12:00 pm, Southwest Branch, “Sock Monkey Boogie Woogie”- Spotlight Dance Academy
August 4 @ 4:00 pm, Holloway-Gonzales Branch, “Goodnight Hawaii” – Aloha Entertainment
August 4 @ 3:00 pm, Ridgecrest Branch, “Peter and the Wolf” – Heather Benes and the East Kern Ragtag Revels
August 5 @ 11:30 am, Shafter, “Splat the Cat with A Bang and Clang” – McLaughlin Dance Collective
August 5 @ 12:00 pm, Beale Branch, “Sock Monkey Boogie Woogie”- Spotlight Dance Academy
August 5 @ 3:00 pm, Boron Branch, “Peter and the Wolf” – Heather Benes and the East Kern Ragtag Revels
August 8 @ 12:00 pm, Beale Branch, “Rainbow Fish” – Spotlight Academy for the Arts
August 9 @ 12:00 pm, Southwest Branch, “Rainbow Fish” – Spotlight Academy for the Arts
August 10 @ 12:00 pm, WIlson Branch, “Rainbow Fish” – Spotlight Academy for the Arts (En Espanõl)
August 10 @ 4:00 pm, Northeast Branch, “Goodnight Hawaii” – Aloha Entertainment
August 10 @ @ 4:30, Beale Branch, “Groovicorns” – DAT Krew
August 12 @ 3:30 pm, Delano Branch, “Goodnight Hawaii” – Aloha Entertainment
PROGRAM ACCOLADES:
Books in Motion En Español
2022 featured Books in Motion performances in Spanish. Spotlight Dance Academy toured Rainbow Fish to the WIlson Library and provided the participants with a Spanish-speaking experience.
Repeat Attendance
BIM was thrilled to see many community members attend a variety of performances. Children and their families were delighted to not only attend multiple performances of the same book, they also attended various performances of the other books on tour. It became clear many children wanted to collect as many of the BIM books as possible and we were happy to see their faces many times throughout the summer.
BOOKS IN MOTION PRESS:
BIM partnered with 23ABC to produce a series of coverage including a public service announcement and several “artist spotlights” highlighting the BIM artists featured in the summer of 2022.
BIM was also pleased to receive media coverage for the summer 2022 tour via a variety of other news media outlets:
July 7, 2022 BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN: Reading is fun-damental for KDA’s Books in Motion
June 22, 2022, ABC/KBAK Channel 23: Kern Dance Alliance’s Books in Motion program promotes literacy
June 21, 2022 NBC/KGET Channel 17 : Tiler Peck to read her second book at Kern Dance Alliance’s 6th Annual Books in Motion program
July 10, 2021 ABC/KBAK Channel 23: : Books in Motion Inspires Children’s Literacy
July 8, 2021 BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN: Love of reading, dance in sync for Books in Motion
July 3, 2021 ABC/KBAK Channel 23: Dance organizations come together to inspire children literacy
BOOKS IN MOTION GOALS:
The goals of Books in Motion include the following:
To achieve the Books in Motion goals, assessments were created based upon the following Common Core Standards for Reading Literature, K-3rd grade for “Splat the Cat with A Bang and Clang”, “Cha Cha Chimps”, “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms”, “Peter and the Wolf”, “Groovicorns”, “Sock Monkey Boogie Woogie”, “Rainbow Fish”, “Goodnight Hawaii”:
Kindergarten RL.K.1-RL.K.7 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text; retell familiar stories; identify characters, settings, and major events in a story; describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear.
1st Grade RL.1.1-1.7 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text; retell stories and demonstrate understanding of their central message; describe characters, settings, and major events in a story; identify words and phrases in stories or poems that appeal to the senses; use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.
2nd Grade RL.2.1-2.7 Ask questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text; recount stories and determine their central message, lesson, or moral; describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges; describe how words supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or song; use information gained from the illustrations and words to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.
3rd RL.3.1 Ask questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers; recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text; describe characters in a story and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events; explain how specific aspects of a text’s illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story.
BOOKS IN MOTION RESULTS:
KDA received 732 assessments resulting in 38.94% of attendees responding to the BIM survey that was available both online and in person. While the data below does not reflect all 100% of attendees, it does show that the program served a diverse population specific to geographic location, age, and gender. The surveys found that 33% of children reported that their favorite part of the program was the performance and taking a dance class. Results also found that many of the books presented were brand new to the children, and that the children reported feeling inspired to read books and take a future dance class. Books in Motion served 1880 participants and gave away 1355 free books.
BOOKS IN MOTION DEMOGRAPHICS – ZIP CODE/AGE/GENDER
Books in Motion served people from 37 zip codes, with a 60/40 ratio of girls attending vs. boys. The surveys also found that the majority of attendees were the target population (K-3rd grade) with 4-7 year olds making up the majority of participants.
BOOKS IN MOTION TAKE AWAY + FUTURE
Books in Motion 2022 proved to be impactful.
Books in Motion will return in 2023 and has already received a grant from the California Arts Council and the Wonderful Company to assist with funding the program’s reach. KDA is continually seeking funds to ensure the program’s viability is continued. BIM performer applications will open in February 2023 and the program will tour to the library beginning in July 2023.
NATIONAL DANCE DAY
Saturday, September 17
Tickets Issued: 813
Number of Classes: 34
Number of Teaching Artists: 32
Cost per Class: $5
KDA hosted a National Dance Day celebration on Saturday, September 17 from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. The 9-hour dance convention offered $5 classes, workshops, and seminars taught by local, national, and internationally renowned artists at Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater & Convention Center. National Dance Day 2022 was focused on celebrating movers of all ages, levels, and experiences by commemorating a day meant to inspire all walks of life to keep moving. The event also featured a vendor marketplace that was open to the public focused on health, wellness, the arts, and promoting an improved quality of life.
The KDA National Dance Day offered 34 beginning to advanced classes for children through adults ranging from hula to line dance, hip hop to swing dance, and ballet to tap dance. Taught by 26 Kern County dance instructors, as well as 6 celebrity dance artists representing many of America’s finest dance institutions including American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer – Calvin Royal III, award-winning performing artist – Lil Buck, and USC Kaufman School of Dance Faculty – Saleemah Knight, the event offered the Kern County community an opportunity to try a dance class for the first time or advance a dancer’s technique by training with today’s most revered instructors.
KDA saw many tears of joy from our community during the event. The stories ranged from people stating that they had not felt this much happiness in nearly two years to feeling that they finally “belonged” to a community that they had been seeking so desperately since the pandemic. Most were simply grateful that they could dance and move their bodies without pressure with celebrities like Lil Buck and Calvin Royal III and others could not believe that they could dance all day for only $5 a class. As the day went on, it became very clear that our event was not only celebrating dance across America, but that it was also therapy for the attendees.
One of the greatest sentiments came from Mr. Nigel Lythgoe (the creator of National Dance Day, So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, etc.). Mr. Lythgoe provided a live interview on our local Fox network on Friday morning and also sent over a personalized video that we shared during our event. We sent him an email thanking him for his support and he sent back an email acknowledging that he was wonderfully impressed with the Bakersfield event/line up and that he hoped other American cities would emulate the KDA National Dance Day model in the future.
A very special thank you to the 2022 National Dance Day Instructors:
Nesi Sheldon
Callie Jenkins
Myka Steele
ABT Principal Dancer – Calvin Royal III
Sydnee Johanesen
Arache’ Colter
Sharida Rejon
Andrew Rosales
Lil Buck
Crista McClain
Marnie Forzetting
Wendy Wisheropp-Brice
Victoria Marchetti
Naomi Rivera
Kristen McLaughlin
Suze DeArmond
Desmond Ramey
Brushay Taylor
Luther Gray
David Moreno
Brenlea Smith
University of Arizona School of Dance Assistant Professor – Christopher Compton
Breanne Oaks
Joel Hoffman
University of Arizona School of Dance Professor Emeritus – Dr. Suzanne Knosp
Megan Furse
Anais Cordebard
Dance Camera West Executive Director – Kelly Hargraves
USC Kaufman School of Dance Faculty – Saleemah E. Knight
National Dance Day 2022 was generously sponsored by KGET – Channel 17, Stockdale Podiatry Group, Stria, Hansen’s Moving and Storage, Poise Pilates and Barre, March Consulting, Unsomnia Massage, McCaan Family Chiropractic, LVL Fitness, Discount Dance, and Bodywrappers.
ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY
Saturdays, October 1 – November 5
Final Performance – November 16
Participants Enrolled in the Program: 35
Dance Student Interns: 9
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Kern Dance Alliance (KDA) and the League of Dreams (LoD) were proud to host the 6th year of ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY this fall. ADAPTIdance is Kern County’s ONLY adaptive dance program that serves people with disabilities, ages 5-22, and is produced in collaboration with the LoD, a nonprofit adaptive sports league. ADAPTIdance participants learn inclusive and creative dances that are accessible and adaptable for movers with and without disabilities As COVID-19 limited opportunities for in-person experiences the past two years, KDA and LoD were very excited to bring the program back to a live, in-person experience at the dance studio at Garces Memorial High School.
ADAPTIdance ran for 6-weeks and it began on Saturday, October 1 with three different classes offered based upon age, ability, and experience. ADAPTIdance was led by Myka Steele, who has been trained by AXIS Dance Company, one of the nation’s most acclaimed performance ensembles of disabled and non-disabled dancers. In addition to Miss Steele, 9 student dance interns from different Kern County dance studios were trained to assist teaching the adaptive dance classes. As an added benefit, the student interns also acquired community service hours and learnt the importance of service over self.
Registration for ADAPTIdance opened on August 1. All registrants were required to provide a diagnosis confirmation or first page of an IEP and be between the ages of 5 and 22.
The program culminated with a performance at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater. 35 ADAPTidancers illuminated the theater with their wonderful performances that were warmly received by all audience members.
ADAPTIdance 2022 was made possible by sponsorships from Garces Memorial High School, Kern Family Healthcare, and the Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust. Funding supported volunteer training, program supplies, marketing, website and technology integrations, insurance costs, and the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater rental.
KDA was pleased to work with Adam David Welch to produce the ADAPTIdance Season Highlight video.
ADAPTIdance GOALS/OUTCOMES/IMPACTS:
The goals of ADAPTIdance are 1.) to provide access to creative movement and dance training for all students regardless of disability, income level, or prior dance experience 2). to provide a forum for physical activity that is a model for kids of all abilities to collaborate as equals while developing skills in cooperation and a respect for self and others; 3.) to educate about disability, collaboration, and inclusion through the medium of dance and the presentation of positive role models and images of people with disabilities.
ADAPTIdance also features the following outcomes and impacts for the participants:
Outcomes:
• Brightened affect
• Increased quality of life/joyfulness
• Increased Self-Expression
• Educate about disability, collaboration, and inclusion through the medium of dance and the presentation of positive role models and images of people with disabilities Impacts:
• Participants have a positive association with dance and are eager to move when in an environment that has dance.
• Caretakers assist participants in participating in other dance experiences outside the program, and see dance as a positive addition to the participants’ routine.
Final Reporting:
At the conclusion of each ADAPTidance dance class, KDA collected data from the ADAPTIdance student interns measuring specific categories including the participants’ brightened affect, eagerness to move, increased quality of life, and joyfulness. These key indicators allowed KDA to gauge the impact of the program over a six-week series of classes. Once data was collected and measured, KDA found there was an average increase in metrics as the classes progressed week from week. The categories were rated on a scale of 1-5 with approximately 98 measurements for each category.
KDA is happy to report the following data:
• Brightened Affect: 0.74 points = 15%
• Eagerness to Move: 0.13 = 3%
• Increased quality of life: 0.77 points = 18% • Joyfulness: 0.17 = 3.5%
• Self-Expression: .09 points = 2%
Key indicators responsible for the increase in metrics include:
STORY of TRIUMPH – Myka Steele, ADAPTIdance program director + KDA Board Member
After a summer of incurable symptoms from enlarged lymph nodes to unforgiving itchy skin, Myka Steele, ADAPTIdance program director and KDA board member, was directed to undergo a series of tests to define her diagnosis. Unfortunately, as she began the second week of ADAPTIdance 2022, she learned of her cancer diagnosis, Hodgkins Lymphoma.
At the young age of 20, Myka has been handed more health challenges than most will ever see in a lifetime. She began four months of chemotherapy treatments beginning November 8 and is hopeful to be in remission in the spring of 2023. 
Despite her health challenges, Myka was determined to finish ADAPTIdance as the program director and to lead by example by showing the ADAPTIdancers that health challenges do not define will. Evident by her final performance with ADAPTIdance on November 16, it was clear Myka’s strength carried her beyond the finish line with this special program. Above all else, she is most determined to beat cancer
As a young adult, Myka is wise beyond her years. KDA is overjoyed to serve alongside her and to witness her strength as she proves what most would believe to be impossible. That’s the thing about dancers. . . the show always goes on and Myka believes ADAPTIdance gave her the courage to keep fighting. KDA has pledged to support Myka through these challenging times and we look forward to celebrating her as she overcomes this pivotal moment in her life.
CHILDREN’s DANCE EDUCATION and OUTREACH EVENT
Wednesday, November 16
The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater
Number of Participants – 130 children (265 adults)
Number of Dancers – 97
KDA embarked upon our final event of the year, the Children’s Dance Education and Outreach Event, and this event was all about GIVING BACK to Kern County the best way we know how. . . through movement and dance!
KDA hosted the Children’s Dance Education and Outreach Event on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 4:30 pm. This private event benefitted local children from organizations that serve underserved children like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County, Bakersfield Angels, CASA of Kern County, and the Open Door Network by closing the arts gap and making the arts more accessible via an afternoon of arts-centric programming at one of Kern County’s most treasured theaters, the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater! 130 children participated in the event.
Kern County dance studios and artists presented a rich performance for the children. The artists included American Dancers Workshop, Bakersfield City Ballet, Bakersfield Dance Company, Dancer’s Turnout Academy, Dance Fitness and Healing Arts Studio, DANCENATION, DAT Krew, Noor Elkereamy, Emylee Wright, and Presly Dillon. The performance showcased a number of different dance styles including tap, hip hop, ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance. Additionally, the performance featured participants with and without disabilities from the KDA ADAPTidance: DANCE + DISABILITY program. Kern County dancers also assisted in teaching the children choreography and partaking in a Q&A session.
The event also featured Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater President, NaTesha Johnson, providing a “kid-friendly” history of the Fox Theater. Assemblyman Vince Fong and Senator Shannon Grove offered inspiring words encouraging the children to follow their dreams.
Sponsored by the Fox Theater Foundation, Grimmway Farms, and the Wright Law Office, the Children’s Dance Education and Outreach Event provided children with a live dance performance, dance class + choreography, and the opportunity to perform on the Fox stage. Additionally, children were provided afternoon snacks and a commemorative t-shirt. One of greatest benefits offered children interested in continuing formal dance training the chance to apply for scholarships to attend any dance studio of their choice.
Video courtesy of Adam David Welch.
Kern Dance Alliance (KDA) was awarded $4,223,447 by the California Arts Council (CAC) to administer the California Creative Corps program throughout the Central Valley and Eastern Sierra region of the state.
The California Creative Corps is a pilot program designed to promote community and civic engagement, spread awareness about water and energy conservation, climate change, emergency preparedness, relief and recovery through the arts. Thirteen organizations, including KDA, were selected statewide to regrant funds in their region to arts and social service organizations, individual artists, and cultural workers.
“We are ecstatic to help pilot the California Creative Corps and support the social, cultural, economic, and physical well-being of our communities,” said KDA President, Andrea Hansen. “This investment is a monumental occasion, and we’re excited to work with the artists, organizations and creatives who are improving health and quality of life in Central California, one of our state’s most disadvantaged regions.”
The KDA Creative Corps will regrant funds to arts and social service organizations, individual artists, and cultural workers throughout 14 counties in the Central Valley and Eastern Central region of the state. From south to north, they include Kern, Kings, Tulare, Inyo, Fresno, Madera, Mono, Merced, Mariposa, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, San Joaquin, Calaveras and Amador counties.
The $4.2 million California Arts Council grant will be used exclusively for regranting and administration of the KDA Creative Corps. It will not be used to fund KDA’s existing programs,
which will continue to operate alongside the KDA Creative Corps. KDA will continue to need funding and community support to meet its daily and annual operating needs.
“KDA has pioneered creative and innovative ways to enrich our community through the arts for almost a decade,” said Assemblyman Vince Fong. “Their selection to help pilot the California Creative Corps is recognition of their leadership and capability to create true impact. I look forward to seeing how the KDA Creative Corps helps improve the quality of life for everyone living in the Central Valley and Eastern Sierras.”
KDA will release a Notice of Funding Opportunity and solicit grant proposals for the KDA Creative Corps beginning in Winter 2022. Individuals and organizations interested in learning more about the KDA Creative Corps can sign up to receive email updates at www.KDACreativeCorps.org.
KDA Community Grants + Scholarship Program
KDA was pleased to award the following grants and scholarships to deserving Kern County dance artists and organizations:
KDA Grant:
The Nutcracker Orchestra
KDA Scholarship:
Addison Hulstrom- Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive
Beautiful Bakersfield Awards
June 6
Kern Dance Alliance was humbled to be nominated in the 2022 Beautiful Bakersfield Award’s Arts and Culture category for the 2021 Books in Motion program. This was the sixth nomination for KDA since 2016. It is an honor to serve Kern County and an even greater honor to be nominated in a category with those that consistently enrich our beautiful city!
Downtown Rotary Presentation
September 8
KDA was invited to speak at the Downtown Bakersfield Rotary about KDA’s impact in Kern County. Mallory Academy of Dance provided the dance entertainment.
California Economic Summit
October 27
KDA was pleased to attend the California Economic Summit at Mechanics Bank Arena. Specifically participating in the Creative Economy workshops, KDA was able to represent the Central Valley and promote the vibrant arts and culture scene in our community. Additionally, KDA was able to provide feedback to the working groups on the state’s 2023 arts priorities:
“KDA has long been considered family to me. I have served KDA for multiple years, including volunteering my time as an ADAPTIdance Intern and currently as the 2022 Student Intern. I have had the wonderful opportunity of seeing the growth of this organization and witnessing new ideas come to fruition. I have grown to understand the importance of giving back to my community and the important role our community plays in the success of KDA! I give because I enjoy seeing the smiles on the faces of those in our programs and I enjoy sharing happiness and love through movement and dance.” – Noor Elkereamy, 2022 KDA Student Intern
IMPACT REPORT — December 2021
YEAR IN REVIEW
A year-end reflection, one of our favorite times of the year.
In many ways, 2021 felt like a continuation of 2020. For every step forward we took, we often felt that three more steps were then taken backward. In another year of uncertainties, we focused our efforts on the digital realm and found that we continued to make an impact in Kern County and beyond.
A few of our 2021 highlights include the following:
– We supported dozens of Kern County creatives through employment opportunities, grants, and scholarships. One example includes celebrating the return of the 44th annual Bakersfield Nutcracker accompanied by the Shafter Symphony Orchestra where we supported their performances through a KDA grant award.
– We moved forward together and explored the evolution of our social and cultural humanity through our unity classes. We were guided through constructive conversations while providing a safe space for delicate communication during our six-week Moving Forward series. We listened. We learned. We grew.
– We welcomed home a super star and gave her a stage to do what she does best, DANCE! Swan Lake LIVE, featuring Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia, at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater was a magical moment in 2021 that we will never forget.
– We recognized the class of 2021 and their valiant efforts of navigating uncharted territory during their final year of high school through Seniors MOVE.
– We produced 10 films encouraging the world to read through dance with Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY and experienced 5,142 of watch time minutes from people all over the world.
