Make a Difference in the Hartford Dance Scene

Want to join us in making a difference? We're raising money to benefit Hartford Dance Collective's annual "Hartford Dance Festival", which brings in artists from all over the country to perform on stage with local and emerging artists, cultivating and fostering a dance scene in CT. Any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.

Since 2017, the Hartford Dance Collective has been on a mission to democratize dance, curating captivating performances in unconventional venues across Connecticut. From the grand halls of the art museums including the Wadsworth, NBMAA, and Real Art Ways, to the lively ambiance of local breweries, we've taken dance out of traditional theaters and into the hearts of communities that may not typically have access to such experiences. Our goal has always been to break down barriers and make the art of dance accessible to all. Central to our efforts is the annual Hartford Dance Festival, held in the picturesque Elizabeth Park Rose Garden; this year, on Saturday, August 24, 2024. This festival, now in its third year, has grown to become the largest free dance festival in Connecticut, attracting over 25 professional performing groups and drawing audiences from across the region. It's a celebration of movement and creativity, bringing together nationally and internationally renowned artists alongside local talents and student performers.

Last year, the festival welcomed 1000 attendees, offering them a rare opportunity to witness extraordinary dance performances completely free of charge. This year’s event already has 4500 attendees who have RSVP’d. We believe that great art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, and your support will help us keep this festival open and accessible to all. By showcasing a diverse range of dance genres, from contemporary to hip hop, we aim to represent the rich tapestry of cultures and artistic expressions within the Hartford community. Some of the artists for this year’s festival include David Dorfman Dance (NYC & CT), Ty Graynor & Co (Austin, TX), Subria Vs Movement (Hartford), BODYHOUSE (Hartford), Cadencia Ladies Dance Company (NYC), Peter Stathas Dance (NYC & Wisconsin), Alison Cook Beatty Dance (CT & NYC), The CT Tap Collaborative, VERBAL ANIMAL (NYC), and so many more!!! Additionally, the festival provides a unique opportunity for emerging talents to share the stage with established professionals, fostering mentorship and artistic growth.

Sustaining an event of this magnitude in Hartford comes with many challenges. While we are grateful for the $10,000 support from the Greater Hartford Arts Council, it falls short of last year's funding, leaving us with a significant budget gap. Your contributions will help bridge this financial divide, ensuring that we can cover essential expenses such as security, permits, and facilities like portable toilets, necessary for hosting the event in a public park. All of the professional performing artists are paid a stipend for their performance (25+ performing groups with approximately 75-100 dancers are involved). By supporting the 2024 Hartford Dance Festival, you're not just contributing to an event; you're investing in the cultural vibrancy and unity of our community. Your generosity will help us continue to celebrate the transformative power of dance, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of all who attend. Join us in making this year's festival an unforgettable celebration of creativity, diversity, and connection.

The Hartford Dance Festival has received partial in-kind donations from Parkville Sounds and Wooden Kiwi-Productions so we are able to have sound amplification throughout the park and a safe & sprung dance floor with marley for the performers. In addition to this crowdfunding campaign, we are currently accepting sponsorships from businesses who are interested in multi-faceted brand recognition during this popular Hartford community event.

Additionally, we are still accepting volunteers for the day-of the event. If you cannot donate monetarily and would like to donate your time, please reach out!

The Hartford Dance Collective Inc. is a qualified organization with the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) under section 501(c)(3). Contributions for the purposes of The Hartford Dance Collective are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Budget Breakdown

Expenses:

Performer Stipends: $10,000

Staging: $2,880

Photo/Video/Advertising: $1,100

Security/Permits/Facilities: $3469

Stage Hands & Hospitality: $500

Sound Equipment: $3000 (donated in-kind by Parkville Sounds)

Event Coordination/Day-Of Staff: $3,091 (10+ volunteers from the Hartford Dance Collective donating their time)

$24,040 total event cost

Income:

$10,000 Greater Hartford Arts Council Hartford Creates Grant

$3,000 Hartford Dance Collective allocated funds for the festival

$3,000 Parkville Sounds donating equipment in-kind

$3,091 Hartford Dance Collective volunteers

$19,091 total secured