Our history started in the spring of 2015 by co-owners Kelsey Crum and Alyson Dixon.
In 2018, the LLC was dissolved and restructured as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Kelsey Crum now serves as the Executive Director and Alyson Dixon as the Director of Education, both retaining their roles as co-founders of the non-profit corporation.
From its inception, Carolina Dance Collaborative has aimed to make dance an accessible and visible art form in the Upstate of South Carolina. Kelsey and Alyson share a belief that participation in dance enhances self-confidence, body awareness, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. As close friends and colleagues, they recognized a need to make dance accessible to everyone and saw that their combined efforts could turn this vision into reality. The transition to a non-profit has enabled them to establish a significant presence in the Upstate community and expand into the Triangle of NC in 2021.
In 2024, Carolina Dance Collaborative underwent a rebrand and became Dance Collaborative (Dance Collab) to align with its evolution and future plans.
Our mission is to revolutionize dance education by making it accessible to everyone, regardless of location, ability, or resources.
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Embracing a mobile vision, we bring dance directly to the communities we serve, eliminating the need for a fixed facility.
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Our fully inclusive model ensures all classes are modified and adapted to meet the unique needs of each individual.
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Through generous grant and donor funding, we offer individual scholarships and subsidized programs, reaching underserved families and ensuring that financial limitations are never a barrier to participation.
Our vision is to see everyone experience, understand, and embrace the transformative power of dance, creating a world where dance unites and uplifts all individuals.
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Guaranteeing that our participants have full and equal access to opportunities that empower them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
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Fostering independent, confident learners who advocate for themselves and the arts.
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Valuing and appreciating the unique contributions of each individual and community partner.
Our people are a dedicated team of staff and instructors is the heart of our mission.
Comprised of passionate professionals with diverse backgrounds and extensive experience in dance education, each member is committed to making dance accessible and inclusive for all. Our team works collaboratively to create a supportive and empowering environment, ensuring that every participant can experience the transformative power of dance. With a shared vision and a wealth of expertise, they are the driving force behind our innovative programs and community outreach initiatives.
Support The Collaborative
Support The Collaborative
Your support can help us extend our reach and deepen our impact.
By donating to Dance Collaborative, you become a part of a movement that enriches lives and empowers individuals through the language of dance.