– We gave away a free month of dance classes at a studio of the winner’s choice and helped to make dance dreams come true during our annual National Dance Day celebration.
– And we inducted our newest inductees into the USA’s most prestigious honors society for dancers who excel in artistry, leadership, and academic achievement!
To date, we’ve served over 60,000 people through our programs and have been honored to be recognized in many ways, including our fifth Beautiful Bakersfield Award nomination and our second California Arts Council grant award.
As we close 2021, we celebrate the steps we took together to move forward in many meaningful ways, but we also acknowledge that there is much more work to be done. We thank you for moving with us and are most thankful for your continued support.
In the spirit of dance. . .
Andrea Hansen, M.F.A.
KDA President
MOVING FORWARD: 6 Engaging Session for Unity – Winter 2021
Kern Dance Alliance was proud to announce a continued partnership with Cultivating Better Tomorrows, a Woman and Minority owned Business with a passion for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the performing arts community. KDA and Cultivating Better Tomorrows launched Moving Forward: 6 Engaging Sessions for Unity, a six-week series that focused on an array of different topics on Fridays beginning January 22 @ 12:00 PM PST via Zoom.
Led by creatives, including Erica Lynette Edwards – a ballerina with the world-renown Joffrey Ballet for 15 years, Moving Forward explored the evolution of our social and cultural humanity with the intent to learn together. These impactful sessions supported authentic growth for individuals and companies. Cultivating Better Tomorrows is known for their safe, interactive, and judgement-free learning spaces. Moving Forward was free and open to all members of the community to join the conversation as we move towards a more inclusive future. Moving Forward was graciously funded by Chevron.
January 22- MOVING FORWARD: The Power of Shared Language
January 29- MOVING FORWARD: Listening with Purpose, Compassion, and Empathy
February 5- MOVING FORWARD: Racial Equity: From Heroes Then to Action Now
February 12- MOVING FORWARD: Intentionality
February 19- MOVING FORWARD: More than Words
February 26- MOVING FORWARD: Community Circles
SWAN LAKE LIVE from the Bakersfield Fox Theater – March 26, 2021
Kern Dance Alliance was proud to sponsor Live from the Bakersfield Fox: Swan Lake Act II Pas De Deux Featuring New York City Ballet’s Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia on Friday, March 26 at 6:30 pm PST. Following the live stream performance was a Q&A session with Ms. Peck and Mr. Mejia moderated by Kern Dance Alliance President, Andrea Hansen. In collaboration with the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater and Channel 23ABC, Swan Lake was available via 23ABC’s OTT/APP stream and on the 23ABC Facebook page.
Choreographed in the 19th century, Swan Lake is a tale of forbidden love in a magical setting danced to the melodic music of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Live from the Bakersfield Fox: Swan Lake showcases the famous Act II Pas De Deux where the Swan Queen, Odette (played by Tiler Peck), and Prince Siegfried (played by Roman Mejia) meet for the first time in the enchanted forest. The performance delighted audiences with the most technical movements performed effortlessly by today’s most famous ballet dancers.
It is no secret that the pandemic has greatly impacted the performing arts sector. Theaters across the country have gone dark, including the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater. Performing artists have been without work, and communities have lost the opportunity to see live shows. According to a Californians for the Arts survey, 72% of performing arts organizations terminated paid staff, and 50% terminated contractors. With reopening guidelines still in limbo, KDA, the Fox, and 23ABC worked to fill the void by bringing live shows back via streaming capabilities until theaters are permitted to operate at full capacity once again.
While the effects of the pandemic have been detrimental, there is a silver lining! Swan Lake marked the first time Ms. Peck danced on the Fox stage. Ms. Peck reflects on her feelings about her Fox debut, “I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to perform all over the world but have always wanted to perform in my hometown at the Fox Theater! This will be my first time dancing on the stage, and it means the world to me because Bakersfield is such a part of who I am. It’s where I was born, where my family lives, and where I first started learning how to dance. While most stages and theaters have been dark during the pandemic, it feels fitting that one of my first times performing live onstage again will be in my hometown!” Her Swan Lake partner, Mr. Mejia, also commented on this opportunity, “It means a lot to me to be performing at the Fox theater during these difficult times. It’s been a very long time since I’ve danced on stage or with a partner, so I am truly grateful for this opportunity.”
Swan Lake had a successful debut on the evening of the live stream.
On Facebook:
On 23ABC App:
*Direct opens occur when a user opens your app by directly responding to a push notification by swiping or tapping on the notification.
Indirect opens mean the number of opens that occur both directly and indirectly as a result of a push notification, minus the baseline opens that would be expected anyway. Every open that occurs soon after a push is a potential influenced open, whether it is the direct result of a push or not.
Swan Lake LIVE continues to be available online and can be viewed at www.kerndance.org/SPECIALEVENTS.
Seniors MOVE– Spring 2021
Kern Dance Alliance announced a new project, Seniors MOVE- a montage music video featuring high school seniors moving and grooving across Kern County. Seniors MOVE was designed to recognize the class of 2021 and their valiant efforts navigating uncharted territory during their final year of high school. Kern County high school seniors were invited to submit videos to KDA wearing their school logos and showcasing their best dance moves to be featured in a video with other Kern County high school seniors. KDA encourages the use of movement and dance to promote positivity, and the nonprofit organization is excited to give seniors a platform to display their talents while offering Kern County more ways to celebrate the class of 2021 after a year of quarantine.
High school seniors had a difficult year. They have had to master new technology for learning and cope with the stress of not having their caring educators nearby to help them through difficult and unprecedented times. Students have missed opportunities for camaraderie, including some of the most treasured senior-year moments like prom, athletics, senior awards, and many more. With in-person graduations after a year of being in school online, KDA felt it was imperative to create a campaign to celebrate the success of those whose high school memories were greatly affected by the pandemic.
“To the class of 2021: You have prevailed through many struggles in the last year, and you deserve to be recognized for your amazing achievements.” – Riley Thompson, KDA Board Member, BHS Class of 2021, Seniors MOVE Coordinator
Seniors from Bakersfield, Liberty, Centennial, Independence, and Stockdale and High Schools participated in this special project.
The Seniors MOVE video was produced in collaboration with KDA 2021 Student Intern, Victoria Marchetti, and can be viewed HERE.
GIVE BIG KERN- May 4, 2021
Number of Donors: 35
KDA raised $3,017.00 with 35 donors via 38 gifts. 2021 gifts equated to the MOST we have ever raised since we began participating in Give Big Kern 5 years ago! KDA hosted a 24-hour social media Give Big Kern campaign to encourage donations.
BRAVO to all that donated, liked, clicked, and shared – we are humbled by your bighearted ways!!
STATE of the CITY Music Video – June 23, 2021
Kern Dance Alliance called for dancers and movers of ALL TYPES to be featured in the State of the City music video presented by the Mayor’s Office and the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. 31 dancers representing dance organizations across Kern County showed up a the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater on June 23 to show off their best moves and represent the best of the city!
The State of the City was televised on July 17 on KGET, as well as on the Chamber’s social media platforms. The annual State of the City Forum is one of the community’s marquee business events. This event features Mayor Karen Goh and other city leaders providing insight on top issues facing Bakersfield, progress that has been made over the past year and where the city is heading in the future.
The State of the City music video can be viewed HERE.
Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY – Summer 2021
Kern Dance Alliance, Kern County Library, and Kern Literacy Council launched a digital version of our annual summer reading program, Books in Motion®: DANCE + LITERACY. As the pandemic limited opportunities for in-person experiences, the organizations pivoted to continue to bring beloved children’s books to life through digital dance performances.
ABOUT BOOKS IN MOTION 2021
Throughout the summer of 2021, Books in Motion films were released online to inspire children to read through dance! Featuring beloved children’s books like the Pied Piper and Groovy Joe’s Dance Party Countdown, Books in Motion films included a narrated performance of a book and choreography children could learn to promote the book’s theme. Additionally, the films featured a craft session to promote literacy goals via role playing at home. Finally, children were able to pick up a FREE book and a craft kit from Kern County libraries including Arvin, Beale, Delano, Kern River Valley, Ridgecrest, Taft, and Tehachapi!
Books in Motion was produced in conjunction with Dance Camera West, a Los Angeles based production company specializing in creating dance for film. Dance Camera West was contracted to work in Bakersfield in the spring of 2021 where they filmed Books in Motion at various locations including The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater, Kern County Museum, and The Padre Hotel. Books in Motion was directed by Kelly Hargraves, produced & edited by Amber Patee Adams, with director of photography by Ethan Sigmon. The films featured seven Kern County dance organizations including the Bakersfield City Ballet, DanceNation, DAT KREW, Heather Benes and the East Kern Ragtag Revels, McLaughlin Dance Collective/Civic Dance Center, Polynesian Spice, and Spotlight Dance Academy.
Books in Motion is made possible by generous support from Chevron, the Robert Grimm Family Foundation, 23ABC, Kern Family Health Care, and the Arts Council of Kern.
BOOKS IN MOTION PERFORMANCES
BOOKS IN MOTION CELEBRITY READER SERIES
New in 2021, Books in Motion also included a celebrity reader series featuring professional dancers that have authored children’s books. New York City Ballet principal dancer and Bakersfield native, Tiler Peck, joined the lineup on July 7, 2021 at 1:30 pm PST where she and her Broadway star co-author, Kyle Harris, read their children’s book, Katarina Ballerina. Ms. Peck also tought basic movement and participated in a Q&A.
Additionally, “Boys Dance!” written by John Robert Allman and featuring American Ballet Theater Principal Dancer, Calvin Royal III, was read LIVE on Zoom on Friday, July 23 @ 10:30 am. John Robert Allman lives in New York City, where he works in marketing for television and theater. He is the author of A is for Audra: Broadway’s Leading Ladies from A to Z (2019), one of NPR’s “Favorite Books of 2019,” B is for Broadway: Onstage and Backstage from A to Z (2021), and two children’s dance books in collaboration with American Ballet Theatre, B is for Ballet: A Dance Alphabet and Boys Dance! (both 2020).
Calvin Royal III began his formal dance training at the Pinellas County Center for the Arts in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was a finalist at the Youth America Grand Prix Competition, and was awarded the Ethan Stiefel Scholarship to train at American Ballet Theatre’s (ABT) Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in 2006. Royal joined ABT II in 2008, ABT main company as a member of the corps de ballet in April 2011. In September 2017 he was promoted to Soloist and in September 2020 Royal was appointed Principal Dancer. He has soared across stages worldwide with ABT in productions of Swan Lake, Manon, Fancy Free, Apollo, and was slated to debut as Romeo in Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet alongside ballerina Misty Copeland at the Metropolitan Opera House in May 2020 before the pandemic hit. Royal has been featured in works by Twyla Tharp, Christopher Wheeldon, Alexei Ratmansky, Kyle Abraham and Wayne McGreggor, and was nominated for numerous awards including the Clive Barnes Award, the winner of the Leonore Annenberg Fellowship a $50,000 grant to further his artistic development. Royal was the July 2020 cover star of Dance Magazine and has been featured in global campaigns for GAP, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Target, Ralph Lauren, Canali, starred in the 2019 Pirelli Calendar alongside Misty Copeland, and named the 2020/21 Artist-in-Residence at the Vail Dance Festival in Vail, Colorado.
The celebrity reader series was available for free on Zoom and participants had to RSVP for the event at kerndance.org/BIM.
BOOKS IN MOTION PARTNER BIOS
Bakersfield City Ballet is 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 pre-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 performances, educational programs, media, and other outreach efforts. www.bakersfieldcityballet.org
McLaughlin Dance Collective is a brand new company directed by Kristen McLaughlin. The company started as a way to guide Bakersfield dancers towards their dreams, give them an opportunity to share their gifts with their community, and bring joy to Bakersfield through community events. Civic Dance Center welcomes dancers of all ages and skill levels to come and share in the joy, learning, and development of dance. There are many classes to choose from, as well as many talented, professional, and knowledgeable instructors to teach them. www.civicdancecenter.com
Polynesian Spice is a family owned and operated group that has been bringing island entertainment to Bakersfield for over 20 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) comprised 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! www.polynesianspice.com
Ever since its grand opening in 2011, Spotlight Dance Academy’s main goal has been to provide quality dance education and a positive outlet in children’s lives at the lowest cost in Kern County. SDA takes pride in being a “non-traditional” dance academy, specializing in hip hop, jazz funk, Latin rhythms, and musical theatre dance. Ran by husband and wife team Sharida Rejon-Rodriguez and Bertin Rodriguez, SDA enjoys training and inspiring the next generation of performers.
Founded in 2014, D.A.T Krew (Dance Art Talent) Corporation is a non-profit organization whose goal is to inspire today’s youth through art and expression worldwide. It serves low income, underprivileged and at risk youth who represent our world today. In addition, DAT Krew is dedicated to saving the lives of today’s youth by providing a domain of tranquility which we believe is the cure for depression and mental illness. www.datkrew661.com
Heather Benes has been creating dance experiences in East Kern and the Antelope Valley since 1985, when she directed a full length Nutcracker ballet for Cerro Coso Community College. She opened Mojave Movement Arts Center in 1993, offering classes in ballet, jazz, and tap for students from Ridgecrest to Pearblossom. She also directed the dance program at the Palmdale Playhouse from 1999 to 2018, creating such works as The Snow Queen, Hansel and Gretel, The Pied Piper, Little Red Riding Hood, and several abridged versions of the Nutcracker. She earned an M.A. and an M.S. and has taught dance and dance-related subjects at a number of colleges and universities, including California State University, California, University of Kansas, University of California, Irvine, and Scripps College. During the Covid restrictions, she has been teaching private and semi-private classes at the OneCore Dance Studio in Rosamond. Ms. Benes has been a member of KDA for 6 years and a previous participant in Books in Motion. Heather Benes and the East Kern Ragtag Revels are excited to participate in the 2021 Books in Motion program!
DanceNation offers a variety of classes to all ages and levels. Styles include ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, musical theater, acrobatics, turns & technique, stretch & conditioning, pointe, choreography, competition team and showteam. DN empowers dancers to explore their creativity, build confidence and advance to their fullest potential in mind, body and spirit. They strive to inspire the future of our studio and community by setting high standards for all faculty, dancers and parents while making life-long friends and families. www.dancenationca.com
BOOKS IN MOTION PRESENTING PARTNERS TESTIMONIALS
We are so proud to continue to offer this program so that children may find a love for reading and dance! – Andrea Hansen, Kern Dance Alliance President
One of the most valuable gifts you can give to your child is the ability to read. The ability to read unlocks the door to success in nearly all aspects of life and provides a lifetime of opportunities. Grow, dream, learn, laugh, experience, READ. Come check us out! – Sherry Wade, Kern County Library Regional Supervisor
Reading aloud daily and the number of books in the home are two key factors in school success. Kern Literacy Council applauds all the partners in Books in Motion for keeping kids reading and dancing this summer. – Laura Lollar Wolfe Kern Literacy Council Executive Director
BOOKS IN MOTION METHODOLOGY
Books in Motion is geared for children in the early literacy stages (K-3rd grade) and is designed to tap into their imagination and encourage them to read. For some, reading is a concept that is too foreign to understand due to age and brain development. Books in Motion will bypass this intangible feeling by allowing children to see the magic of a book laid out with real characters coming to life. Children do not have to read the words – they can read the dancers’ movements to understand the story. By tapping into curiosity, children are motivated to explore literacy, which leads them back to the written words that brought the book to life. Books in Motion has reached over 6000 children and has given away nearly 3000 free books since 2017.
BOOKS IN MOTION RESULTS
BIM was viewed by people of all ages. Survey results are, of course, reflective of those who took time to fill out the separate online survey link, and may not be representative of the entire viewing population. However, we review every single response and take the feedback to heart! Our key takeaways from the survey are that we introduced people to new books that they loved, and the dance and book were their favorite part.
Highlights
Number of respondents: 16 surveys, reflecting +33 viewers
Average age of children watching: 5.6 years old
Gender of children watching was ⅔ female
68% of respondents were inspired to read!
Question reponses:
Did you know the story before you saw this performance?
Knew it and love it: 12.5%
Knew it: 12.5%
Didn’t know it: 75%
After seeing the performance do you feel like you know the story?
Know it and love it: 75%
Know it: 18.75%
Know it and didn’t like it: 6.25%
Don’t know it: 0%
Did today’s performance inspire you to read?
Yes: 68.75%
No: 12.5%
N/A: 18.75%
What was your favorite part of the event?
Book/Dance: 75%
Dance Lesson: 6.25%
Craft: 18.75%
Sample feedback:
Books, dancing, and crafts are the best way to spend a summer day!
Thanks for all your work! Enjoyed watching each of the shows! AMAZING!
National Dance Day – September 18, 2021
In collaboration with the American Dance Movement, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and the Kennedy Center, Kern Dance Alliance celebrated our national dance holiday with an online dance party and giveaways on Saturday, September 18, 2021.
In honor of National Dance Day, KDA made dance dreams come true. KDA encouraged dancers to dream big and submit their wishes via the following contest rules:
KDA awarded two dance dance dreams:
NHSDA Induction Ceremony – December 19, 2021
KDA in celebrated our newest National Honor Society for Dance Arts – NHSDA / Kern Dance Alliance Secondary Chapter inductees during a luncheon at Bakersfield Country Club on December 19, 2021! Riley Thompson and Noor Elkereamy were accepted into the USA’s most prestigious honors society for dancers who excel in artistry, leadership, and academic achievement!
Riley Thompson is a graduate of Bakersfield High School and a current freshman at Cal Lutheran where she is studying musical theater and dance. She is the youngest board member to ever join KDA, a consistent volunteer for community service projects, a honors student, and just recently completed her first college dance concert.
Noor Elkereamy is a student at Stockdale High School, a principal with the Bakersfield City Ballet and a studies dance with Civic Dance Center. She spent last summer training at the School of American Ballet in New York City. She is a regular volunteer with KDA, a GATE student, and was most recently seen on stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the annual Bakersfield Nutcracker.
KDA Community Grants + Scholarship Program
KDA was pleased to award the following grants and scholarships to deserving Kern County dance artists and organizations:
DAT Krew – Generał Operating Support
Bakersfield City Ballet – Choreography Conference
Shafter Symphony Orchestra- Bakersfield Nutcracker
Beautiful Bakersfield Awards
Kern Dance Alliance was humbled to be nominated in the 2021 Beautiful Bakersfield Award’s Arts and Culture category. This was the fifth nomination for KDA since 2016. It is an honor to serve Kern County and an even greater honor to be nominated in a category with those that consistently enrich our beautiful city!
California Arts Council Grant
Kern Dance Alliance received a $15,000 grant award from the California Arts Council as part of its Arts and Cultural Organizations General Operating Support program.
The California Arts Council announced 441 grant awards totaling $13,046,887 in project and operational support for nonprofit organizations and units of government throughout the state of California. KDA was the only arts agency in Kern County to receive an award and they will use the award to support their ongoing programs and services aimed at providing social, emotional, physical and financial support for creatives and the greater Kern County community. This is the second time KDA has been awarded a grant from California Arts Council since the organization’s launch in 2015.
Assemblymember and Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, Vince Fong, has been instrumental in assisting KDA by approving arts funding in California. “All California Arts Council grant applicants must demonstrate local legislative support. KDA is fortunate to have the support of our local legislators, including Assemblyman Fong, who votes for arts funding to positively impact the creative economy in California and Kern County.” – Andrea Hansen, President of Kern Dance Alliance.
“The California Arts Council is proud to support the work of Kern Dance Alliance, and to recognize their resilience and dedication during this unprecedented time,” said California Arts Council Executive Director Anne Bown-Crawford. “We look forward to the opportunity to bring even more support to the field in 2022, with two grant cycles and much more funding available, thanks to the Legislature’s boosted investment and belief in arts and culture as a means for positive social change.”
