The Fort Wayne Dance Collective is hoping to find someone special — we received funding from Arts United to open a paid internship from October 2010 to June 2011. We need someone, a current college student, who can focus on multiple things at once, switch from administrative busy work to heads-in-the-clouds strategic planning, all the while navigating the sometimes confusing infrastructure of a collective-style managed organization.
Our ideal intern is laid-back but able to stay on task, adaptive and flexible but motivated, and understand the goals and philosophies of the Fort Wayne Dance Collective (which we will explain in the interview process). It’s a lot of fun — not only do they get to meet fun creative artists, they can work in an environment that fosters creativity. Our intern will get to bump elbows with internationally renowned dancers, learn how nonprofit arts organizations do their good works, and generally make a difference in the lives of over 30,000 people FWDC serves every year.
Our requirements:
- Has an interest in dance, movement, and/or rhythmic music, as well as nonprofit administration.
- Able to create and maintain simple databases, and other related administrative duties to target our marketing for the Indiana Dance Festival and the accompanying guest artist residency by Hubbard Street 2 from Chicago, guest residency in April 2010.
- Must attend meetings and contribute efforts to the 2011 Indiana Dance Festival steering committee led by the Outreach Director.
- Make cold calls to identify potential attendees.
- Conduct mailings to inform patrons of the event.
- Assist with a smaller event, Dark Dance, Deadly Tongue, in late October, to build skills in customer service, as well as event promotion and coordination.
This position pays $10 per hour, for an average of 10 hours per week. Although hours are flexible, there are a few meetings and set office times that are a must.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, navigate over to the Indiana INTERNnet. Create a profile, and find our listing under the Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation Industry. If you’re who we’re looking for, we’ll call you for an interview. Please have your application in by 5:00 pm,September 15, 2010.
Good luck!
Photo by Kelly Lynch.
Earlier this month, Outreach Director Erin Stewart left the Fort Wayne Dance Collective to pursue new ventures in Washington, DC. We wish her well, and realized that she left big shoes to fill. After a long search process with many great candidates, the FWDC board decided to hire Alison Eby Gerardot, pictured above.
Alison has been involved in the Fort Wayne dance scene her entire life. She has studied and taught dance at numerous studios around the city and region and has choreographed for shows at IPFW as well as for the Fort Wayne Dance Collective. Along with her knowledge of dance, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English with minors in Dance and Communications as well as her teaching license. Alison not only has a passion for dance but an appreciation for all arts and has close ties with local musicians and artists as well. She looks forward to sharing her love of dance and the arts with the community through her work at FWDC. She first became involved professionally with the Fort Wayne Dance Collective when she conceived of and co-created Eaten Alive: Seven Deadly Sins, featuring the work of seven local choreographers, each creating a dance focusing on a mortal sin. All three shows were sold out, and FWDC now produces a spooky Halloween show each October. Alison will be coordinating outreach bookings and developing the program with FWDC, as well as leading the Indiana Dance Festival steering committee for April 2011.
Next time you’re in FWDC studios, stop by the office and welcome Alison, or drop her an email (alison [at] fwdc [dot] org). We are excited to have her aboard, and want her to meet as many of our friends as possible (although chances are, if you are a dancer, you already know her!).
UPDATE: This position is now closed to new applications. Thank you for your interest!
The Fort Wayne Dance Collective is looking for a talented professional to manage and advance our large and diverse outreach program. We need someone who isn’t afraid to network professionally, write detailed grants, follow up with outreach inquiries, manage, nurture and evaluate artists, and even just make coffee now and then.
The applicant chosen for this position will have completed a four-year degree (or commensurate experience), have strong writing and communication skills, possess superior time management and prioritizing abilities, and harbor an interest and appreciation for dance, movement, wellness, and the arts. Previous experience with nonprofit organizations, creative or grant-writing skills, and an understanding of Macintosh computer systems are a plus. The candidate must be flexible, approachable, and easily co-exist with his or her fellow directors.
If selected, you will work in a fun, laid-back, artsy and respectful environment, learn something new every day (anything from hanging stage lights to scrapbooking), hob-knob with internationally-renowned artists from time to time, and have all the dance and wellness classes, and free popcorn you want (there’s an independent movie theatre in the same building).
This position is budgeted for 30 hours-per-week, with a salary of approximately $24,000 a year. Health benefits are included and are employer-paid. Salary is non-negotiable.
Please submit cover letter, resume and at least two professional references to Andy Welfle, Managing Director via email at andy [at] fwdc [dot] org with “Outreach Director Application” in the subject line, no later than Monday, July 26 at 5:00 pm.
Job responsibilities include:
- Seek out new outreach education and performance opportunities including off-site teaching, as well as opportunities for Fort Wayne Taiko and touring company performances.
- Coordinate and produce contracts for outreach services and evaluate the outcomes.
- Assist in the development of outreach marketing activities and strategies.
- Coordinate special projects in conjunction with management staff.
- Manage and negotiate contracts for outreach teachers and outreach sites.
- Assist with long-range planning and annual budget.
