WMU News

New group promotes dance

Oct. 9, 2000

KALAMAZOO -- The dance community in Kalamazoo is getting an infusion of support. Partners In Dance, a new community support group, got off to an enthusiastic start in September with the first meeting of the new board of directors, election of officers and adoption of bylaws.

The goals of the voluntary organization are:

  • to promote greater awareness of dance in the community,
  • to encourage more people to attend dance events,
  • to provide opportunities to experience professional dance performances and
  • to generate funds for visiting dance artists, scholarships and other special needs of the Western Michigan University Department of Dance.

Membership in Partners in Dance is open to any interested person who makes a tax deductible contribution of $35 or more to Partners in Dance through the WMU Foundation

Benefits include acknowledgement in the University Dance programs, advance background information regarding productions, pre-concert lectures, opportunities to meet the artists, and a newsletter subscription. Other benefits are under discussion and will be added to membership "perks" in the near future.

The first order of business for Partners in Dance board members will be signing up members before and after each performance during the University's Fall Concert of Dance, Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 26-28.

The members of the first Partners in Dance Board are: Nancy Ehrle, president; Maureen Knapp, vice president; Sue Malley, treasurer; Patricia Plasko, secretary; Kate Barnes; Woody Ehrle; Jerrold T. French; Dorothy Giovannini; Jerre James; Tim Light; Bob Luscombe; Faye Luscombe; Cory Robbins; Vonette Sarche'-Zupko; Cindy Stravers; and Jane Baas, chair of the Department of Dance.

For additional information, contact Jane Baas at 616 387-5833 or <jane.baas@wmich.edu>.

Media contact: Jane Baas; 616 387-5833; jane.baas@wmich.edu


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