To view the official California Arts Council award announcement, please visit http://tiny.cc/CACGrantees2021.
Kern Dance Alliance is an organization that emphasizes the importance of dance in our community. KDA is constantly evolving and adapting to its community, creating programs fit for all kinds of people allowing them the chance to experience the magic of dance. I’ve enjoyed my time as a Student Intern, working on projects such as “Seniors MOVE” and can’t wait to create my own program someday. Even in the hard times we face today, KDA is fully invested in the development of dance arts in Kern County. The impact my KDA experience provided did not only affect me but my community as well. – Jack Bellue, 2021 KDA Student Intern
Kern Dance Alliance has shown me how important the arts are to Kern County. The organization’s mission to foster the arts in our community is truly incredible. Having the opportunity to be involved as a student intern for KDA has given me the chance to participate in the many events Kern Dance Alliance has created for Kern County. From experiencing behind the scenes of “Books in Motion” to projects such as “Seniors MOVE”, I love being apart of the positive impact Kern Dance Alliance is to our community. I am lucky and honored to have been apart of this memorable year with KDA. – Victoria Marchetti, 2021 KDA Student Intern
IMPACT REPORT — December 2020
YEAR IN REVIEW
2020 started out BIG—a new year, a new decade, and another chance to serve.
While celebrating 5 years, KDA anticipated reaching the most people EVER through unique, in-person programs, and we planned on hosting our first gala at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater.
Instead, 2020 had other plans.
We launched our 2020 season on March 1. On March 19, we were forced to suspend our spring programs. The pandemic was affecting everyone worldwide, and Kern County was no different.
Like so many others, we were devastated to witness the impacts of COVID-19 on our community. As the pandemic swept the world, we watched our 2020 season vanish before our eyes.
But through the darkness, KDA fought to find light. KDA agreed our role was to keep serving.
One month after announcing the suspension of our programs, we launched a series of new programs aimed at offering support for artists and our greater community.
At the beginning of 2020, we set out to reach more people than we ever had. To our surprise, we met that goal. In 2019, we reached 12,333 community members. In 2020, that number DOUBLED to 23,129. Harnessing the power of teleconferencing software allowed us to not only serve Kern County, but we found people participating in our programs from all over the world!
In a year like no other, KDA chose to pivot. And for that reason, our services have provided many with hope. KDA is optimistic that studios will be filled again, performances will thrill audiences, and community programs will be back to move us all!
Of most importance is an acknowledgment of our donors, members, volunteers, supporters, and friends that have continued to GIVE to KDA in many ways. We could not have lasted five years without you, nor make it through 2020 without your big-hearted ways!
There have been a lot of lowlights in 2020, but we are choosing to focus on the highlights in hopes that 2021 will offer something brighter. Step by step, we are in this together, and KDA is here to help!
In the spirit of dance. . .
Andrea Hansen, M.F.A.
KDA President
KDA launched our 2020 season on March 1, anticipating our largest impact to date via new and returning programs. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, KDA informed the community on March 19 with our decision to postpone our 2020 programs until further notice. With so much uncertainty of what the immediate future held we took the necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of our community programs. We closely considered the guidelines put forth by the Center for Disease Control, California Department of Public Health, and Kern County Public Health in making these decisions. We also took into consideration the fact that our programs are successful because of the partnerships we have formed with many organizations who must also follow the health and safety guidelines. With the closures of hospitals, schools, and public venues, our programs could not run as scheduled. The following KDA 2020 programs were canceled due to the pandemic:
2020 Silver Lining
KDA has been methodological in considering our approach to staying relevant during the pandemic. Because we had to cancel many of our 2020 programs, we reevaluated how we could continue to serve Kern County.
We were able to pivot several of our 2020 proposed programs that were meant for an in-person experience and, instead, were able to offer the same quality programs in a digital format. SHINE for Girls: MATH + DANCE = SUCCESS, ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY, Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY, and the JUST DANCE: Digital Dance Class Series were all successfully executed within a digital medium – something we never would have considered possible pre-pandemic.
Additionally, we launched KDA Cares, a multi-faceted program aimed at providing support for Kern County dance and arts organizations. KDA truly cares about helping our Kern County community through these times and we are optimistic that studios will be filled again, performances will thrill audiences, and community programs will continue to move us all! KDA Cares is focused on helping our community to thrive again.
The pandemic has forced KDA to think outside the box and we are proud to offer a glimmer of hope that we can still serve even during the most difficult of times. Those that have participated in our 2020 digital programs have offered the most heart-whelming gratitude and have stated that KDA has provided a degree of normalcy during an abnormal time.
One month after KDA announced the postponement of our spring 2020 programs and due to the growing COVID-19 pandemic, KDA announced a new campaign, KDA Cares: COVID-19 Support, an initiative aimed at supporting Kern’s dance + arts communities, while providing Kern County with opportunities to move at home. KDA played a role California’s creative economy by providing dance studios with resources to stay open and dance artists with compensation.
Additionally, to keep in step with our mission, KDA rolled out a series of pop-up digital dance classes and webinars throughout the remainder of the COVID-19 quarantine. KDA is optimistic that studios will be filled again, performances will thrill audiences, and community programs will be back to move us all! Step by step, we are in this together and KDA is here to help!
KDA provided several systems of support via a variety of resources for dance businesses and artists. KDA offered funding via a grants + scholarships program, office hours with KDA Board Members for professional assistance, and studio support in the form of advertising and marketing aid. www.kerndance.org/RESOURCES
KERN COUNTY DANCE STUDIOS ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
KDA underwent a robust advertising campaign to acknowledge Kern County dance businesses providing classes throughout the COVID-19 quarantine. Dance studios pivoted away from traditional dance classes in studio and offered quality content online. KDA provided a listing of studios offering online classes on our website. www.kerndance.org/STUDIOS
Three Kern County dance organizations were awarded the KDA Cares Dance Organization Advertisement Grant – Bakersfield City Ballet, DANCENATION, and Dancer’s Turnout Academy. In collaboration with KGET-Channel 17, KDA offered grants to create a commercial to air during 1-month of exclusive advertising. A $5000 package that had the potential to reach over 150,000 households, Kern County dance studios were not charged for the commercial.
JUST DANCE: Digital Pop-Up Series
29 Classes
11,156 Reached
KDA was not able to offer in-person programs, but we were still on the MOVE! We strive to help our community thrive through physical movement. Research also tells us that physical activity is good for mental health. Where there is a need, we find a way! We believed there was no better time to help people get back to their love for dance, learn how to dance for the first time, or dance in their living room just for fun. There is so much love for dance and movement in Kern County and we wanted to continue to reach those looking to move and groove from home.
Sponsored by Valley Strong Credit Union, Kern County dance teachers from a variety of dance studios provided FREE LIVE classes for all ages and abilities via social media and teleconferencing software. JUST DANCE was the chance for Kern County to move and groove from the comfort of their homes while helping to mitigate the feelings of isolation, stress, anxiety and depression felt from quarantine. KDA partnered with dance educators from across the country to teach 29 different classes. A full list of classes can be found on the KDA Cares website. www.kerndance.org/CLASSES
KDA CARES in the Press
NBC/KGET- Kern Dance Alliance offering virtual dance classes as part of “KDA Cares: COVID-19 Support”
The Bakersfield Californian – Kern Dance Alliance launches campaign for free online dance classes, other services
ABC/KERO – KDA offering free online dance classes
FOX/KBAK – Kern Dance Alliance offering digital classes, grants, and more amid pandemic
Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY- Summer 2020
3,637 Books in Motion Views
900 Craft Kits Distributed
332 FREE Books Distributed
43 Dancers
7 Library Distribution Centers
4 Dance Organizations
Program Overview:
Books in Motion® is a FREE literacy program that encourages reading through dancing! Originally intended as an in-person experience, Kern Dance Alliance, Kern County Library, and Kern Literacy Council launched a digital version of our annual summer reading program Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY. As COVID-19 limited opportunities for in-person experiences, the organizations pivoted to continue to bring dance and literacy to life through digital dance performances.
Throughout the summer of 2020, various Books in Motion performances were released online to inspire children to read through dance! Featuring beloved children’s books like 12 Dancing Princesses and Elephants Cannot Dance, Books in Motion videos featured a narration and performance of the book, as well as choreography children could learn to promote the book’s theme while keeping fit through movement and dance! Additionally, the videos featured a craft session utilizing pipe cleaners to create dancers so that children could continue to role play at home. Finally, children were able to pick up a FREE book and a craft kit from seven Kern County libraries via curbside pickup throughout the county. Library branches included Arvin, Beale, Delano, Kern River Valley, Ridgecrest, Taft, and Tehachapi.
Books in Motion is geared for students in the early literacy stages (K-3rd grade) and is designed to tap into their imagination and encourage them to read books. For some, reading is a concept that is too foreign to understand due to age and brain development. Books in Motion bypasses this intangible feeling by allowing children to see the magic of a book laid out on with real characters coming to life. Children do not have to read the words – they can read the dancers’ movements. By tapping into curiosity, children will be motivated to explore literacy, which leads them back to the written words that brought the book to life.
The 4th annual Books in Motion program was a collaboration with four contracted Kern County dance organizations: Bakersfield City Ballet, McLaughlin Dance Collective/Civic Dance Center, Polynesian Spice, and Spotlight Dance Academy.
Books in Motion was generously funded by Chevron, the Robert Grimm Family Foundation, Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation and Kern Family Health Care.
Books in Motion Links (all videos can also be found at ww.kerndance.org/BIM):
Bakersfield City Ballet: 12 Dancing Princesses by Bridgette Berrager
Polynesian Spice : Hilda Must Be Dancing by Karma Wilson
McLaughlin Dance Collective/Civic Dance Center: Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp by Carol Diggery Shields
Spotlight Dance Academy: Elephants Cannot Dance by Mo Willems
Director Testimonials:
Books in Motion has reached over 6000 children and has given away nearly 2500 free books since our inception in 2016. This is program is an amazing collaborative effort with organizations that truly care about literacy in our community. We are so proud to continue to offer this program to Kern County children so that they may find a love for reading and dance! – Andrea Hansen, Kern Dance Alliance President
One of the most valuable gifts you can give to your child is the ability to read. The ability to read unlocks the door to success in nearly all aspects of life and provides a lifetime of opportunities. Grow, dream, learn, laugh, experience, READ. -Sherry Wade, Kern County Library Regional Supervisor
Reading aloud daily and the number of books in the home are two key factors in school success. Kern Literacy Council applauds all the partners in Books in Motion Digital for keeping kids reading and dancing this summer. -Laura Loller Wolf, Kern Literacy Council Executive Director
Program Accolades:
In a year where nearly everything had been unexpected, KDA was extremely proud of the work in pivoting Books in Motion from a live, in-person experience to a digitized platform.
Books in Motion Press:
Kern Dance Alliance was pleased to receive media coverage for our summer 2020 Books in Motion tour:
July 29, 2020 NBC/KGET Channel 17: Books in Motion program combines dance with reading
August 5, 2020 The Bakersfield Californian: Fancy footwork brings back Books in Motion with a digital spin
August 5, 2020 FOX/KBAK Channel 58: Kern Dance Alliance launches virtual literacy and dance program
Measurable Results:
The goals of Books in Motion include the following:
• 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
Due to the nature of the online experience, KDA did not receive as many completed assessments as the in-person program. Access to the assessments were provided in each video, on the website and social media. While the collection of assessments were low, we still found the data to be exceptionally helpful. KDA received 8 completed assessments.
Ages of children assessed: 2-10 years old
Assessment zip codes: 93301, 93306, 93309, 93312, 93311, 93555
Which performance did you see?
12 Dancing Princesses – Bakersfield City Ballet- 12.5%
Hilda Must Be Dancing – Polynesian Spice – 50%
Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp – McLaughlin Dance Collective/Civic Dance Center – 12.5%
Elephants Can’t Dance – Spotlight Dance Academy – 25%
Did you know the story before you saw this performance?
Know it and love it – 12.5%
Know it – 12.5%
Know it and didn’t like it – 0%
Don’t know it – 75%
After seeing the performance do you feel like you know the story?
Know it and love it – 75%
Know it – 25%
Know it and didn’t like it – 0%
Don’t know it – 0%
Did today’s performance inspire you to read?
Yes – 75%
No – 0%
N/A- 25%
What was your favorite part of the event?
Book/Dance – 87.5%
Dance- 0%
Craft- 12.5%
What did you like most about the book, dance, or craft?
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
The future of Books in Motion:
We learned a lot about shifting Books in Motion from in-person to a digital platform. While the decision remains to be made regarding the platform at which Books in Motion will be offered, there is no doubt we will carry this program into it’s 5th year in 2021!
NATIONAL DANCE DAY- September 19, 2020
1,692 Reached
11 Winners
KDA hosted a National Dance Day celebration on September 19, 2020. We had anticipated an exciting celebration similar to our 2019 event at California State University, Bakersfield but 2020 turned out to be a little different. While we did not host an in-person celebration, we DID host an all day online party filled with raffles, giveaways, and more!
KDA raffled off 1-hour private lessons via our social media accounts with seven dance industry professionals:
Tiler Peck- New York City Ballet, Ballet @tilerpeck
Michelle Elkin- Musical Theater @michelleelkin
Comfort Fedoke- So You Think You Can Dance, Hip Hop @comfortfedoke
Saleemah Knight- USC Kaufman School of Dance, Commercial Dance/Jazz @saleemaheknight
Joshua Blake Carter- Giordano Dance Chicago, Jazz @jbcchoreography
Chelsie Hightower- Dancing With The Stars, Ballroom @chelshightower
Sean Carmon- Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater/The Lion King National Tour, Modern @hookedonsean
Additionally, KDA raffled one dance photo shoot with Lisa W. Dance Photography, a free lesson at Dancer’s Turnout Academy and DANCENATION, and one grand prize winner won a private lesson with a dance professional of their choice, $150 towards a dance-related expense and a free KDA membership.
KDA tracked the social media impressions and analytics with the following results:
Facebook:
Instagram:
Overall Demographics:
The 2020 KDA National Dance Day winners were:
Grand Prize- MAYA WRIGHT
Dance Photo Shoot- ISELA TREVINO
Dancers Turnout Academy Dance Lesson- DESI LORELLI
DANCENATION Dance Lesson- ANGELIQUE DIAZ
Tiler Peck- JILLIAN WUERTZ
Michelle Elkin- SOFIA PASUMBAL
Comfort Fedoke – MAKENA WEIR
Saleemah Knight – MORGAN WEIR
Joshua Blake Carter- LILEE BROOME
Chelsie Hightower – STEPHANIE SHEFFIELD
Sean Carmon- DELANEY PARKER
SHINE for Girls: MATH + DANCE = SUCCESS – Fall 2020
Participants Enrolled in the Program: 15
Volunteers Assisted withe the Program: 5
KDA launched the 7th annual, FREE virtual version of our annual STEM program, SHINE for Girls. SHINE is an innovative, curriculum-based after-school program that utilizes dance to teach math for middle school girls. As COVID-19 limited opportunities for in-person experiences, KDA pivoted to combine formal dance training with rigorous math instruction to improve girls’ math scores and spark their interest in STEM via a virtual platform.
SHINE provided five sessions that combined math and dance to teach math competency on Saturdays for one hour. Following the one hour of instruction, SHINE girls had the opportunity to participate in 1 on 1 tutoring and mentoring sessions provided by the SHINE mentors. SHINE was taught by Kern County high school and college female mentors that have been vetted by the SHINE program as outstanding tutors and mentors. The fall 2020 SHINE session also featured five women in STEM guest speakers, including Dr. Lynnette Zelezny – CSUB President, Alissa Carlson – KGET Chief Meteorologist, and Dawn James – Microsoft Corporation Americas Energy Lead, to inspire the next generation of women in STEM leaders.
New in 2020, SHINE Mentors created videos to encourage girls to increase their math competency through dance. Videos featured the lesson of the week paired with a 15-30 second dance explaining the lesson. All videos can be viewed at www.kerndance.org/SHINE and are directly linked below.
SHINE for Girls: MATH + DANCE = SUCCESS, Week One – EXPRESSIONS
SHINE for Girls: MATH + DANCE = SUCCESS, Week Two – EQUATIONS
SHINE for Girls: MATH + DANCE = SUCCESS, Week Three – FRACTIONS
SHINE covers national math standards from 6th-8th grade, while improving overall girls’ confidence and attitudes towards math through a positive feedback loop, resulting in higher test scores and participation in classes. Short-term objectives of empowering 6th-8th grade female students with both the confidence and mathematical skills to embrace math leads into the long-term goal of creating a pipeline of next-generation leaders in STEM fields.
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
An online application was open and required for all Kern County SHINE girls. SHINE 2020 required students to have access to a computer/laptop and WiFi to connect to the virtual SHINE sessions.
Now, more than ever, we believe our young girls need mentorship during distance learning and we welcome the opportunity to get Kern County girls up and dancing while they learn math! – Andrea Hansen, KDA President
SHINE was a 5 week program that ran on Saturdays from 10:00-11:30, September 19 – October 17, 2020.
At the culmination of the program, the girls, mentors, and their families participated in a virtual graduation. Special guests included Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh and Assemblyman Vince Fong as key note speakers. Girls were presented with graduation certificates, letters of encouragement from their mentors, a goodie bag, SHINE t-shirt, a commemorative certificate from the Mayor’s office.
To date, KDA has graduated 163 girls from the KDA SHINE program. As the only branch in California and on the West Coast, KDA is proud to offer the SHINE program free of charge to all participants thanks to the generous funding of sponsors and private donations including Chevron, Stria, California Resource Corporation.
Results. . .
Fall 2020: September 19- October 17
Fall served 15 girls and 5 mentors
Session results according to SHINE pre/posttest results:
Girls reported:
Parents reported:
Parents also felt their girls had gained life skills. The following are those kills ranked the highest:
Apart from measurable results, KDA has learned the greatest from SHINE girl + mentor testimonials at the culmination of each session:
This is the BEST program I have ever been a part of!! I cant wait to come back again next time. -SHINE Girl
SHINE for Girls is the program I wished I could’ve been a part of as a young teen! I remember being that age and not knowing what I really liked or how to feel comfortable in my own skin at school. Now we’ve created this program perfectly made to help girls deal with those exact feelings! 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 enforce their math skills and help build the confidence to put themselves out there and SHINE both on stage and in the classroom. – Jessica Reyes, SHINE Lead Mentor
ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY- Fall 2020
Participants Enrolled in the Program: 21
Dance Student Interns: 10
Kern Dance Alliance (KDA) and the League of Dreams (LoD) were proud to host the 4th annual ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY program this fall. ADAPTIdance is Kern County’s ONLY adaptive dance program that serves people with disabilities, ages 5-22 and is produced in collaboration with the LoD, a nonprofit adaptive sports league. ADAPTIdance participants learn inclusive and creative dances that are accessible and adaptable for movers with and without disabilities.
As COVID-19 limited opportunities for in-person experiences, KDA and LoD pivoted to continue to offer adaptive dance classes. While ADAPTIdance was a virtual experience in 2020, the program continued to offer excellent instruction paired with meaningful mentor experiences. ADAPTIdance ran on Saturdays, October 3-31, with three different classes offered based upon age, ability, and experience. ADAPTIdance wias led by ADAPTIdance Lead Volunteer, Sakina Hansford who was trained by AXIS Dance Company, one of the nation’s most acclaimed performance ensembles of disabled and non-disabled dancers. In addition to Ms. Hansford, student dance interns from different Kern County dance studios assisted in teaching the classes, including KDA student interns- Myka Steele and Riley Thompson.
