The FWDC officially launched the 2012 Outreach Campaign, and we are already over $1,000!! We need $4,000 more to reach our goal of $5,000. This campaign helps continue outreach programming in schools and places in the region that assist those with disabilities. Why is this important? Here are 5 reasons:
1. Dance is often the sole reason many students go to school and/or stay in school. FWDC’s outreach programs stimulate creativity and intellectual growth while contributing to emotional and physical well-being.
2. FWDC’s after school dance programs give students a positive, non-judgmental and safe environment to express themselves, exercise, form relationships, and feel a true sense of purpose and unity. These programs keep at-risk youth off the streets.
3. Dance teaches self discipline and teamwork which are skills that translate to better education and success in the workplace. The arts are uniquely capable of providing rich opportunities in exploring creativity and encouraging positive self-image.
4. Dancing allows those with physical/mental disabilities a chance to express themselves through movement despite their limitations. The arts are essential to opening new insights to the world and enriching our lives.
5. Dance provides physical/mental refreshment and relaxation.
The FWDC’s goal is to give students a balance in their lives so that they may be motivated, engaged, and enriched for a lifetime through early exposure to the arts, and by nurturing and encouraging their creative spirit. We hope you will join us in realizing our goal. We believe in “Dance for ANY Body, A Chance for EVERY Body!” If you would like to contribute to this initiative, you may do so by making a contribution online at fwdc.org/register or by stopping by our offices, or mailing a check to FWDC at 437 E. Berry St. Suite 203 Fort Wayne, 46802. We thank you for any amount you can contribute to keeping these programs going strong for many years to come. We cannot do it with YOU!
Current Outreach Programs of the Fort Wayne Dance Collective
- South Side High School
- Weisser Park Arts Magnet School
- Bunche Montessori Early Childhood Center
- St. John the Baptist School
- Hamilton Elementary School
- Forrest Park Elementary School via Youtheatre
- St. Henry’s Head Start via CANI
- Anthis Career Center Early Childhood Lab
- Oak Farm Montessori
- Carroll Middle School
- Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities
- Children’s Autism Center
- Pathfinders Services Inc.
- Passages Inc.
- A Day Away Adult Daycare
- St. Anne Home
- Bi-County Services
Join the Fort Wayne Dance Collective at South Side High School Thursday, April 26 and Friday, April 27 at 7pm in the auditorium for the SSHS Dance Program’s annual Spring Concert! This performance is always a treat! Help keep this amazing dance program going by attending the performance and supporting this outreach program of the FWDC. We would appreciate any donations you can make to the Fort Wayne Dance Collective Outreach/Scholarship campaign to allow these talented students to continue dancing. This performance will feature four different dance classes showcasing multiple pieces, a collaborative dance between North Side High School and South Side High School dance students, the first ever classical ballet piece and more! Don’t miss your chance to support these talented and passionate students, and the many outreach programs of the FWDC! Admission is just $7 for adults and $5 for students. We hope to see you all at South Side!
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.
