Chatham Dance Project
Free and Low-Cost Winter Dance Workshops for Middle School Students in Columbia County, NY
About
The Chatham Dance Project is a new nonprofit initiative offering inclusive dance workshops for middle school students in Chatham, NY and surrounding school districts-including Ichabod Crane, New Lebanon, Hawthorne Valley and Taconic Hills. Currently there are no dance outreach programs serving these communities.
This pilot program will take place over four weeks from mid-January to mid-February 2026 in
the spacious, light-filled ballroom at Morris Memorial in Chatham Village. Sessions are designed to spark joy, confidence and connection while providing high-quality dance experiences accessible to students who may not otherwise have the opportunity.
Each student workshop includes:
- A 90-minute session led by professional teaching artists, accompanied by live music
- 50 minutes of dance, followed by a short break with appealing, nutritious snacks
- A 20-minute Q&A, discussion or video presentation to deepen engagement
- Flexible registration: students may attend single sessions or sign up for all 4 at a discount
- Affordable tuition with scholarships available
Students will explore a range of dance genres, introduced by world-class teaching artists and musicians - fostering both artistic growth and a deeper connection to community.
The series will conclude with an informal showcase for families and local supporters, giving students the chance to share what they've learned while building confidence and pride. It will also serve as an opportunity to engage the broader community and encourage future support.
This pilot is just the beginning. With strong local interest from parents, students and community members, future programming is already being planned for both the academic year and summer months. We envision collaborations with leading arts organizations to source teaching artists and create opportunities for student trips to professional performances.
Chatham Dance Project is led by Lisa Weisinger Manne, a Chatham resident and performing arts producer who has created workshops for organizations such as American Ballet Theatre, En Avant Foundation and Performing Arts/LA. She is passionate about offering meaningful, accessible arts programming to Columbia County youth.
Your support will help cover:
The series will conclude with an informal showcase for families and local supporters, giving students the chance to share what they've learned while building confidence and pride. It will also serve as an opportunity to engage the broader community and encourage future support.
This pilot is just the beginning. With strong local interest from parents, students and community members, future programming is already being planned for both the academic year and summer months. We envision collaborations with leading arts organizations to source teaching artists and create opportunities for student trips to professional performances.
Chatham Dance Project is led by Lisa Weisinger Manne, a Chatham resident and performing arts producer who has created workshops for organizations such as American Ballet Theatre, En Avant Foundation and Performing Arts/LA. She is passionate about offering meaningful, accessible arts programming to Columbia County youth.
Your support will help cover:
- Teaching artist and musician compensation
- Studio rental and insurance
- Student scholarships
- Healthy snacks and materials
- Administrative and fiscal sponsorship fees
Thank you for helping us bring movement, music and confidence to the next generation of young dancers in our community!