Registered ADAPTIdancers were given a dance tool-kit the week prior to the start of the program that was full of props to assist the dance classes in creating a fun and engaging experience. The five-week program hosted weekly classes that were goal-oriented and driven towards success. At the culmination of the program, ADAPTIdancers were invited to a safe, socially-distant final performance featuring the ADAPTIdance student interns at the Riverwalk in Bakersfield. The final performance was a chance for the entire ADAPTIdance program to come together, in person, while adhering to COVID-19 state and federal guidelines.
The goals that were obtained during ADAPTIdance were 1.) To provide access to creative movement and dance training for all students regardless of disability, income level, or prior dance experience 2). To provide a forum for physical activity that is a model for kids of all abilities to collaborate as equals while developing skills in cooperation and a respect for self and others; 3.) To educate about disability, collaboration, and inclusion through the medium of dance and the presentation of positive role models and images of people with disabilities.
KDA and LoD have worked really hard to make this year’s virtual version of ADAPTIdance to be MORE than just another Zoom session. Classes have been meticulously thought out to promote not only dancing, but also social and emotional learning. ADAPTIdance student interns are focused on creating meaningful relationships with our ADAPTIdancers and cannot wait to see them in weekly classes this October. -Andrea Hansen, KDA President
The League of Dreams is excited to once again partner with Kern Dance Alliance for ADAPTIdance. This program has been vital to our athletes over the years because of the uniqueness and the excitement of the program. Although ADAPTIdance will look different this year, we know that the outcomes will be great because of the time and efforts that have been thoroughly thought out by the League of Dreams, Kern Dance Alliance and our volunteer instructor and interns. We cannot wait for our dancers to feel the positive social, emotional and physical impacts of the virtual program.” – Jessica Mathews, League of Dreams Executive Director
Registration was open and required for all ADAPTIdancers. New dancers had to provide a diagnosis confirmation or first page of an IEP and be between the ages of 5 and 22. ADAPTIdance 2020 required students to have access to a computer/laptop and WiFi to connect to the virtual sessions. ADAPTIdance was made possible by grants from Chevron, Robert Grimm Family Foundation, Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust, and Valley Strong Credit Union.
GIVE BIG KERN- May 5, 2019
Number of Donors: 18
KDA raised $1153 during GIVE BIG KERN on May 5, 2020!! KDA hosted a 24-hour social media Give Big Kern campaign to encourage donations.
BRAVO to all that donated, liked, clicked, and shared – we are humbled by your bighearted ways!!
KDA CELEBRATES 5 YEARS
On May 1, KDA celebrated 5 years of moving Kern County. We’ve watched over 50,000 community members participate in our programs since 2015 and we’ve never been MOVED more. We anticipated hosting our first gala at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater on November 13, but had to postpone the celebration due to the pandemic. Nonetheless, we still found ways to celebrate five years throughout 2020 by giving back to Kern County in various ways via our programs and services. We will continue to commemorate the last five years while creating fun celebrations until our sixth birthday on May 1, 2021! Stay tuned to 2021. . .
KDA PSA (Public Service Announcement)
We created our first public service announcement with our friends at KGET! In honor of five years, it was time to go prime time. We teamed up with several KDA Members, supporters, and friends to produce a 30 second commercial that continues to air on NBC/KGET-Channel 17. Our message? KEEP MOVING KERN COUNTY! We have found this message to be especially inspiring throughout the days of the pandemic and stay at home orders. While we encourage movement and healthy living, now (more than ever) we encourage Kern County to keep moving ahead, even in the bumpiest of times.
A very special thank you to all that helped to create our PSA, including. . .
ADAPTIdance Dancer, Yasmin Sanchez
Adventist Health Bakersfield and Chief Nursing Officer Heather VanHousen
Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh
Ballet Folklorico Ihtotiani de Shafter
Daniel Auyon-Carrillo
Grimmway Farms and Brett Grimm
KDA Board Member Tiara King and Caleigh King
KDA Board Member Valerie Hashim and Chuck Hashim
Kelly Hargraves
KGET Maddie Jenssen
KGET Administrative + Production Staff/Crew
New York City Ballet Principal Dancer and Bakersfield-native, Tiler Peck
Poise Pilates Barre and Carly Jenkins
Sully’s and Tim Sullivan
VIEW IT HERE (or down there): KDA Public Service Announcement
KDA on the HISTORIC FOX THEATER MARQUEE
We mentioned we anticipated hosting our first gala, MOVE, at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater on November 13. All systems were a go and we were working especially hard to secure donors, sponsorships and in-kind donations at the beginning of 2020. We had our eyes set on raising the most we had ever raised in five years in one night, yet those plans were put on ice until it safe to proceed again in the future.
Nonetheless, we still found a chance to celebrate five years by putting our name in lights on the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater marquee on the night MOVE was set to launch.
KDA 12 Days of Giving– December 1-12
KDA embarked upon twelve days of gift giving to keep Kern County active and motivated during the holiday season. The KDA 12 Days of Giving was also a fundraising campaign that KDA hoped would MOVE the community to give back as well!
KDA made a list and checked it twice, we were giving gifts of hope, and it sure felt nice! Inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas, KDA announced a new gift giveaway for twelve days. Beginning December 1st, gift giveaways ranged from personal massager kits, portable dance barres, Hydroflasks, dance shoes, Starbucks gift cards, and private lesson with Kern County dance educators.
“The KDA 12 Days of Giving is an initiative aimed at giving back to Kern County. It is our goal that the 12 days of gift giveaways will inspire dancers + artists to stay motivated to keep training, while encouraging the greater Kern County community to keep MOVING!” – Andrea Hansen, KDA President
To enter to win a gift from the KDA 12 Days of Giving, people had to visit the KDA Instagram and Facebook accounts. A new gift was announced daily via our social media handles. To be entered to win the gift, participants had to submit their name in the caption of the post or email info@kerndance.org with their name and the title of the gift they wished to win. Winners were announced after the 12 Days of Giving campaign ended on December 12.
The KDA 12 Days of Giving also doubled as a fundraising campaign for KDA. We hoped to raise $12,000 in 12 days. As a non profit dance advocacy organization supporting dance + the arts in Kern County, we have some big plans, and they need financial support to keep moving Kern County. KDA is all-volunteer organization, where every dollar raised is spent directly on our programs and services. Donations support KDA programs that use dance to teach math and literacy, improve life with dementia, encourage respite from the difficult effects of cancer, aid with disabilities, inspire impoverished communities, and motivate dancers to dream big. www.kerndance.org/GIVE.
“For it is in giving that we receive.” – St. Francis of Assisi
Results. . .
KDA engaged in an aggressive social media and email campaign to not only give away gifts for 12 days, but also to raise $12,000 in 12 days. KDA Board Member, Sarah Hadley, created her own rendition of the “12 Days of Christmas” by singing the “KDA 12 Days of Giving” and KDA Board Members and Student Interns each made their own 30 second video expressing their reasons to encourage giving to KDA!
The following gifts were given away to 82 winners:
Over 40 donated to our fundraiser of raising $12,000 in 12 days. We are so thankful to have raised over $4000 that will go towards our 2021 season!!
KDA Community Grants + Scholarship Program
KDA was pleased to award the following grants and scholarships to deserving Kern County dance artists and organizations:
KDA Grant:
Bakersfield City Ballet: The Nutcracker Tea
KDA Scholarship:
Noor Elkereamy: American Ballet Theater Summer Intensive
Beautiful Bakersfield Awards- October 24, 2020
KDA was nominated for a fourth Beautiful Bakersfield Awards in the category of Arts and Culture. Additionally, KDA President, Andrea Hansen, was nominated in the Humanitarian- Individual category. While KDA, nor Andrea Hansen, received an award, the recognition as a contender in the category was truly an honor!
KDA Receives 1st Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce Grant
KDA was honored to receive our first Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce grant in recognition of our work in creating diversity, equity, and inclusion in dance + the arts in Kern County.
KDA is deeply aware of the pain caused by racism. We recognize that dance has frequently not been a welcoming or even safe place for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). In fact, dance has been historically racist in many explicit ways, and the legacy of that must be fought every day. KDA supports our Black dance community and since our launch in 2015, our activism has been rooted in our actions displayed through our programs and services. Racism has no place in dance, and we will continue to work to bring the joy of movement to every part of our beautifully diverse community.
KDA strives for diversity and, as a result, hosts a variety of annual programs that are focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. KDA worked with Erica Edwards, an accomplished consultant and public speaker who champions change to advance the art of dance, on May 4 and 11 by hosting a 2-part series, “Discussing Diversity in Dance”. As a result of the success of both sessions, KDA was honored to bring Erica back for a more focused topic, “Defining an Anti-Racist Learning Environment” on June 12. Participants from the sessions were unanimous in agreement that they would like to partake in more discussions hosted by Erica Edwards. As a result, KDA is working to provide a multi-series discussion for our community in 2021.
Kern Dance Alliance is an amazing non profit organization that impacts our community in so many positive ways. I have had the opportunity to be student intern this past year and it has been incredible even throughout our circumstances we are in. KDA still made the most out of their programs even when they were done virtually. I got the chance to help with Adaptidance and it still was very successful. I am so glad that even in times like right now we were still able to pull through and make it another successful year of impacting our community through dance. It was truly a memorable year. – Myka Steele, 2020 KDA Student Intern
IMPACT REPORT — December 2019
YEAR IN REVIEW
In 2019, KDA reached over 12,000 community members through our programs and services! We launched Kern County’s FIRST dance/movement therapy program for cancer patients and survivors and received a nomination for a THIRD Beautiful Bakersfield Award. We presented over 16 dance events and provided grants and scholarships to deserving dancers and organizations. KDA was awarded our FIRST California Arts Council grant, we were highlighted in 31 news and radio segments and featured on TWO magazine covers. We invite you to read our 2019 Year In Review. . . a wrap up of our programs and partnerships.
KDA is busy preparing for the launch of our 2020 season! Are you interested in receiving the 2020 KDA Season Brochure? sign up HERE!
MemoryMOVES: DANCE + THERAPY- Spring 2019
Program Dates: April 3 – May 22, 2019 (8 weeks)
Location: Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County (ADAKC)
Number of Participants in Program: 22-34
Program Overview:
MEMORY Moves was an 8-week Dance Therapy program working with the Alzheimers and Dementia population at ADAKC. The program utilized a Dance/Movement Therapist (DMT) to work with a group of between 22-34 participants. Groups met on Wednesday mornings from 10:00-11:00am. Groups integrated all ADAKC clients in one large group, with a range in level of functioning and range of motion.
MemoryMOVES was generously funded by Chevron and the Robert Grimm Family Foundation.
Group Structure:
All MEMORY Moves groups began with the therapist orienting the group to time and place (i.e. “today is Wednesday, April 3, at 10:00am,”) and a check-in question to assess clients’ mood on that particular day and time. Following this, the therapist led the group in a warm up that remained the same over the 8 week program, addressing mobility and helping to bring clients into the present moment through use of rhythm and repetition. This was followed by small group work, during which participants divided into groups of 5-7 to address interaction. Other activities included movement sequencing, during which clients spontaneously came up with dance movements that were put together in a “dance” which was repeated several times to address the goal of short-term memory. Props, such as scarves and bean bags, were also used in all groups, in order to help orient clients to the physical environment through use of tactile props.
Data:
Data was collected at two points over the course of 8 weeks, at week 4 and week 8. Questionnaires measuring affect, participation, and changes in client behavior during the course of the group were completed by staff for each participant in the group.
Results ver 8 weeks:
| Week 4 | Week 8 |
| Displayed brighter affect: 87.5% of clients | Displayed brighter affect: 95% of clients |
| Increased Participation: 70.8% of clients | Increased Participation: 81.8% of clients |
| Displayed Behavior Different from “Baseline: 45.8% of clients | Displayed Behavior Different from “Baseline: 1% of clients |
Behavior changes from “baseline,” as reported by staff:
Clients Reported…
Several clients said “thank you” after group and expressed the importance of moving and dancing.
Anecdotes of Note:
HealingMOTION: DANCE + THERAPY – Spring 2019
Program Dates: April 3 – May 22, 2019 (8 weeks)
Location: AIS Cancer Center, Adventist Health
Participants Enrolled in Program: 4
Program Overview:
HealingMOTION was an 8-week pilot dance therapy program working with cancer patients and survivors. The program utilized a Dance/Movement Therapist (DMT) to work with 4 enrolled participants split into two separate groups. Groups met on Wednesday afternoons from either 2:30-3:30pm (breast cancer patients/survivors) or 3:45-4:45pm (other forms of cancer.) Groups were formed via advertising and outreach to the community, and patients and survivors were able to register themselves for groups.
Group Structure:
Each group began with a check-in to assess how individuals were feeling each particular week. This was followed by a therapist-led, choreographed warm-up to help participants breathe and ground themselves. As groups were small, the direction of the group was collectively determined by the therapist and participants. Goals of stress-reduction, increased energy and happiness were determined, and the groups took on the structure of learning and choreographing up-beat choreography that served to reduce anxiety and raise energy and happiness.
Data Collection:
Data was collected via self-report before and after each group for each participant. Self-reports measured levels of physical pain, depression, anxiety, and feelings of self-worth using likert scales. The final question asked “In a word, how do you feel right now?”
A pre and post-session evaluation counts as one data point. Nineteen (19) data points were collected from five (5) participants over 8 weeks. Participants were present at 12/16 possible group sessions (2 each week).
Results over eight weeks:
Physical Pain:
– Pain was reported 13/19 times total at levels above 0 (68% of the time.) Out of 13 instances of reported pain:
| Pain Decreased | Pain Remained the Same | Pain Increased |
| 23% of the time | 62% of the time | 15% of the time |
Depression:
| Depression Decreased | Depression Remained the Same | Depression Increased |
| 64% of the time | 29% of the time | .09% of the time |
Anxiety:
| Anxiety Decreased | Anxiety Remained the Same | Anxiety Increased |
| 80% of the time | 6.6% of the time | 13% of the time |
Self-Worth :
– Feelings of self-worth were reported 19/19 times total at levels above 0 (100% of the time.) Out of 19 instances of reported self-worth:
| Self-Worth Increased | Self-Worth Remained the Same | Self-Worth Decreased |
| 53% of the time | 42% of the time | 5% of the time |
“In a word, how do you feel right now?”
| Before Session | After Session |
| Excited | Relaxed |
| Pretty good | Pumped |
| A bit tired | Energetic |
| Ok | A lot better |
| Tired | Better than when I first got here |
| More energetic | Great |
| Better than yesterday | Energized – feel good! Thank you |
| Overwhelmed | Lighter |
| Optimistic | Grateful |
| Grateful | Excited |
| Grateful | Lighter |
| Tired | Appreciative |
| Great | Relaxed |
| Tired | Relaxed |
| Good | Happy |
| Tired | Happy |
| Relaxed, happy | Great |
| Tired | Good |
| Tired | Relaxed |
Anecdotes:
National Honors Society for Dance Arts Induction Ceremony- April 28, 2019
KDA celebrated our second class and third inductee into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts – NHSDA / Kern Dance Alliance Secondary Chapter. Congratulations to Stockdale High School Senior, Hannah Judd, on her acceptance into the USA’s most prestigious honors society for dancers who excel in artistry, leadership, and academic achievements. Miss Judd received her honors cord and pin, as well as a NHSDA plaque during the NHSDA luncheon at Stockdale Country Club on April 28, 2019.
KDA continues to accept nomination applications and looks forward to future inductions
Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY- June 1-August 1, 2019
Attendance: 1,442 Children + Families
538 FREE Books Provided
62 Dancers
21 Performances
14 Locations
7 Dance Organizations
Program Overview:
Books In Motion: Dance + Literacy Program is a FREE children’s summer literacy program that links dance and reading by focusing on Common Core Standards for Reading Literature. Families had the opportunity to visit Kern County Library branches to watch a dance performance based upon a well-known children’s book. Children also learned choreography, created a craft that coincides with the book’s theme, and took a FREE book home. Between June 8-August 1, families could watch 21 performances by seven different dance studios at 14 Kern County library branches.
The 3rd annual Books in Motion program was a collaboration with seven contracted Kern County dance studios: Bakersfield City Ballet, Dancer’s Turnout Academy of Dance Downtown Dance Arts Center Mallory Academy of Dance Heather Benes + Mojave Elementary School, Spotlight Dance Academy, and Palmdale Junior Ballet is now Tri Valley Arts Theatre Dance.
In collaboration with Kern Literacy Council and Kern County Library, Books in Motion was generously funded by the California Arts Council, Arts Council of Kern, Chevron, Stria, the Robert Grimm Family Foundation and Kern Family Health Care.
Program Accolades:
Books in Motion En Español
2019 marked the first year Books in Motion featured an entire performance in Spanish. Spotlight Dance Academy toured Color Dance to the Lamont Library and provided the participants with an entire Spanish-speaking experience!
Repeat Attendance
KDA was thrilled to see many community members attend a variety of performances. Children and their families were delighted to not only attend multiple performances of the same book, they also attended various performances of the other books on tour.
News Reports
Kern Dance Alliance was pleased to receive media coverage for our summer 2019 Books in Motion tour:
Bakersfield Californian: Books in Motion dance literacy program returns to libraries in June
NBC/KGET : Books to come to life at Kern County Libraries for the month of June
ABC/KERO: Books in Motion at Kern County Libraries
ABC/KERO: Books in Motion at Kern County Libraries
NBC/KGET: Kern Dance Alliance receives state arts grant
California Arts Council Grant
Kern Dance Alliance received a grant award from the California Arts Council in support of the 3rd annual Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY program.
The California Arts Council announced a grant award of $13,440 to KDA as part of its Youth Arts Action program. This is the first time KDA has been awarded a grant from California Arts Council since KDA launched in 2015.
Youth Arts Action supports projects for youth from infancy through age 24 that operate outside of school time, in artistic venues and community settings as well as on school sites. This program encourages relevant, dynamic, and innovative community building and learning through youth-focused arts and culture projects.
“KDA is honored to be a recipient of a California Arts Council grant,” said Andrea Hansen, KDA President. “We are incredibly proud of our efforts to make dance and the arts more accessible in in our community and to be recognized as California artists creating impactful programs in Kern County.”
KDA is one of 244 grantees chosen for the Youth Arts Action program. The award was featured as part of a larger announcement from the California Arts Council, with grant funds totaling a projected $24,508,541 for 2018-19, the highest investment in statewide arts programming since the 2000-01 fiscal year.
Assemblyman Vince Fong was instrumental in assisting KDA with our grant process. “All California Arts Council grant submissions must demonstrate support. KDA is fortunate to have the support of our local legislators including Assemblyman Fong who wrote a letter of support on behalf of KDA and Books in Motion.” said Andrea Hansen.
“Arts and culture are inextricably linked to our humanity,” said Nashormeh Lindo, California Arts Council Chair. “They serve as a universal touchpoint for understanding and addressing our societal issues—dismantling inequity, healing trauma, reframing justice, inspiring truth and shaping futures. The Council is humbled to support the vital work of Kern Dance Alliance and its passionate efforts to make a better California for us all.”
The mission of the California Arts Council, a state agency, is to advance California through the arts and creativity. The Council is committed to building public will and resources for the arts; fostering accessible arts initiatives that reflect contributions from all of California’s diverse populations; serving as a thought leader and champion for the arts; and providing effective and relevant programs and services.
Kern County Museum, Endeavor Elementary School and Dr. Douglas Fletcher Elementary School
KDA received requests for additional Books in Motion performances beyond the official summer tour schedule. Additional Books in Motion performances were booked at the Endeavor Elementary Summer School, during the children’s camp at Kern County Museum, and during Family Ready Night at Dr. Douglas Fletcher Elementary School.