- Collaborate with the management staff and outside professionals in securing outreach funds through grant writing, proofing and managing, as well as fundraising.
- Act as staff liaison with the Personnel committee and Education committee.
- Serve on the Artist Panel Committee and the Fund Development Committee.
- Lead the annual Guest Artist Steering Committee.
- Manage the Guest Artist intern.
- Manage on-site volunteers.
- Secure allies in the arts, multi-cultural and disabled communities.
- Submit monthly reports to Board of Directors and participate in board meetings.
- Attend conferences and workshops that relate to the position as determined by management staff.
- Nurture the growth of outreach instructors.
- Assist with hospitality needs for on-site workshops.
Because FWDC strives to make dance accessible for anyone, no matter their physical condition or ability to afford lessons, we have a strong scholarship program, funded by support from Wells Fargo and from our generous donors. Children can apply for scholarships at FWDC at the beginning of the academic year (in September), which would give them a free class until the end of that academic year (until June). An audition is held at FWDC, this year on Thursday, August 19 from 6-7:30 pm at the studio.
To qualify for this program, students must be between the ages of 6-17 and have a sponsor who is responsible for transportation and moral support of the student’s interest in dance. This person can be a parent, family friend, or other significant adult in the student’s life.
No dance experience is necessary, but hard work and dedication is mandatory.
To register for the audition, call the Fort Wayne Dance Collective at 424-6574 or email us via the contact page. You must obtain a scholarship application form prior to auditioning, and submit it by Monday August 16
Feldenkrais: Awareness through Movement
Lisa Tsetse, ABMP-certified massage therapist, Guild-certified Feldenkrais™ practitioner
Join FWDC founding member Lisa Tsetse, as she returns from Ithaca, NY to teach this popular movement method!
What is Feldenkrais?
The Feldenkrais Method™ is an educational system centered on movement, aiming to expand and refine the use of the self through awareness. It is intended for those who wish to improve their movement repertoire (dancers, musicians, artists), as well as those wishing to reduce pain or limitations in movement, and many who want to improve their general well-being and personal development.
Monday, August 9 & Tuesday, August 10
4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Held at FWDC Elliot Studio, 437 E. Berry St., Second Floor
Cost: $15 per session, or $25 for both.
Call (260) 424-6574 or contact us to register.
FROM LIZ: FWDC welcomes Vicki Millar to facilitate this year’s Summer Intensive Week July 26-30. I’ve known Vicki for many years and I am so excited she will be here to share her vast knowledge of dance. The week’s focus is to share a variety of ways to teach movement and rhythms to people with disabilities but in addition her love for choreography will be shared in evening classes. We hope that local dancers will take advantage of this great opportunity!
Class Description
Shedding Light: New ideas on teaching people with disabilities
This dance workshop will explore levels of cognitive development;, modality based learning, teaching approaches, and lesson plans for special populations.
Choreography: Seeing Through New Eyes—A different Perspective
Many choreographic ideas are hidden in plain view. These workshops will draw attention to our environment and life occurrences that often escape our awareness, and shape these into improvisational events and compositional works. Participants should keep a “dream” journal several weeks prior to the workshop and bring with them to class (Class meets Monday through Thursday night with an optional informal showing on Friday night at 6:00 p.m.)
Summer Intensive Schedule
| MONDAY, JULY 26 | |
| 8:30-11:30 AM | Shedding Light: New ideas on teaching people with disabilities |
| 1:00-1:45 PM & 2:00-2:45 PM | Teaching movement for people with mental disabilities |
| (Vicki teaches a sample class at ARC) | |
| 7:00-8:30 PM | CHOREOGRAPHY —Seeing Through New Eyes: a different perspective |
| TUESDAY, JULY 27 | |
| 8:30-11:30 AM | Shedding Light: New ideas on teaching people with disabilities |
| 1:15-2:00 PM | Teaching movement for people with mental disabilities |
| (Vicki teaches a sample class at Pathfinders Huntington) | |
| 7:00-8:30 PM | CHOREOGRAPHY —Seeing Through New Eyes: a different perspective |
| WEDNESDAY, JULY 28 | |
| 8:30-11:30 AM | Shedding Light: New ideas on teaching people with disabilities |
| 12:30-1:15 & 1:15-2:00 | Teaching movement for people with mental disabilities |
| (Vicki teaches a sample class at Bi-County Services in Bluffton, IN) | |
| 7:00-8:30 PM | CHOREOGRAPHY —Seeing Through New Eyes: a different perspective |
| THURSDAY, JULY 29 | |
| 8:30-11:30 AM | Retreat for local professionals who work at locations served by FWDC |
| 2:00-2:30 PM | Teaching movement for people with physical disabilities |
| (Vicki teaches a sample class at Turnstone Preschool) | |
| 7:00-8:30 PM | CHOREOGRAPHY —Seeing Through New Eyes: a different perspective |
| FRIDAY, JULY 30 | |
| 8:30-11:30 AM | Shedding Light: New ideas on teaching people with disabilities |
| 1:15-2:00 PM | Teaching movement for people with physical disabilities |
| (Vicki teaches a sample class at Turnstone with adults) | |
| 6:00-8:30 PM | Evening wrap-up gathering with informal performances in Choreography |
The fee is $200 for the full schedule of events, or $50 for the evening choreography classes only. The Thursday AM retreat is free.
