The Santa Barbara Dance Alliance is, indeed, in critical condition, as you reported, but I’m afraid the situation is actually graver. Last month, the Dance Alliance made the painful decision to shutter its offices at the Arts and Culture Center in a final effort to downsize without affecting the current programs on offer.

For the past 34 years, the Santa Barbara Dance Alliance has held firmly to its founding vision, building strong relationships within the dance community, guiding and supporting new and emerging artists, and fostering continued growth for established Santa Barbara dance companies. Though no organization has the resources to be everything to everyone, through its diverse platforms, the Dance Alliance has successfully managed to strengthen and unite the movers and shakers of a dizzying variety of dance genres within our community in a unique and remarkably effective way.

I was at last month’s emergency round-table discussion, where an inspiring collective of pioneers and visionaries from within our dance community offered testimonials and counsel over the impact of the organization and its programs. When we adjourned, one simple thought became clear to us all: the relevancy of a dance organization created for and by our community is as essential today as it was back in 1979. And as we near the end of the year with an alarming lack of financial resources, we call on you, our community of artists and supporters, to assist us in seeing our collective vision through and well past the coming new year.

Although donations made directly to the organization are critically necessary today, there are many other ways you can ensure the Dance Alliance continues its efforts, including becoming an official member, volunteering your time, participating in one of the many dance and educational programs, or purchasing tickets to a seasonal production.

I am of the unwavering belief that the arts are both a fundamental component of a flourishing community and an integral element in engendering community connection. I hope you, too, share my belief in the collective strength of an Alliance.

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