BOOKS IN MOTION PERFORMANCES:
June 8 @ 10:45 am, Rosamond Branch, “Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card” – Tri Valley Arts Ballet Academy
June 8 @ 1:15 pm, California City Branch, “Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card” – Tri Valley Arts Ballet Academy
June 11 @ 1:00 pm, Northeast Branch, “Color Dance” – Spotlight Dance Academy
June 12 @ 11:00 am, Mojave Branch, “Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card” – Tri Valley Arts Ballet Academy
June 12 @ 12:30 pm, Lamont Branch, “Color Dance” – Spotlight Dance Academy (en español)
June 12 @ 1:00 pm, Southwest Branch, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”- Dancer’s Turnout Academy
June 13 @ 3 :00 pm, Beale Branch, “Color Dance” – Spotlight Dance Academy
June 14 @ 12:30 pm, Beale Branch, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” – Dancer’s Turnout Academy
June 17 @ 1:00 pm, Mojave Branch, “Stone Soup” – Heather Benes + Mojave Elementary School
June 19 @ 11:00 am, Baker Branch, “Color Dance” – Spotlight Dance Academy
June 19 @ 3:00 pm, Delano Branch, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” – Dancer’s Turnout Academy
June 28 @ 12:30 pm, Wilson Branch, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” – Dancer’s Turnout Academy
June 28 @ 3:00 pm, Holloway Gonzales Branch, “12 Dancing Princesses” – Downtown Dance Arts
July 1 @ 12:00 pm, Beale Branch, “12 Dancing Princesses” – Downtown Dance Arts
July 5 @ 11:45 am, Beale Branch, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” – Dancer’s Turnout Academy
July 8 @ 3:00 pm, Arvin Branch, “Giraffes Can’t Dance” – Mallory Academy of Dance
July 11 @ 12:00 pm, Northeast Branch, “12 Dancing Princesses” – Downtown Dance Arts
July 17 @ 1:00 pm, Southwest Branch, “Giraffes Can’t Dance” – Mallory Academy of Dance
July 18 @ 1:30 pm, Southwest Branch, “12 Dancing Princesses”- Bakersfield City Ballet
July 23 @ 11:45 am, Beale Branch, “12 Dancing Princesses” – Bakersfield City Ballet
August 1 @ 11:00 am, KERN COUNTY MUSEUM, “12 Dancing Princesses” – Bakersfield City Ballet
August 1 @ 1:00 pm, Beale Branch, Giraffes Can’t Dance” – Mallory Academy of Dance
NUMBERS SERVED:
1,442 Children + Families Reached
538 FREE Books Provided
62 Dancers
21 Performances
14 Locations
7 Dance Organizations
ATTENDANCE by BOOK:
Color Dance – 105
Giraffes Cant Dance – 208
12 Dancing Princesses – 575
Stone Soup – 26
Goldilocks and the Three Bears – 427
Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card – 61
ATTENDANCE by LOCATION:
Rosamond- 19
California City – 17
Northeast – 26
Lamont – 5 (FREE LUNCH PROGRAM)
Mojave – 25
Southwest – 90
Beale – 37
Beale – 126 (FREE LUNCH PROGRAM)
Mojave – 26
Baker – 37
Wilson – 45 (FREE LUNCH PROGRAM)
Holloway Gonzales – 72
Beale – 70 (FREE LUNCH PROGRAM)
Beale – 93
Arvin – 20
Northeast – 70 (FREE LUNCH PROGRAM)
Southwest – 105
Southwest – 163
Beale – 151 (FREE LUNCH PROGRAM)
KCM – 40
Beale – 83
MEASURABLE RESULTS:
The goals ofBooks in Motion include the following:
• 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
To achieve the Books in Motion goals, assessments were created based upon the following Common Core Standards for Reading Literature, K-3rd grade for Color Dance, 12 Dancing Princesses, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Stone Soup, Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card, Giraffe’s Can’t Dance:
Kindergarten RL.K.1-RL.K.7 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text; retell familiar stories; identify characters, settings, and major events in a story; describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear.
1st Grade RL.1.1-1.7 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text; retell stories and demonstrate understanding of their central message; describe characters, settings, and major events in a story; identify words and phrases in stories or poems that appeal to the senses; use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.
2nd Grade RL.2.1-2.7 Ask questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text; recount stories and determine their central message, lesson, or moral; describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges; describe how words supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or song; use information gained from the illustrations and words to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.
3rd RL.3.1 Ask questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers; recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text; describe characters in a story and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events; explain how specific aspects of a text’s illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story.
KDA received 522 English completed assessments.
KDA received 19 Spanish completed assessments.
Would you attend Books in Motion again?
95% of Books in Motion participants indicated they would attend a future Books in Motion performance.
Have you read this book before?
K-1st Grade Color Dance – 0 out of 27 participants or 0% had heard Color Dance before
K-1st Grade Giraffes Cant Dance – 32 out of 70 or 46% had heard Giraffes Cant Dance before
K-1st Grade 12 Dancing Princesses – 24 out of 129 or 19% had heard 12 Dancing Princesses before
K-1st Grade Stone Soup – 2 out of 3 or 67% had heard Stone Soup before
K-1st Grade Goldilocks and the Three Bears – 84 out of 98 or 86% had heard Goldilocks and the Three Bears before
K-1st Grade Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card – 1 out of 9 or 11% had heard Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card
2nd—3rd Grade Color Dance – 4 out of 25 participants or 16% had heard Color Dance before
2nd—3rd Grade Giraffes Cant Dance – 15 out of 34 or 44% had head Giraffes Cant Dance before
2nd—3rd Grade 12 Dancing Princesses – 15 out of 55 or 27% had heard 12 Dancing Princesses before
2nd—3rd Grade Stone Soup – 3 out of 7 or 43% had heard Stone Soup before
2nd—3rd Grade Goldilocks and the Three Bears – 64 out of 75 or 85% had heard Goldilocks and the Three Bears before
2nd—3rd Grade Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card – 0 out 1 or 0% had heard Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card before
Comprehension questions answered correctly:
K-1st Grade Color Dance – 17 out of 27 or 63% answered comprehension questions correctly
K-1st Grade Giraffes Cant Dance – 34 out of 70 or 49% answered comprehension questions correctly
K-1st Grade 12 Dancing Princesses – 109 out of 129 or 84% answered comprehension questions correctly
K-1st Grade Stone Soup – 3 out of 3 or 100% answered comprehension questions correctly
K-1st Grade Goldilocks and the Three Bears – 91 out of 98 or 93% answered comprehension questions correctly
K-1st Grade Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card – 9 out of 9 or 100% answered comprehension questions correctly
2nd—3rd Grade Color Dance – 6 out of 25 or 24% answered comprehension questions correctly
2nd—3rd Grade Giraffes Cant Dance – 25 out of 34 or 74 answered comprehension questions correctly
2nd—3rd Grade 12 Dancing Princesses – 21 out of 55 or 38% answered comprehension questions correctly
2nd—3rd Grade Stone Soup – 7 out of 7 or 100% answered comprehension questions correctly
2nd—3rd Grade Goldilocks and the Three Bears – 71 out of 75 or 95% answered comprehension questions correctly
2nd—3rd Grade Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card – 1 out of 1 or 100% answered comprehension questions correctly
*k-1st grade assessment questions were multiple choice
*2-3rd grade assessment questions were fill in the blank
NATIONAL DANCE DAY- September 21, 2019
Attendance: 157 ticket buyers. 421/524 tickets sold.
KDA hosted Kern County’s second annual National Dance Day celebration on September 21 at CSUB. A collaboration with the CSUB Dance Team, the day lasted 9 hours with 18 dance classes at $2 a class. Classes were taught by Kern County dance educators and the classes ranged from Zumba, Contemporary, Toddler Tap, Yoga for Dancers, Foxtrot, Dance for Disabilities and many more! All classes were very full, with several of the classes selling out prior to the event. National Dance Day received excellent coverage from the press, with KDA social media experiencing over 30,000 hits that weekend. NDD had 157 ticket buyers with 421/524 tickets sold.
CSUB President, Dr. Lynnette Zelezny, Mayor Karen Goh, and Assemblyman Vince Fong all participated in the day’s activities.
As a special treat, Nigel Lythgoe (So You Think You Can Dance/Dancing WIth The Stars) sent a personal celebration video to KDA, wishing all a Happy National Dance Day!
It was a terrific celebration of dance and we look forward to 2020.
SHINE for Girls: MATH + DANCE = SUCCESS – Fall 2019
Participants Enrolled in the Program: 23
Volunteers Assisted withe the Program: 13
SHINE for Girls (SHINE) provides innovative, curriculum-based after-school programming for middle school girls. Utilizing kinesthetic learning, SHINE combines formal dance training with rigorous math instruction to improve girls’ math scores and spark their interest in STEM. SHINE covers national math standards from 6-8th grade, while improving overall girls’ confidence and attitudes towards math, resulting in higher test scores and participation in classes.
To date, Kern Dance Alliance has graduated a total of 148 SHINE Girls and Mentors. As the only branch in California and on the West Coast, KDA is proud to offer the SHINE program free of charge to all participants thanks to the generous funding of sponsors and private donations including Chevron, Junior League of Bakersfield, The Women’s and Girls’ Fund of Kern County/Kern Community Foundation, Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust, Robert Grimm Family Foundation, Bakersfield Californian Foundation, Sean and Jennifer Maguire, and Garces Memorial High School.
SHINE is an 8 week program that ran on Saturdays from 10:00-12:30, September 7 – October 26, 2019.
Fall 2019 marked the second session where two SHINE Mentors were previously SHINE girls- proving the pipeline of the program. Through the continuity of the program and the 3-levels of mentorship, girls can enter the program in middle-school and stay in the SHINE pipeline all the way through their first jobs in STEM by becoming a student, mentor, coordinator, and finally a member of the national network of empowered women. By creating a pipeline of women in STEM across the country, SHINE hopes to increase the number of women in STEM by 1% in the next decade.
The SHINE graduation key note speaker was California State University Bakersfield President, Dr. Lynnette Zelezny. Dr. Zelezny delighted attendees with an inspiration speech about how math and dance impacted her life at the young age of 9. She detailed how math has been central to her career and how it has empowered her as a woman in STEM. Dr. Zelenzy went the extra mile by joining the SHINE girls in a Zumba dance and encouraged the girls to reach for the stars!
Results…
Fall 2019: September 7-October 26
Fall served 23 girls and 13 mentors
Session results according to SHINE pre/posttest results:
Girls reported:
Parents reported:
Parents also felt their girls had gained life skills. The following are those kills ranked the highest:
Apart from measurable results, KDA has learned the greatest from SHINE girl + mentor testimonials at the culmination of each session:
This is my second year being a SHINE mentor and I love being a part of this wonderful organization. It is such a unique way of motivating young girls through math and dance. I had the opportunity to see the girls grow and feel confident in their math and social skills. -Angie Cruz, Mentor
Being a SHINE Mentor has been an extremely impactful and wonderful experience for me. Throughout the program I had the opportunity to connect with and really get to know the girls, and it was truly amazing to watch them grow more comfortable with themselves and others. For being someone who is pretty shy around people I do not know, SHINE helped me to face my fear of not knowing what to say in conversations, and to just relax and know it will all work out. I have always loved dancing and STEM, and this opportunity to try my hand at teaching both has given me an invaluable, more in-depth perspective into both. I have truly loved my time as a mentor for SHINE! -Hailey Throll, Mentor
I first heard about Shine through my mom who is friends with Andrea. I was very skeptical about how well this would work, and about being in charge of a group of girls that weren’t that much younger than me. When I got here on my first day I was seeing the faces of the girls that were shy and silently struggling with a wide variety of things. As the program went on I felt a sisterly bond with these girls who made me smile and laugh and made me look foreword to waking up early on a Saturday. I have seen many girls go through this program and I remember their faces and names and stories, and they continue to make me smile. That is what this program is about and that is our goal, that aside from improving math skills and making new friends, the girls walk away knowing they made someone smile. Shine is a program that has continually inspired me, but more than that the Shine girls are the ones who inspire me the most. –
Francesca Beccari, Mentor
I am so grateful that I was able to be part of a program like SHINE where we get to help empower girls and learn about ourselves along the way. Service in general makes you feel some type of special way and it was so great to be able to use my knowledge/experience of math and dance to help young girls. I really loved it and never had a reason to complain when it came to waking up early on Saturday because I was able to some of my favorite things-math, exercise, and spending time with great people.
The young women I worked with taught me so much. They taught me about patience, perseverance, how to tend to different personalities, and they even showed me some of the things or ways that I taught that could be improved. I feel that I was able to have a bond with them and at the beginning of each tutoring session I tried to ask a “Question of the Week” that didn’t pertain to math or dance. They would be questions like “What is your favorite movie?” or “What is your favorite type of music or song this week?” I tried to remember their answers to get a better understanding of who they are and things they like. It always makes me feel good when people remember small details or hobbies that I mentioned to them and so I tried to implement something similar in my groups. Throughout the rest of the day or before SHINE started I would try and have conversations with my girls or with other SHINE girls so that they knew I took a genuine interest in their lives/experience at SHINE.
I think I will always be passionate about dance, math, and STEM in general but I definitely feel that I was able to see how the two could be combined and that was really great and something I wish I had growing up. As someone choosing to pursue graduate studies, I think SHINE has peaked my interest in the integration of the arts and STEM and in fact I may explore some research about how we can think of the arts as a way to learn math and how we can use math to learn more about the arts.
I personally loved my volunteer work with SHINE and would love to do it again if provided with the opportunity but I don’t think I will be here in Bakersfield next year. I think one thing that could change would be to have mentors meet before or after each SHINE session to discuss what went well/what could be improved and maybe we could go over specific responsibilities (which mentors would be in which group?). There were some days where a mentor needed help because they were confused about how to implement an activity or discussion and they may have felt more confident with some discussion before the activity. Overall, I had a really amazing experience and I am excited to tell more people about this program. -Brianna Wright, Mentor
ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY- Fall 2019
Participants Enrolled in the Program: 52
Volunteers Assisted withe the Program: 25
Dance Student Interns: 11
KDA and the League of Dreams offered the 3rd annual ADAPTidance program, an adaptive dance experience for people with physical and developmental disabilities, on Saturdays- October 5-November 9, 2019. ADAPTIdance participants learned inclusive, creative dance that is accessible and adaptable for movers with and without physical and developmental disabilities. The program culminated with a performance at the historic Bakersfield Fox Theater on November 13.
ADAPTIdance was taught by dance educator, Sakina Hansford, who was trained by the world’s leading dance + disability dance company, AXIS Dance Company. 11 dance Interns from dance studios across Kern County assisted in also teaching the classes. ADAPTIdance served 52 dancers with cognitive and developmental disables.
The goals that were obtained during ADAPTIdance were 1.) To provide access to creative movement and dance training for all students regardless of disability, income level, or prior dance experience 2). To provide a forum for physical activity that is a model for kids of all abilities to collaborate as equals while developing skills in cooperation and a respect for self and others; 3.) To educate about disability, collaboration, and inclusion through the medium of dance and the presentation of positive role models and images of people with disabilities.
ADAPTIdance is the only dance and disability program available for people with disabilities in Kern County and was made possible through generous support from Chevron, Robert Grimm Family Foundation, Depringo, and Garces Memorial High School.
Children’s Dance Education and Outreach Event – November 13, 2019
Number of Participants: 80
Number of Dancers: 74
Number of Volunteers: 23
Number of Audience Member: 415
KDA was pleased to host the fifth annual Children’s Dance Education and Outreach Event at the Fox Theater on November 13, 2019. Generous support from Chevron, Robert Grimm Family Foundation, Fox Theater Foundation, CARE, Grimmway Farms, Western Graphics, and Sub Station Downtown provided KDA with the opportunity to create an afternoon of smiles and joy for all that participated in the event!
The Russian National Ballet in Swan Lake- February 3, 2019
Number of Attendees: 900
KDA and Turnaround Artists were pleased to present The Russian National Ballet in Swan Lake at the Fox Theater Bakersfield. The Russian National Ballet has been bringing timeless ballet classics to the stages of North America since 1999 with a focus on upholding the grand national tradition of the major Russian ballet works. KDA members received discount tickets to the show.
Two to Tango- February 14, 2019
Number of Attendees: 44 (sold out)
KDA hosted Two to Tango, a Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance, at The Mark Restaurant. The evening featured 3 courses of carefully crafted cuisine coupled with the finest wine, and were swept off their feet while learning the Tango from Bakersfield Tango’s, Marilyn Stone.
Idyllwild Arts Academy MASTER CLASS + AUDITION- February 17, 2019
Attendance: 15
KDA was pleased to host one of Idyllwild Arts prestigious dance faculty to conduct a master class and audition for admittance to the Academy and Summer Program. Idyllwild Arts Academy provides pre-professional training in the arts and a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum to a diverse student body of gifted young artists from all over the world. Voted the #1 High School for the Arts in America by Niche, it is the only Residential Arts High School on the West Coast.
Taught by Israeli-born, Hai Cohen, the Modern dance master class was well received by all dancers.
Three students were offered acceptance into the year-round school and 6 were offered acceptance to to the two-week summer intensive program.
Dancers Lena Smallwood, Riley Thompson, and Eden Marquez attended the summer program and provided raving remarks about their summer experience.
PRIVATE PERFORMANCE: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater- April 8, 2019
KDA sent three KDA Members + guests to attend a private performance of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Music Center on April 4, 2019. Two weeks prior to the event, KDA hosted an online Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater trivia contest via our social media platforms. Several KDA members participated; however; KDA Members Shanna Trainor, Evelyne Thomas, and Andrea Chesley, won the competition! Those not selected as winners received a consolation prize.
JUST DANCE: Pop-Up Summer Series for Adults: Summer 2019
Tickets Sold: 448/674
Kern Dance Alliance launched JUST DANCE, a pop-up summer dance class series for adults. In collaboration with over a dozen Kern County dance instructors stemming from multiple dance studios, Kern County adults had the opportunity to try 20+ dance classes for FREE with a suggested donation to KDA.
Kern Dance Alliance strives to help the community thrive through physical movement. Local adults have expressed a yearning for a place to express themselves through dance; and JUST DANCE does JUST THAT! A variety of classes for all levels were offered, including Ballet, Belly Dance, Jazz, Tap, Zumba, and Country Line Dance! Whether it was an adult’s first time standing at the ballet barre or an individual has years of dance experience, KDA hoped to inspire more adults to dance their way through the summer.