For more information, please call FWDC at (260) 424-6574 or email us at info [at] fwdc [dot] org.
FWDC will be holding an audition open to any dancers in the Fort Wayne community interested in participating in the second annual spooky Halloween concert. Last year’s sold out concert, Eaten Alive: Seven Deadly Sins was a spooky hit, and this year’s concert promises to be just as chilling.
This year, FWDC is collecting spooky spoken word pieces, such as poetry and prose, and nine local choreographers will be putting many of these pieces to choreography in a concert called Dark Dance, Deadly Tongue. Performances will be October 22-24, 2010.
Auditions will be held at the FWDC studios. Dancers should bring their calendars to indicate availability for rehearsals and must be available during all performance times.
Call (260) 424-6574 or email info (at) fwdc (dot) org.
The Fort Wayne Dance Collective would like to invite you to our Fiscal Year-end Annual Meeting, a celebration of our many activities from July 2009 to June 2010. From a Dances of Universal Peace weekend, to Eaten Alive: 7 Deadly Sins with a full 42 weeks of classes thrown in, we have been busy. Thanks to an Inspire grant from the Foellinger Foundation, we’ve tried lots of new things, and they’ve been hits! Dances of Universal Peace is steadily growing in popularity, and we have several choreographers who will be taking part in Dark Dance, Deadly Tongue, this year’s Halloween concert.
Please join us at the FWDC studios on Monday, June 21 at 6:00 PM for a simple celebration of these achievements, and a taste of the year to come. We’ll have light refreshments, and board members on hand to meet and socialize with. It won’t be more than an hour.
Although you’re welcome to just show up, we’d appreciate it if you’d send us an email and let us know to expect you.
Thank you — we hope to see to see you soon!
The King’s Curse
An original story-dance concert by
the Fort Wayne Dance Collective
WHEN: Friday, June 18, 7:00 pm
WHERE: Arts United Center, 303 E. Main St.
COST: $12 adults, $10 children 12 and under
Fort Wayne Dance Collective is proud to present “The King’s Curse,” an original story-dance concert, performed by local students, ranging in age from 3 years old to adult. The concert is happening Friday, June 18, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the Arts United Center, 303 E. Main St. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $10 for children 12 and under. For tickets, call (260) 424-6574 or email info@fwdc.org.
In the story, the King and the Queen hold a grand ball, and send out invitation by carrier pigeons. The pigeon heading to deliver one to Madam Thorndye, the local pharmacist and sorceress gets lost. The invitation is never delivered. Angry and vengeful, she puts a curse on the King.
The curse plagues the King with four demons: Guilt, Fear, Blame and Grudge. Over the hour-long concert, the King must learn to deal with these demons, and win back the friends and family he alienates.
“The King’s Curse” features local theatre stalwarts Reuben Albaugh and Gloria Minnich as the King and Queen, and local artist Cheryl Spieth-Gardiner as Madame Thorndye. A whole host of other dancers play parts in the story as well, including local belly dancers led by Jordana bint Zweena, and students in FWDC’s adult modern and ballet classes. The biggest hit of the concert is always the 3-year old Creative Movement students, who play the Teardrops. There will be a unique dance adapted from the ancient Chinese movement form T’ai Chi, created and choreographed by FWDC Artistic Director Liz Monnier, as well as a special appearance by the FWDC adult creative movement class at Bi-County Services, as they play the Council of the Wicked.
For photograph and video opportunities, FWDC will be holding dress rehearsals Saturday, June 5 from 8:45-11:30 AM at the FWDC studios, Saturday, June 12 from 8:30-11 AM at the FWDC studios, Wednesday, June 16 from 6-8:30 PM at the Arts United Center, and Thursday, June 17 from 6-8:30 PM at the Arts United Center. Please contact Andy Welfle to schedule a time to capture video and photos.
We’ve been hard at work over here at the Dance Collective, updating our website and making it easier and quicker to get around. Now, instead of an iWeb file, our site is built on the powerful WordPress content engine. We hope it can do a number of things for you better than the old site:
- Compatibility with all web browsers, even older stubborn versions of Internet Explorer.
- Easier, cleaner navigation
- Better social media integration (go ahead! Take a look at the icons at the top of the screen!)
- Integrated news and blog
- Better event management
- Easier to navigate class schedule
- Easier to interact with site and contact FWDC.
We are not done yet! Eventually we plan to use a bonified web developer and find some awesome functionality and fancy graphic interface, and be the best darn small arts nonprofit arts website out there. Keep in touch, and meanwhile, stay updated on what we’re doing. Click the little orange button in the top left corner to grab our RSS feed and get notified every time we update!
The Fort Wayne Dance Collective is funded in part by