JUST DANCE: Pop-Up Summer Series for Adults SCHEDULE
Saturday, June 29 @ 11:00 AM – Contemporary Partnering w/ Kellie St. Pierre at Civic Dance Center
Tuesday, July 2 @ 9:00 AM- Beginning Ballet w/ Suze DeArmond at Dancer’s Turnout Academy
Friday, July 5 @ 9:00 AM – Zumba w/ Suze DeArmond at Dancer’s Turnout Academy
Saturday, July 6 @10:00 AM- Advanced Hip Hop w/ Andrew Rosales at Experience Dance Studio
Saturday, July 6 @ 11:00 AM- Beginning B-Boying w/ Andrew Rosales at Experience Dance Studio
Saturday, July 13 @ 9:00 AM- Beginning Ballet w/ Andrea Hansen at KDA Dance Studio/Garces High School
Saturday, July 13 @ 10:15 AM- Int/Adv. Contemporary w/ Andrea Hansen at KDA Dance Studio/Garces High School
Thursday, July 18 @ 6:30 PM – Country Line Dance w/ Joel Hoffman at Temblor Brewing Company
Saturday, July 20 @ TIME TBA- Int./Adv. Jazz w/ Alicia Angelini at Civic Dance Center
Saturday, July 20 @ TIME TBA – Musical Theater w/ Alicia Angelini at Civic Dance Center
Tuesday, July 23 @ 6:00 PM- Int./Adv. Contemporary Hip Hop w/ Naomi Rivera at Experience Dance Studio
Saturday, July 27 @ 12:00 PM- Beginning Belly Dance w/ Maryann Kopp at My Dance and Fitness Studio
Wednesday, July 31 @ 7:00 PM- Barre Fitness w/ Kyli Delis at Dancer’s Turnout Academy
Saturday, August 3 @ 10:00 AM- Int/Adv Hip Hop w/ Luther “GI” Gray at My Dance and Fitness Studio
Saturday, August 3 @ 11:00 AM- Beginning Hip Hop w/ Brushay Taylor at My Dance and Fitness Studio
Wednesday, August 7 @ 7:10 PM – Beginning Tap w/ Brenlea Smith at American Dancer’s Workshop
Saturday, August 10 @ 11:00 AM- Int/Adv. Ballet w/ Erica Ueberroth at Civic Dance Center
Saturday, August 10 @ 12:45 PM – Int./Adv. Lyrical w/ Erica Ueberroth at Civic Dance Center
Tuesday, August 13 @ 7:10 PM – Int./Adv. Tap w/ Brenlea Smith at American Dancer’s Workshop
Saturday, August 17 @ 9:30 AM- Int./Adv. Contemporary w/ Nicole Helton at KDA Dance Studio/Garces High School
Saturday, August 24 @ 6:00 PM- Jazz Funk w/ Shelby Walls at Dance Nation
Saturday, August 24 @ 7:30 PM- Heels 101 w/ Shelby Walls at Dance Nation
Ten Tiny Dances Bakersfield Young Professionals- Downtown Street Party- October 11, 2019
Attendance: 250
Ten Tiny Dances® was produced on October 11, 2019 at the fifth annual Bakersfield Young Professionals Downtown Street Party in conjunction with the Greater Bakersfield Chamber!!
Ten dancers showcased choreography in the tiniest of spaces, a 4×4 stage! This special event featured ten dance artists representing local and nationally recognized talent including: Alicia Angelini, Kelci Cerri, Nicole Helton, Andrea Nehesi, Naomi J. Rivera, Kali Spinner Maxwell, Kellie St. Pierre, Erica Ackerley Ueberroth, Shelby Walls, and New York City-based Schoen Movement Company dancers Alexandra Doyle and AJ Tasley Parr. Performances represented a broad range of dance styles including belly dance, ballet en pointe, hip hop, and tap dance.
Ten Tiny Dances® is a performance series dedicated to fostering inventive dance/performance art and providing an accessible performance experience for a diverse audience…all on a 4 by 4-foot stage.
Ten Tiny Dances® is dance/theater performance in confined space, which challenges artists to invent ways of collapsing known and recognizable vocabulary as well as to invent new vocabulary that responds to the possibilities of 16 sq. ft. It interrupts the usual expectations for dance vocabulary, performance, and viewing, and affects the way people move and are perceived in space. As well as the delight that comes from innovation, the event also offers an experience of tension for the audience as they ponder and witness how each performer meets and deals with the challenge of the space. This tension is matched with a sense of intimacy. Dancers and audience members alike share the Ten Tiny Dances® experience of confined space and artistic innovation.
Ten Tiny Dances® was created in Portland, Oregon in 2002 and continues to be produced in cities across America. Kern Dance Alliance was granted permission by the founder Mike Barber in 2018. 2019 marks the first year Bakersfield will host a Ten Tiny Dances® event.
Ten Tiny Dances® was generously supported by the Arts Council of Kern, Garden Pathways, The Padre Hotel, The Ovation Theatre, Schoen Movement Company, Diamond Peak Construction, and GoldenWalk.
A Movement Flight- Temblor Brewing Company October 12, 2019
Attendance: 200
Kern Dance Alliance and Temblor Brewing Company presented A Movement Flight, performed by New York City-based and internationally renowned Schoen Movement Company. A Movement Flight brought dance out of the concert hall and into the brewery by featuring critically acclaimed dancers, including local dance talent, Kellie St. Pierre. Complemented by the tastiest Temblor brews, guests enjoyed flights of beers and a delicious dinner. Local music talent, Vince Galindo, added to the evening with delightful and charming sounds.
Guests exclaimed that their eyes were open to the possibilities of dance beyond the stage. Guests also remarked that the initial $35 fee stood between them and their attendance, they were grateful the event was made free.
Local dance talent, Kellie St. Pierre, was thrilled to be a part of the project. She had not performed in 2.5 years (she had thought a devastating injury had ended her professional career) and was grateful to get back on stage. Her passion for dance has been re-ignited and she expressed that she was grateful to KDA for the opportunity.
Charitable donations were made to Kern Dance Alliance with guests purchasing the MOOve Burger, a delicious, house-made Santa Carota Beef burger crafted with all the fixin’s. Temblor’s tasty craft brews were included in each purchase ($50) of the MOOve Burger!
A Movement Flight was open to the public and was generously sponsored by the Arts Council of Kern County, Bynum LLC, Padre Hotel, and Santa Carota Beef.
Bakersfield City Ballet– $500 to support Youth America Grand Prix
Shafter Symphony Orchestra– $500 to support the Nutcracker Ballet Orchestra
Traianny Mahon– Student scholarship to support training at Mallory Academy of Dance
Kern Dance Alliance is an incredible organization that does so much good for the community and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be a student intern this year. Being the intern has allowed me to be more involved in my community and make a difference for so many people. This past year as an intern I have participated in a variety of events, such as: Books in Motion, Shine, National Dance Day, Adaptidance, and the Fox Children’s Event. Being able to spread creativity and joy around my community through dance is so important to me. Dance has been such an instrumental part of my life and I am glad I get to share my love for it with others and hopefully help them discover their love for dance as well. I’m so thankful to have spent this last year on the board as a student intern and to be a part of an incredible organization like KDA. -Riley Thompson, 2019 KDA Student Intern
Being a part of KDA has shown me how much Kern County means to this organization. I love being a part of KDA because of how passionate we are about bringing the art of dance into the community. Being involved in an organization that makes a positive impact in other’s lives is something I love to be a part of. KDA programs genuinely want to see other generations excel and I am so lucky I get to play a role in our mission’s work. As a bonus, I am receiving college credit from CSUB for my KDA internship! -Angelique Diaz, KDA Student Intern- PR + Social Media
California Dance Education Association Annual Conference- January 21, 2019
Attendance: 75
KDA Board Members, Andrea Hansen and Anne Draucker, traveled to CSU Fullerton for the annual California Dance Education Association annual conference. KDA presented “MOVING COMMUNITY”, synopsis of the KDA model in Kern County and our impact to dance educators and arts supporters from across California.
Bakersfield City Ballet Fundraiser- January 26, 2019
Attendance: 175
KDA President, Andrea Hansen, was invited to speak at the Bakersfield City Ballet fundraiser at Lengthwise Brewing Company. Andrea spoke to the audience about the importance of supporting BCB with a call to action to attend upcoming BCB events.
Bakersfield High School Driller Service Academy Presentation- February 19, 2019
Attendance: 60
KDA was invited to speak to the Driller Service Academy at Bakersfield High School about KDA’s non-profit model and impact in Kern County. Dancer’s Turnout Academy provided dance entertainment, while KDA Student Intern, Riley Thompson, assisted with the presentation. Fun Fact: KDA boasts a number of Bakersfield High School alumni!
Downtown Bakersfield Rotary Presentation- February 28, 2019
Attendance: 159
KDA was invited to speak at the Downtown Bakersfield Rotary about KDA’s impact in Kern County. Mallory Academy of Dance provided the dance entertainment.
East Bakersfield Rotary Presentation- March 11, 2019
Attendance: 40
KDA was invited to speak at the East Bakersfield Rotary about KDA’s impact in Kern County. Bakersfield City Ballet provided the dance entertainment.
Leadership Bakersfield Arts Day at the Fox Theater- April 3, 2019
Attendance: 32
KDA was invited to speak at the Leadership Bakersfield Arts Day about KDA’s impact in Kern County. KDA Member, Brooke Jordan, provided the dance entertainment.
Distinguished Young Woman of California Life Skills Day- July 22, 2019
Attendance: 34
KDA was invited to speak at the Distinguished Young Woman of California Life Skills Day about becoming involved in community and how KDA impacts Kern County. Young women were led through an improvisational movement workshop and listened to KDA President, Andrea Hansen, speak about the importance of giving back.
KDA Celebrity Reader at Louden Elementary School- March 22, 2019
Attendance: 35
KDA was invited to be a Celebrity Reader at Louden Elementary School during “Read Across America”. KDA President, Andrea Hansen, read Giraffe’s Cant Dance to 35 3rd graders.
Instruments Ballet Academy Performance at St. Francis Elementary School- April 1, 2019
Attendance: 200
KDA assisted Instruments Ballet Academy in securing a performance at St. Francis Elementary School during their California tour. A Christina-based professional dance company, Interments Ballet Academy performed uplifting liturgical dance performances for 200 school children.
Endeavor Elementary School Dance Day- June 21, 2019
Attendance: 418
KDA provided a Dance Day at Endeavor Elementary School for 418 school children during their 2019 summer school. The event featured two Books in Motion performance (Goldilocks and the Three Bears) by Dancer’s Turnout Academy, as well as a dance history segment and choreography performed by Dancer’s Turnout Academy.
Family Reading Night at Fletcher Elementary School- October 22, 2019
Attendance: 120
KDA provided a Books in Motion performance, Color Dance, performed by Spotlight Dance Academy at the annual Family Reading Night at the Fletcher Elementary School. Children enjoyed a live performance and partook in learning the Books in Motion choreography.
Adventist Health Community Block Party- November 2, 2019
KDA had the pleasure of providing dance classes for the 1st annual Community Block Party at North High School, hosted by Adventist Health Bakersfield. KDA Members, Joel Hoffman- Line Dance (Bakersfield Line Dancers) and Suze DeArmond- Zumba (Dancer’s Turnout Academy) provided two super fun classes for over 50 participants!
2019 KDA Season Announcement
January 29, 2019, Bakersfield Californian- Get toes tapping for Kern Dance Alliance’s new community-focused season
January 30, 2019, NBC/KGET- Kern Dance Alliance announces February events
Philanthropy on Tap
January 21, 2019, Bakersfield Californian- Philanthropy on Tap: Lifting our glasses to Kern County’s hardworking nonprofits
Bakersfield City Ballet Fundraiser
January 23, 2019, Bakersfield Californian – Pints en pointe for Bakersfield City Ballet fundraiser
Swan Lake
February 3, 2019, Bakersfield Californian- Fancy footwork for Super Bowl Sunday with ballet at Fox Theater
Two to Tango
January 28, 2019, Bakersfield Californian- It takes two to tango, more to mingle this Valentine’s Day
Idyllwild Master Class + Audition
January 30, 2019, NBC/KGET- Kern Dance Alliance announces February events
KDA Dance/Movement Therapy Programs
March 28, 2019, NBC/KGET- Kern Dance Alliance dance therapy spring programs
April 26, 2019, ABC/KERO-Free dance classes for cancer patients
Give Big Kern
June, 2019, Kern Community Foundation-Give Big Kern- Report to the Community
Beautiful Bakersfield Awards
June 1, 2019, Bakersfield Californian- Beautiful Bakersfield awards recognize contributors to the community
Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY
May 28, 2019, Bakersfield Californian: Books in Motion dance literacy program returns to libraries in June
May 31, 2019, NBC/KGET : Books to come to life at Kern County Libraries for the month of June
June 28, 2019, ABC/KERO: Books in Motion at Kern County Libraries
June 28, 2019, ABC/KERO: Books in Motion at Kern County Libraries
July 5, 2019, NBC/KGET: Kern Dance Alliance receives state arts grant
Just Dance: Pop-Up Summer Series for Adults
June 26, 2019, Bakersfield Californian-‘Just Dance’ for free this summer with new KDA pop-up series
July 3, 2019, NBC/KGET- Kern Dance Alliance hosting pop-up dance class summer series
August 16, 2019, NBC/KGET-Pop Kern: Dance classes for adults
National Dance Day
September 18, 2019, Bakersfield Californian Strut your stuff with KDA for National Dance Day
September 18, 2019 NBC/KGETNational Dance Day celebrations hosted by the Kern Dance Alliance
September 19, 2019, FOX/KBFX-Celebrate National Dance Day with a 9-hour dance event
September 21, 2019 NBC/KGET- Locals celebrate National Dance Day with Kern Dance Alliance
September 21, 2019, FOX/KBFX- Kern Dance Alliance & CSUB host National Dance Day on Saturday
Ten Tiny Dances
October 8, Bakersfield Californian- Kern Dance Alliance hosts two events this weekend
October 9, NBC/KGET- Kern Dance Alliance community events
A Movement Flight
October 8, Bakersfield Californian- Kern Dance Alliance hosts two events this weekend
October 9, NBC/KGET-Kern Dance Alliance community events
October 11, 2019- ABC/KERO- Beer and a show at Temblor Brewing this weekend
Children’s Dance Education and Outreach Event
November 4, 2019, NBC/KGET- Kern Dance Alliance seeking volunteers
Call to 2020 KDA Board Members + Student Interns
November 4, 2019, NBC/KGET- Kern Dance Alliance seeking volunteers
NEWSLETTER — December 2018
YEAR IN REVIEW
Over 8500 community members reached, new programs launched, scholarships provided, and a second Beautiful Bakersfield Award nomination- 2018 was full of rewarding and impactful experiences for Kern Dance Alliance. KDA invites you to read our 2018 Year In Review – a wrap up of all our programs and partnerships all in the name of service to the arts in Kern County.
KDA is busy preparing for the launch of our 2019 season! Are you interested in receiving the 2019 KDA Season Brochure- sign up HERE! Also, don’t forget, KDA is seeking new Board Members and Student Interns– applications are due January 11, 2019.
SHINE for Girls: MATH + DANCE = SUCCESS – Fall 2018
Participants Enrolled in the Program: 25
Volunteers Assisted withe the Program: 10
SHINE for Girls (SHINE) provides innovative, curriculum-based after-school programming for middle school girls. Utilizing kinesthetic learning, SHINE combines formal dance training with rigorous math instruction to improve girls’ math scores and spark their interest in STEM. SHINE covers national math standards from 6-8th grade, while improving overall girls’ confidence and attitudes towards math, resulting in higher test scores and participation in classes.
To date, Kern Dance Alliance has graduated a total of 132 SHINE Girls and Mentors. As the only branch in California and on the West Coast, KDA is proud to offer the SHINE program free of charge to all participants thanks to the generous funding of sponsors and private donations including Chevron, Junior League of Bakersfield, The Women’s and Girls’ Fund of Kern County/Kern Community Foundation, Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust, Robert Grimm Family Foundation, Bakersfield Californian Foundation, Sean and Jennifer Maguire, and Garces Memorial High School.
SHINE is an 8 week program that ran on Saturdays from 10:00-12:30, September 8 – October 27, 2018.
Fall 2018 marked the first session where a SHINE Mentor was previously a SHINE girl- proving the pipeline of the program. Through the continuity of the program and the 3-levels of mentorship, girls can enter the program in middle-school and stay in the SHINE pipeline all the way through their first jobs in STEM by becoming a student, mentor, coordinator, and finally a member of the national network of empowered women. By creating a pipeline of women in STEM across the country, SHINE hopes to increase the number of women in STEM by 1% in the next decade.
Results…
Fall 2018: September 8-October 27
Fall served 25 girls and 10 mentors
Session results according to SHINE pre/posttest results:
80% of girls feel more confident both IN and OUT of math class
100% of girls feel proud of what the accomplished during the program
Apart from measurable results, KDA has learned the greatest from SHINE girl + mentor testimonials at the culmination of each session:
I received my first A on a math test- EVER!! I am so excited. If it weren’t for SHINE, I would have never been so successful in my math class. – SHINE Girl
I find that every time I do shine, even though I am here to teach the girls, I find them teaching me as well. I have learned to be more patient and inclusive with everyone and that it is more important to have fun and enjoy what you are doing and work hard. My interest in carrying on with dance has heightened I would love to study it as a minor in college and continue with classes! I absolutely love my shine girls and with that this group could stay longer! Francesa Beccari, MENTOR
I absolutely love being a SHINE mentor. To reach out to young girls, boost their confidence, and encourage them to pursue STEM carriers. Also being able to accomplish this with the help of dance, I just love it! Every Saturday I’m excited to go to SHINE and see all of the girls smiling faces. Another thing I always look forward to is the tutoring session. When tutoring the girls, I often see that moment when the concept just clicks and I can tell that they understand. Given the opportunity this year to choreograph the SHINE dance with Hannah, I learned that I like to choreograph. I always knew that I liked to teach others but I never truly considered doing choreography. It was fun being able to teach the dance and tutor my six girls. I definitely felt like I developed a bond with my SHINE girls. I would try to ask them a different random question each week and I would made up silly ways to remember math concepts. As for my interests in STEM, teaching, dance, and arts; I realized that I want to reach out to more girls. Girls at my high school, girls at my sisters school, girls at my old junior high. I want to empower young girls to pursue their dreams and not sell themselves short. I think that more girls should be exposed to STEM and to the idea that girls can do anything a guy can do. – Victoria McFarland, MENTOR
Over the eight weeks we have been working with the girls, they have each blossomed in their own way. Many would stay distanced from others or silent, but gradually became more social and playful with each other. Their growth in their confidence is even evident in their participation during the tutoring sessions, such as when they had started asking more questions without hesitation when they were confused. From the first week’s test and tutoring to the last week’s post-test, my girls started looking at problems from a different perspective and had a completely different attitude towards the tests. I was incredibly proud when we noticed their improvements over the course of the program; it felt so rewarding.
Personally, this program has led me to consider other professions I would not have otherwise, including teaching STEM subjects. I had always assumed that I am a poor teacher and struggle to explain concepts, but tutoring these open-minded girls have allowed me to find confidence in my abilities. I honestly was not expecting this, but my confidence has increased as well. The girls were encouraging and I can tell that I have made a difference.
Honestly, I will miss my girls after this final week. I have developed a connection with them and I truly hope they succeed in what they do. Every session, they will have random little conversations with me about a new joke they came up with or something cool they did in one of the activities. – Jessica Wollesen, MENTOR
Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY- June 1-August 1, 2018
Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY links dance and literacy by focusing on Common Core Standards for Reading Literature for children, K-3rd. In collaboration with the Kern County Library, Kern Literacy Council, and Barnes & Noble (Bakersfield, CA), families had the opportunity to visit Kern County library branches and watch a dance performance based upon a well-known children’s book. Post-performance, children engaged in kinesis by learning choreography and created a craft that coincides with the book’s theme. At the culmination of the session, children were divided into groups based upon age/level and posed questions to evaluate their comprehension. Lastly, children were able to take their own copy of the book home. Books in Motion was offered for FREE to all participants. Books in Motion performances ran June 1 -August 1, 2018.
Kern County dance organizations; Dancer’s Turnout Academy of Dance, Downtown Dance Arts Center, Ev-leen’s Dance Studio, Mallory Academy of Dance, Mojave Movement Arts Center, Spotlight Dance Academy applied to be the official Books in Motion performers. Dance organizations were responsible for choosing a story from the Books in Motion bibliography, creating a performance reflecting the story, and choreographing a 1 to 2-minute dance that relates to the story to teach the participating children.
Books in Motion was generously sponsored by the Bakersfield Californian Foundation, Arts Council of Kern, Chevron, Terra-Gen, and the Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust.
Results:
KDA received 326 completed assessments- 99% reported that they would like to attend Books in Motion again.
866 Children + Families Reached
367 FREE Books Provided
43 Dancers
21 Performances
14 Library Branch Performance Locations
1 Barnes and Noble Performance Location
K-1st Grade “Where the Wild Things Are”- 72% assessment questions correct
K-1st Grade “Dino Dancing”- 66% assessment questions correct
K-1st Grade “Giraffe’s Can’t Dance”- 50% assessment questions correct
K-1st Grade “Kitchen Dance”- 64% assessment questions correct
K-1st Grade “The Lion and the Mouse”- 100% assessment questions correct
2nd—3rd Grade “Where the Wild Things Are” – 97% evaluation questions correct
2nd—3rd Grade “Dino Dancing” – 98% assessment questions correct
2nd—3rd Grade “Giraffe’s Can’t Dance”- 77% assessment questions correct
2nd—3rd Grade “Kitchen Dance”- 59% assessment questions correct
2nd—3rd Grade “The Lion and the Mouse”- 99% assessment questions correct
Children’s Dance Education and Outreach Event – November 14, 2018
KDA was pleased to host the fourth annual Children’s Dance Education and Outreach Event at the Fox Theater on November 14, 2018. Generous support from the Arts Council of Kern, Chevron, Stria, Fox Theater Foundation, Grimmway Farms, Western Graphics, and Sub Station Downtown provided KDA with the opportunity to create an afternoon of smiles and joy for all that participated in the event!
MemoryMOVES: DANCE + THERAPY- Spring 2018
Participants Enrolled in Program: 35
MEMORY Moves was a 7-week pilot dance therapy program working with the Alzheimers and Dementia population at ADAKC. The program utilized a Dance/Movement Therapist (DMT) to work with 35 enrolled participants split into four separate groups over 7 weeks. Groups met over Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30 and 11:00-12:00pm (April 9-May 22), with two groups meeting each day. Groups were determined based on level of functioning with help from ADAKC staff who were familiar with the clientele. Groups ranged from fairly high functioning, where participants were more ambulatory and had retained higher cognitive functioning, to lower functioning, where the majority of participants used wheelchairs, and were in more advanced stages of Alzheimers and dementia.
MemoryMOVES was generously funded by Chevron, Robert Grimm Family Foundation, Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust, Kaiser Permanente, Homewood Suites, and Dignity Health.
Results:
Over 7 weeks:
Clients Reported…
Anecdotes of Note
ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY- Fall 2018
Participants Enrolled in the Program: 45
Volunteers Assisted withe the Program: 47
KDA and the League of Dreams offered the 2nd annual ADAPTidance program, an adaptive dance experience for people with physical and developmental disabilities, on Saturdays- October 6-November 10, 2018. ADAPTIdance participants learned inclusive, creative dance that is accessible and adaptable for movers with and without physical and developmental disabilities. The program culminated with a performance at the historic Bakersfield Fox Theater.
ADAPTIdance was taught by dance educator, Sakina Hansford, who was trained by the world’s leading dance + disability dance company, AXIS Dance Company. 11 dance Interns from dance studios across Kern County assisted in also teaching the classes. ADAPTIdance served 45 dancers with cognitive and developmental disables.
The goals that were obtained during ADAPTIdance were 1.) To provide access to creative movement and dance training for all students regardless of disability, income level, or prior dance experience 2). To provide a forum for physical activity that is a model for kids of all abilities to collaborate as equals while developing skills in cooperation and a respect for self and others; 3.) To educate about disability, collaboration, and inclusion through the medium of dance and the presentation of positive role models and images of people with disabilities.
ADAPTIdance is the only dance and disability program available for people with disabilities in Kern County and was made possible through generous support from Chevron, Chain Cohen and Stiles, Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation, Robert Grimm Family Foundation, Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust, CARE, and Garces Memorial High School.
Master Class Series: ARTS + MENTORING – Spring 2018
Kern Dance Alliance (KDA), in partnership with Garden Pathways, continued arts mentoring services for at-risk youth through the Master Class Series: ARTS + MENTORING. The classes provided opportunities for artistic, educational, and personal development as young artists were mentored by arts industry professionals.
The classes focused on professional dance artists and the trends they are setting in the international field of dance. Guest artists represented different dance disciplines: Contemporary Modern and Jazz. Three elements were featured: master classes, mentor session, and a Q&A/discussion with dancer’s families and an invited audience.
The Master Class Series was generously supported by Chevron, Stria, Arts Council of Kern, Padre Hotel, and Garces Memorial High School.
February 4
CONTEMPORARY MODERN
Emily Schoen – Director/ Choreographer of Schoen Movement Company, Dancer for Keigwin + Company
Emily Schoen has received the Gibney Dance boo-koo grant for emerging artist in NYC, a Princess Grace Choreography Fellowship nomination by METdance in Houston, and was called “Top 25 to Watch” by Dance Magazine. She has danced for Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion, Nejla Yatkin, the Metropolitan Opera in works by Doug Varone and Mark Morris, the 50th Anniversary Rolling Stones Reunion Tour, and has been with Keigwin + Company since 2011. Her own group, Schoen Movement Company, has been presented at Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out, Joe’s Pub, and recently at the Tunisian National Theater in Tunis, Tunisia with the support of DanceMotion/USA, the US Embassy in Tunis, and American Dance Abroad. SMC has also produced Happy Hour dance shows in breweries, and the mini dance film series “Ten Tiny Dances” which is viewable online. She sets work on companies and universities throughout the United States. She graduated from the University of Arizona with her BFA in Dance and BS in Nutritional Sciences and is a proud Wisconsinite!
11 dancers participated in the master class taught by Emily Schoen.
April 22
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ
Saleemah E. Knight- Professor or Dance, USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance
Saleemah E. Knight is an internationally recognized interdisciplinary artist in the concert and commercial dance realms, a Professor of Jazz Dance and lecturer at the highly acclaimed USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. Saleemah holds a Master of Fine Arts in dance from the University of California, Irvine and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Arizona School of Dance. Her training in dance technique stems from reputable concert dance companies such as: Gus Giordano Chicago, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and River North Chicago. As a performer Saleemah has been a featured dancer in Disney’s world renowned production, The Lion King Broadway Musical and has also danced alongside prominent icons such as Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Jillian Michaels, Jamie Foxx, Ludacris, Tyrese and many more! At the university level, Saleemah specializes in the areas of Jazz and Modern dance technique, as well as theory courses on “World Perspectives on Dance”, “Choreography for the Camera” and “Dance in Popular Culture”. Learn more about Saleemah by visiting saleemaheknight.com.
19 dancers participated in the master class taught by Saleemah E. Knight.
Evaluation:
Master Class evaluation took place through a variety of methodologies: student journals, discussion/Q&A, and a video assessment.
National Honors Society for Dance Arts Induction Ceremony- April 15, 2018
KDA celebrated our first class and first inductees into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts – NHSDA / Kern Dance Alliance Secondary Chapter. Congratulations to Bakersfield High School Senior, Natalie Lovan, and Liberty High School Senior, Paityn Boyt, on their acceptance into the USA’s most prestigious honors society for dancers who excel in artistry, leadership, and academic achievements. NHSDA inductees received their honors cords and pins, as well as a NHSDA plaque during the luncheon at Stockdale Country Club on April 15, 2018.
To date, KDA has received over a dozen applications from Kern County dancers seeking induction into the National Honors Society for Dance Arts. As the only NHSDA Chapter in Central California, KDA looks forward to inducting more high school students in the future.
KDA announced our 2018 season on January 28, 2018 at 12:30 PM at the Bakersfield Country Club. The afternoon featured guest speaker, Mayor Karen Goh, talking about “The Arts in Kern County”, as well as live music, appetizers, and drinks. The event was open and free to the public. 150 attended the event.
KDA was proud to partner with Team Bank of the Sierra of the Ford Dimension Dream Builders Program on their project, S.T.E.P., a Senior Targeted Exercise Program focused on reducing muscle degenerative diseases. The workshop was presented by specialists who demonstrated and spoke on physical therapy exercises, Dance/Movement Therapy, nutritional and mental health aspects to promote healthy and active lifestyles. The event was free and open to the public. https://jimburkeeducationfoundation.org/newsletters/2018-UpDate-Newsletter/#page=2
KDA was honored to receive a $250 donation from the Ford Dimension Dream Builders Program for our assistance to the S.T.E.P. program.
KDA sent two KDA Members + guests to go behind the scenes of the Joffrey Ballet’s “Romeo and Juliet” by attending the technical/dress rehearsal at the Music Center on March 8, 2018. Two weeks prior to the event, KDA hosted an online “Romeo and Juliet” trivia contest via our social media platforms. Several KDA members participated; however; KDA Members Jennifer Cox and Vanessa Rodriguez, won the competition! Those not selected as winners received a consolation prize.
The Fox Theater Bakersfield featured “Singin’ in the Rain” on April 23 and invited KDA President, Andrea Hansen, to provide a pre-show talk about American dance icon, Gene Kelly. Andrea provided information about Kelly and his life as a dancer to over 250 attendees. KDA members were invited to attend the show for free.
KDA raised $1650 during GIVE BIG KERN on May 2, 2018!! KDA hosted a 24 hour social media campaign highlighting the 12 reasons donors should give to KDA. BRAVO to all that donated, liked, clicked, and shared – we are humbled by your bighearted ways!!
KDA invited guests to EAT, DRINK, and DANCE under the stars at one of Kern County’s most treasured historic hotels, The Padre Hotel. The event featured celebrity dancer, actress, and singer, Heather Morris, best known for her role as Brittney S. Pierce on the Fox musical-comedy series GLEE and Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) Season 24. Guests took a dance class with Heather Morris and her partner from Dancing with the Stars, KC Monnie, ate delicious appetizers, drank fine crafted cocktails, and enjoyed a mini performance and Q&A with Heather and KC on the Padre Hotel’s 2nd floor patio, Prairie Fire. Over 65 guests attended and were delighted to buy the ChaCha Shake for a $25 donation to KDA. Guests continued to dance the night away until 10:00 with a live DJ and bar service.
Art After Dark: MUSUEM DANCES was presented by Bakersfield Museum of Art and Kern Dance Alliance on Thursday, May 31, 2018 from 7-9 pm at the Bakersfield Museum of Art- $5 General Admission/FREE Members/FREE Students with valid ID. Guests were invited to grab a drink and enjoy BMoA’s newly installed Summer Exhibitions and experience a series of dance performances by local and regional dancers inspired by artist Charles Arnoldi’s exhibition. 11 performances ranging from hip hop to contemporary made up the evening, including a performance by KDA President, Andrea Hansen, and KDA Past Board Member, Andrea Chesley. 120 total guests attended and indicated the event felt like “something out of Los Angeles”!
KDA was nominated for a second “Arts and Culture” Award at the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards on June 2, 2018. The nomination was on behalf of ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY. While KDA did not receive the award, the recognition as a contender in the category was truly an honor!
KDA hosted Kern County’s first official National Dance Day celebration on July 28 at Garces Memorial High School. 10 hours. 10 dance classes. $2 a class. Classes were taught by Kern County dance educators and the classes ranged from Zumba, Contemporary, Pole Dance, Country Line Dance, and Dance for Disabilities. All classes were very full, with several of the classes selling out prior to the event. KDA received excellent coverage from the press and were very happy with the turnout from the day’s activities. All online registrations received free KDA swag, doughnuts and popsicles were provided throughout the day, as well as raffle prizes and a grand raffle! Nearly 260 dancers participated in NDD 2018. It was a terrific celebration of dance and we look forward to 2019.
KDA provided the on stage “Shadow Dance” entertainment for the 3rd Annual “Farm to Table(aux)” fundraiser benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County on October 5th 2018. With support from Dignity Health, KDA was thrilled to add to the event’s exuberant theme of “Andy Warhol.” Over 530 guests enjoyed a tableaux performance by Bakersfield City Ballet. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County serve 7,500 daily. KDA was honored to assist in their fundraising efforts and applauds the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County.
The fourth annual Downtown Street Party benefiting the Bakersfield Young Professionals (BYP) Program was an absolute blast! The event on Oct. 12 drew a crowd of about 250 attendees, who played games, admired paintings from local artists through Kern Creatives, ate, drank and danced the night away in the Wall Street Alley with performers from Kern Dance Alliance (KDA). This year’s event was a huge success, especially with the KDA partnership that brought such a fun and exciting new energy to the party. To see all the fun, check out this video from Lights Camera Action Cinema: https://vimeo.com/297840709.
KDA President, Andrea Hansen, taught a ballet open class to dancers at Bakersfield City Ballet on November 10. Additionally, Andrea took the opportunity to talk and inform the dancers about KDA.
I am incredibly thankful to the Kern Dance Alliance board members for allowing me to be their 2018 Student Intern. This internship has been an incredible opportunity for me to experience the thrill of giving back to a community that I love so dearly, through an art that has played such a significant role in my own life. I am so proud to have been a part of an organization that provides so many moving programs. Being a part of this board provided a space for me to vocalize my passion for dance and the positive impact it can have. I truly thank the KDA team for making a continuous effort to ensure that my voice was heard. They taught me that you truly can make a difference if you are passionate about your cause. I learned something special from each and every member of the board. Moving forward, I can only hope that I make a difference in this world the way that these 9 amazing individuals are, here in Bakersfield. Thank you KDA for a wonderful year to remember. -Erica Lynn, 2018 KDA Student Intern
Whether you are a dancer, studio owner or arts connoisseur, KDA is here for you.
NEWSLETTER — December 2017
YEAR IN REVIEW
KDA is closing out 2017 and we could not be more thrilled with our local impact in our second year of operation! Over 6000 community members reached, new programs launched, scholarships provided, and a Beautiful Bakersfield Award Nomination made for a wonderful year. KDA invites you to read our 2017 Year In Review – a wrap up of all our programs and partnerships all in the name of service to the arts in Kern County.
As 2018 approaches, KDA is gearing up to announce our new season! Save the Date for our Season Preview Party on January 28, 2017 at Bakersfield Country Club.
Interested in receiving the 2018 KDA Season Brochure? Send KDA an email with your name and address and we will happily add you to the list. Don’t forget, KDA is seeking new Board Members and Student Interns– applications are due January 15.
To date, Kern Dance Alliance has graduated a total of 97 SHINE Girls and Mentors. As the only branch in California and on the West Coast, KDA is proud to offer the SHINE program free of charge to all participants thanks to the generous funding of sponsors and private donations including Chevron, Junior League of Bakersfield, The Women’s and Girls’ Fund of Kern County/Kern Community Foundation, Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust, Bakersfield Californian Foundation, Sean and Jennifer Maguire, and Garces Memorial High School.
Spring 2017: April 1- May 20 – Spring served 19 girls and 9 mentors
Session results according to SHINE pre/post-test results:
93% of SHINE Girls reported an improvement their math skills.
100% of SHINE Girls reported an improvement in their confidence level.
100% of SHINE parents have stated that their girls reported a heightened interest in STEM and dance.
Fall 2017: September 9-October 28 – Fall served 22 girls and 6 mentors
Session results according to SHINE pre/post-test results:
95% of SHINE Girls reported an improvement their math skills.
100% of SHINE Girls reported an improvement in their confidence level.
95% of SHINE parents have stated that their girls reported a heightened interest in STEM and dance.
Apart from measurable results, KDA has learned the greatest from SHINE Mentor testimonials at the culmination of each session:
I am so proud to be part of SHINE for girls. I learned how to be patient when trying to teach the girls new concepts. It was difficult sometimes to explain some problems, but when the girls would understand and make the connection, it was the best feeling. I hope the girls learned math can be understood through reason and little tricks to help them. I learned I enjoy teaching and talking to younger people. I was in the same position as the girls, and I wish SHINE was in Bakersfield for my time. The girls are more confident in the way they speak, the way they interact, and with their attitude to learn. My interest in STEM has heightened. The session is helpful to my choice in career. I want to be a pediatrician because I enjoy learning medicine, and I enjoy talking to kids. I am glad I was able to share my passion for learning not only academics, but the passion of dance with girls. Dance boosted my self-confidence and I know it had the same effect with the girls. My SHINE girls were shy and after the session they love to talk. After the six weeks, I hope they remember me and the impact I made in their futures. I would love to return as a SHINE mentor for the fall 2017 session next year. – Mikaela Cardenas
Being a SHINE mentor has been incredibly fun and educational! Every Saturday I wake up excited and ready to engage with the SHINE girls. I loved watching the girls come out of their shells as they grow in both their math and dance abilities. There are many aspects of STEM that appeal to me. Currently I’m focused on the PLTW Engineering program at Centennial High School. The process of bringing my ideas to life with via engineering, math, technology and science is exciting! I like mentoring for one specific reason, the “ah-ha” moment. That look when their eyes light up you can almost see that a door had been opened in their mind. Being an introvert, I would say that being a SHINE mentor has also helped me to come out of my own mind and engage with others. The girls and I have formed a bond, we feel empowered when we come together. The SHINE program is great, that is my feedback. I would definitely want to be a mentor for the spring and fall sessions of 2017. – Victoria McFarland
Being a part of SHINE has not only been fun, but it has been such a great experience. Mentoring the girls, I learned about their strengths and weaknesses, and I helped them when they were struggling. In this process, I assessed my strengths and weaknesses and worked with the girls to overcome difficulties. All of the girls brought their own personality each week, and watching them have fun was the best part of my weekly session. SHINE has been a great opportunity for me, and I hope to see other girls experience the same. – Elise Wurtman
Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY was a pilot program that linked dance and literacy by focusing on Common Core Standards for Reading Literature for children, K-3rd, commencing the summer of 2017. In collaboration with the Kern County Library and Kern Literacy Council, families had the opportunity to visit Kern County library branches and watch a dance performance based upon a well-known children’s book. Post-performance, children engaged in kinesis by learning choreography and created a craft that coincides with the book’s theme. At the culmination of the session, children were divided into groups based upon age/level and posed questions to evaluate their comprehension. Lastly, children were able to take their own copy of the book home. Books in Motion was offered for FREE to all participants.
Kern County dance organizations, Dancer’s Turnout Academy, Downtown Dance Arts, and Mojave Movement Arts Center applied to be the official Books in Motion performers. Dance organizations were responsible for choosing a story from the Books in Motion bibliography, create a performance reflecting the story, and choreograph a 1 to 2-minute dance that relates to the story to teach the participating children.
Books in Motion was well received by the Kern County community and achieved excellent results:
585 Children + Families Reached
254 FREE Books Provided
24 Dancers
9 Performances
IMMEASURABLE Impact on Kern County Families.
Books in Motion was made possible through generous support from the Bakersfield Californian Foundation, Terra-Gen Wind Farm, Golden Queen Mining Company, and the Arts Council of Kern County.
KDA was pleased to host the third annual Children’s Dance Education and Outreach Event at the Fox Theater on November 16, 2017. Generous support from the Arts Council of Kern, Chevron, Fox Theater Foundation, Grimmway Farms, Western Graphics, and Sub Station Downtown provided KDA with the opportunity to create an afternoon of smiles and joy for all that participated in the event!
KDA and the League of Dreams teamed up this year to bring the first dance and disability program to Kern County.
AXIS DANCE COMPANY RESIDENCY:
On May 6, 2017, KDA and the League of Dreams hosted one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovative ensembles of performers with and without disabilities, AXIS Dance Company. AXIS inspired diverse populations to dance while providing creative dance classes, a professional development course geared toward educators working with diverse populations, and a professional dance performance. The weekend drew over 80 children with mental and physical disabilities to experience the joy of movement at Garces Memorial High School.
ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY:
Fresh off the heels of the Spring 2017 AXIS Dance Company residency, KDA and the League of Dreams offered a 5-week dance + disability program. ADAPTIdance participants learned inclusive and creative dances that were accessible and adaptable for movers with and without physical and developmental disabilities. The program culminated with a performance at the historic Bakersfield Fox Theater.
ADAPTIdance was taught by dance educator, Sakina Hansford, who was trained by the world’s leading dance + disability dance company, AXIS Dance Company. 11 Dance Interns from dance studios across Kern County assisted in also teaching the classes. ADAPTIdance served 60 dancers with mental and physical disables.
ADAPTIdance is the only dance and disability program available for children with mental and physical disabilities in Kern County and was made possible through generous support from Chain Cohen and Stiles, Chevron, and Garces Memorial High School.
SUMMER DANCE CAMP
KDA, in partnership with Garden Pathways, continued arts mentoring services for at-risk youth through the KDA + Garden Pathways Summer Dance Camp July 21-23, 2017. The dance camp focused on professional dance artists and the trends they are setting in the international field of dance. Guest artists represented different dance disciplines: Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Music Theory. Four elements were featured: master classes, laboratory sessions, choreography, and the final dance showcase. Dance students across Kern County partook in the Summer Dance Camp. The Summer Dance Camp culminated in a final performance and guest artists Q&A open to the community.
Guest artists attending the Summer Dance Camp included:
ALLYSSA BROSS- Ballet
Originally from North Carolina, Allyssa Bross is a Principal Dancer with the Los Angeles Ballet. Along with dancing, Allyssa has been featured on several television commercials, shows, and magazines and is a published author in Simon and Schuster’s “Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Power of Positive.”
JOE JOE GROOVES SMITH- Hip Hop
Joe Joe Grooves Smith received his BFA in Dance Performance in Jazz from East Carolina University in 2004, he has become an accomplished professional commercial hip hop dancer who’s worked with major artists such as Paula Abdul, Jennifer Hudson, Katy Perry, KeKe Palmer, Latin Popstar Chayanne, Sugarland, Tisha Campbell Martin, and Nicki Minaj.
SALEEMAH KNIGHT- Jazz Dance
Ms. Knight is on faculty at the USC, Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. She was a featured dancer in Disney’s Broadway Musical, The Lion King.
SUZANNE KNOSP- Music
Dr. Suzanne Knosp is a Professor of Dance and Music Director for Dance at the University of Arizona. She teaches courses in music and dance and accompanies dance technique classes. Her recordings for dance class are available from Princeton Book Company Publishers.
The Summer Dance Camp was made possible through support from the Bakersfield Californian Foundation, Arts Council of Kern, Padre Hotel, and Garces Memorial High School.
NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY FOR DANCE ARTS
To date, KDA has received applications from 7 Kern County dancers seeking induction into the National Honors Society for Dance Arts. As the only NHSDA Chapter in Central California, KDA looks forward to inducting high school seniors during a luncheon in April 2018.
KDA was pleased to provide $850 in scholarships to Kern County dancers seeking assistance to support their dance training.
I want to take the opportunity to thank Kern Dance Alliance for supporting dancers in the community like myself. It was such an honor to be a recipient of the scholarship which allowed me to attend Bay Pointe Ballet Company’s 2017 Summer Intensive, something that I once thought would be just a dream, but thanks to you, that dream became a reality.
Lena Smallwood- Bay Pointe Ballet Summer Intensive: San Francisco, CA.
KDA has made a difference in my life and has given me the opportunity to learn from the top professionals in the dance industry. The hip hop dance instructor challenged me to try new things and I enjoyed it.
Aeralyn Rivera- Kern Dance Alliance + Garden Pathways Summer Dance Camp: Bakersfield, CA.
It is clearer now what will be required to be accepted into a good university dance program or what it takes to become a professional dancer. It doesn’t matter how many trophies you earn from dance competitions, what matters most is having good academics and a strong work ethic, showing maturity and leadership, and always giving your very best effort and pouring your heart out in dance with confidence.
Amanda Bagley- 2 Days in the OC Convention: Orange County, CA.
CALIFORNIA DANCE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STATE CONFERENCE
KDA Board Members (Andrea Chesley, Andrea Hansen, Fara Lundin) attended the California Dance Education Association State Conference held at the University of California, Irvine in January 2017. The state conference boats over 500 attendees from dance and arts programs across California. KDA presented to conference attendees about our dance advocacy efforts in Kern County. The KDA presentation was so well received by the attendees that KDA was singled out as an inspiration for other California communities during the wrap up ceremony on the final day. Additionally, Dance Major seniors from Loyola Marymount University decided to include KDA in their senior thesis and prosed details questions to the KDA Board of Directors for inclusion in their research. Finally, KDA was honored to have Misty Copeland’s famed first dance teacher from the San Pedro Boys and Girls Club in attendance during our presentation.
BAY POINTE BALLET AUDITIONS
KDA hosted auditions for the 2017 Bay Pointe Ballet Summer Intensive. Located in San Francisco, dancers (8 years +) were invited to audition for the summer session: July 10-August 4. Local dancers attended the audition and a total of 5 dancers were offered acceptance into the program, including KDA Members Lena Smallwood and Aeralyn Rivera. Lena Smallwood was able to attend the summer intensive with the support of a KDA Scholarship, as well as the support of the Kern County community through a GoFundMe initiative.
B
EAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD AWARDS
KDA was nominated for an “Arts and Culture” Award at the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards in June 2017. While KDA did not receive the award, the recognition as a contender in the category was truly an award! The Bakersfield Museum of Art “Driven by Art” project was selected as the awardee.
PHILANTHROPY ON TAP
KDA was chosen as 1 of 11 Kern County nonprofits to be highlighted during the Kern Community Foundation/Bakersfield Young Professionals 2017 ‘Philanthropy on Tap’ Series. KDA informed the community about our dance advocacy work and the various programs KDA offers. Attendees enjoyed complimentary wine and appetizers while learning more about KDA. The event was held at Imbibe Wine Bar and was open and free to the public.
TILER PECK in BALLETNOW and the MUSIC CENTER LA
KDA sent 3 lucky KDA Members and a guest to go behind the scenes of BalletNOW at the Music Center LA in July 2017. Starring Bakersfield-born, New York City Ballet Principal Dancer, Tiler Peck, BalletNOW incorporated renowned dancers pushing the boundaries in a mix of iconic and contemporary ballets by some of the most revered choreographers. Ms. Peck led an exciting roster of dance superstars for three distinct performances. Ms. Peck brings exquisite grace, energy, and unmatched artistry from her Bakersfield-beginnings to her meteoric rise as one of the youngest principal dancers of the New York City Ballet.
BAKERSFIELD YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SUMMIT: PHILANTHROPY PANEL
KDA participated as a panelist in discussing philanthropy in Kern County at the first annual Bakersfield Young Professionals Summit in May 2017. KDA Board Member, Marcie Hronis, spoke about KDA’s work alongside representatives from Wellspring Church, Wind Wolves Preserve, and CASA.
COUPLES for CASA
KDA assisted CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) in finding a choreographer for the COUPLES for CASA Fundraiser on October 7. David Moreno, local choreographer and dance educator, was hired to create five dances for five couples. Featuring the Honorable Robert Anspach and his wife Rosemary, as well as 4 other couples, David choreographed a short dance representing a variety of 90s decades. Over 250 attendees enjoyed the evening while total money raised was $136,000 which will help provide 42 more children with their very own CASA for one year.
BOYS and GIRLS CLUB “FARM to TABLE(aux)”
KDA provided the dance entertainment for the 2nd Annual “Farm to Table(aux)” a fundraiser supporting the Boys 
and Girls Clubs of Kern County on October 6. With support from Dignity Health, KDA was thrilled to add to the event’s theme of “Da Vinci” by hosting dancers from the world-renown dance company, Pilobolus, to recreate Da Vinci’s “Vitruvian Man”. Over 450 guests enjoyed a tableaux performance by Pilobolus, as well as a specially choreographed duet for the opening of the evening’s program. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County serve 17,934 annually. KDA was honored to assist in their fundraising efforts and applauds the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County for raising $323,498.00 at Farm to Table(aux)!
The day after the event, the dancers from Pilobolus treated the Kern County community with a performance, master class, and Q&A session at the dance studio at Garces Memorial High School.
I would like to start by saying thank you to the KDA board members for taking me as their 2017 Student Intern. This opportunity has given me a real-world experience of working and allowed me to further my passion for dance. I have thoroughly enjoyed participating as a key member of the KDA board- both at the meetings and the events we facilitate. As a teenager my opinions and suggestions are often times disregarded among adults; however my voice was always heard by these lovely ladies. Being the intern made me feel important not only as a board member but also as an involved citizen of Bakersfield. KDA plans and participates in a plethora of impactful, life-changing programs for our community, and I am immensely grateful for getting to be a part of the organization. As the end of my year as the intern closes I find myself reminiscing on the laughter filled, yet productive monthly meetings and the inspiring events we put on. The board members are not only my professional teammates; they are my mentors, and furthermore my role models for whom I want to become as I get older. I will miss being the student intern for KDA, and I wish the next intern luck as they join this amazing organization.
Whether you are a dancer, studio owner or arts connoisseur, KDA is here for you.
NEWSLETTER — September 2016
Co-Authored: Kyli Davis + Andrea Hansen
It’s been a breathless summer for the Bakersfield dance community. The high temperatures have heated up studios across the valley while Jordan Wandick, competing in “So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation” has lit the small screen on fire with her powerful, charismatic dancing. On June 27th Jordan became a top ten finalist in the popular Fox TV series, and each week she wowed viewers with her dancing. KDA supporter and SYTYCD season 8 runner-up, Sasha Mallory chose to be Jordan’s mentor and together they delivered a performance to ‘Amazing Grace’ that prompted the following response from Entertainment Weekly writer Kelly Connolly: “Wow. It’s like the whole show stopped to breathe at once.”
Jordan began her dance journey at the age of nine in a jazz class at Dancers Turnout Academy. Ambitious and energetic, Jordan was soon recruited for the competition team. She quickly excelled taking as many classes as she could, even going home and practicing regularly. A passion for dance accelerated a proliferation in her technique and her devotion to dance soon included additional responsibilities, including assisting DTA teachers in various dance technique classes.
This past January, Jordan was not only recognized for her dance talent, but also her academic achievements as one of two KDA scholarship recipients. A 4.0 student, a featured dancer in Debbie Allen’s “The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker”, and a shining example of leadership and humility led the KDA Board of Directors to unanimously approve her scholarship application.
Jordan was eliminated from the competition on August 2nd, but it is safe to say that SYTYCD is only the beginning for the young dancer. Jordan’s future plans are clear. “My dream is to dance on Broadway,” she told KDA. “I want to see my name in lights and I can’t do that without dance.”
To perform at optimal levels, dancers need to be well fueled for classes, rehearsals, and performances. Carbohydrates are a major energy source in muscles. An ingested carbohydrate is broken down into simple sugars (glucose) in the digestive tract then stored in muscle in the form of glycogen, the primary fuel for energy production. Dancers who do not ingest sufficient carbohydrates will compromise their ability to train because of low muscle glycogen levels. They may feel more fatigued during classes and rehearsals.
Dancers should favor complex carbohydrates derived from whole wheat bread, oats, quinoa, legumes, vegetables, fruit, and low-fat dairy rather than simple carbohydrates, such as candy, cake, ice cream, pastries, sodas because complex carbohydrate are nutrient dense with many micronutrients while simple sugars are nutrient poor.
Here is a complex carbohydrate recipe that is low in fat and will surely give you energy!
The Whatta-Burger (meat-less burger)
Burgers:
3 ½ C Water
½ C Nama Shoyu (soy sauce)
4 ½ C Oats –uncooked
1 Onion large – chopped
1 C Sunflower Seeds – chopped
1 Tsp. Italian Seasoning
2 Tbs. Nutritional Yeast
½ Tsp. Garlic Powder
2 Tbs. Olive Oil
Directions:
Serves 10
Comments:
Of course you can eat these with hamburger buns like the traditional hamburger. I also like to plate just the patty, add mustard, mayonnaise, shredded lettuce, chopped onions and chopped pickles on top, and then eat them with a fork as the entrée. This is a gluten free recipe.
by Amy Adams
Are you struggling with a particular aspect of performing? Whether you feel stuck by a major roadblock or just want a new perspective on an old problem, this regular column offers advice from a fellow performer who has been there before.
When I am in dance class or alone, I love to dance, but once I am aware that people are watching me I mess up so much that dancing becomes frustrating. Aren’t performers supposed to love being watched? Is it weird to be shy and be a dancer? How do I become more comfortable in front of people?
Believe it or not, not all performers love to be watched. The interesting thing about being a gifted performer is that it can truly be within anyone, extroverts and introverts alike. The most important thing to remember is that the second you get inside of your own head and make yourself aware that people are watching you will have a tendency to second guess your perceived ability and begin to focus on the “what ifs” people may be thinking. Be as present as you can be in the moment, and always focus on what you love about dance, for me it is the the flow of movement that makes me forget that I am actually counting in my head, the moment you can just let go you can feel that love, tap into that. Also, one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is confidence in your ability, if that confidence waivers make sure you are continually educating yourself. The more prepared you are the more empowered you are so that you can truly dance like nobody is watching.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, it is important to practice good dance class etiquette. Not only is class etiquette important to cultivate the best possible class experience for you and your fellow dancers, but it can also be extraordinarily impressive to your instructors who, more often than not, play a large role in deciding the future of your career. It is especially important for young studio dancers as they move on to collegiate and professional studios and take more master classes to be educated about and practice proper dance class etiquette because it will separate you from the rest. You will appear professional, mature, and humble and directors and choreographers will want to work with you again and again because you make their job easy and rewarding. Some of these rules may be obvious to you, but some are “etiquette crimes” still committed by experienced dancers! Practice the following 10 guidelines, and you’ll always impress in class.
Arrive On Time. Always arrive with enough time to be fully prepared to begin class without distraction. If you do happen to arrive late, enter the studio quietly as possible and wait until the end of class to apologize. You may even want to wait for permission from the instructor to come on to the floor. The key is not to disrupt the class any further. Try not to “come and go” during class either. Once in class, stay in class for its entirety. In addition, never leave early. If there is an emergency and you must, discuss this with your instructor before class and leave as discreetly as possible.
Observe Studio Floor Rules. Different studios may have different rules regarding their floor, but there some general guidelines on what is appropriate treatment of studio floors. Wear only approved foot wear on the floor. Help protect our precious dance floors by never wearing your street shoes inside the studio and never wearing your dance shoes outside the studio. Socks are traditionally not appropriate for dance class but have recently been a footwear trend in class and performance. Socks can allow for more stamina on sometimes, sticky marley floors or aesthetics and increased technical capability in choreography. However, some floors may be too slippery for socks and some instructors may find it too informal. If you’re in doubt about whether socks are appropriate for class, ask your instructor about appropriate foot wear.
Bring Only the Necessities Into the Studio. The necessities should not include your phone. If you must have your cell phone, use it wisely and make sure it is completely silent, even vibration settings can be a distraction. Always ask instructor permission before pulling out your phone to film or take photos of any part of class, especially if you plan to post the instructor’s choreography in any public capacity.
Come to Class “Clean.” Come to class in proper dance attire, free of any jewelry. This allows the instructor to easily spot corrections in your technique and you to dance fully without worrying about your safety or the safety of the other dancers. Never chew gum during class or bring food into the studio. Water should be your only necessity. Always come to class having practiced good personal hygiene. Not only will your instructor and fellow dancers thank you, but you will feel better and dance better as a result!
Give the Instructor Your Full Attention. Never sit down in the middle of class. Avoid negative body language such as crossed arms, leaning on the barre, or yawning. These behaviors will make you appear bored, thus the instructor will think you’re uninterested in class. Give the instructor your undivided attention, never talking while they’re speaking, not even quietly to your neighbor. Most importantly, listen first, then ask questions. The instructor should never have to repeat themselves because you weren’t listening. Ask questions that are relevant to class and the current combination being taught. If you find yourself with more than 1-2 questions about a particular subject or combination, consider saving them for after class so not to delay or disrupt the flow of class.
Never “Mark” a Combination. Unless the instructor has otherwise specified, always dance to your fullest ability. To not do so is a waste of your dance instructor’s time and implies that you do not care. Use your time on the floor and in front of your instructor wisely. Your technique will only improve and your instructor will notice!
Be Attentive. When performing across-the-floor or center combinations, be prepared when it is your turn. Especially if your instructor has given the class explicit instructions on when each dancer or group should begin, he/she should not have to “count you in.” For example, if an across-the-floor combination is four 8-counts, the next dancer or group should be ready to on the fifth! Your instructor will be thankful for this display of professionalism. In addition, never quit early or pause in the middle of the floor because there is a dancer coming right behind you! Do your best to keep going if you make a mistake to avoid collisions or other dancer’s ability to complete the combination.
Practice Your Spatial Awareness. Be aware of the personal space of your instructor and fellow dancers. Never crowd the front (or back) of the studio floor or your instructor. Be confident and do not be afraid to stand where you can best see, hear, and learn, but try to only stand in front if you really know the combination.
Let the Instructor Do the Teaching. Do not to correct other dancers during class. That is the instructor’s job. Keep opinions about class choreography or combinations to yourself. Only worry about you and what you can glean from class and each particular instructor.
Always Say “Thank You.” Thank your instructor after class, even if you’ve had several classes with them. Thank them every time. Be sure to thank the class accompanist as well. Applaud when appropriate at the end of class and for class demonstrations or end-of-class performances. Instructors will notice and you will always impress if you remember to truly be grateful for the time you get to learn and dance!
Kern Dance Alliance has officially become a chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts with approval for a secondary program accessible to 9th-12th grade students studying dance who meet the requirements for induction. KDA seeks to ensure that excelling dance students within Kern County have every opportunity to grow and succeed. This means that students attending a high school without a dance program or whose high school or dance studio are not current chapters, can still be inducted through Kern Dance Alliance.
The National Honor Society for Dance Arts, or NHSDA is a program of the National Dance Education Organization whose mission is to recognize outstanding artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement in students studying dance and to foster an appreciation for dance as a true art form. By recognizing these dance students nationwide, providing institutions with a way to promote their dance programs, NHSDA helps to advance the field of dance and the importance of dance education. This new KDA chapter comes to California on the heels of the passing of SB916 or TADA!, allowing high school dance and theater teachers to receive a credential with the potential to be highly qualified alongside their teaching colleagues. It is an exciting time for dance education in California and KDA is hoping to make Kern County dancers a part of it.
Dance students are inducted based on a “point system.” Points are awarded for dance activities such as dance classes, rehearsals, performances, research, workshops, or community service, alongside a GPA of at least 3.0. Dancers who are inducted receive recognition of their artistic merit, academic achievement, and leadership throughout their educational experience, certificates at each level of induction with the opportunity to wear the gold Honor Pin and blue and white Honor Cord with graduation gowns, mentorship from the KDA Chapter Sponsors and board members, networking with their peers, and have access to leadership and development opportunities within their NHSDA Chapter. Students will potentially have the opportunity to assist the KDA chapter sponsors with administration, record keeping, fundraising, and event planning as the chapter grows. Inducted students also qualify for the NHSDA National Merit, Leadership, and Academic Achievement Award, a scholarship award and the highest honor from the National Dance Education Organization.
9th-12th grade dance students who might be interested in the induction process should stay tuned for announcements from KDA beginning in the Fall through member email and social media. There will be an informational meeting soon and progress meetings throughout the year to ensure students who desire to be inducted are guided and mentored throughout the process. For more information about NHSDA, please visit www.nhsda-ndeo.org. KDA is thrilled to highlight the best and brightest dancers in Kern County.
Whether you are a dancer, studio owner or arts connoisseur, KDA is here for you.
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.
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.
