June Newsletter: A Caravan in Motion

Dear Outreach,

June has arrived, and around here that means we are entering one of the busiest and most exciting stretches of the year. As we write this, our teaching artists wrap up 25 school residencies across the Hudson Valley, our Company musicians and dancers rehearse, summer faculty make plans, and the office staff juggle an impressive number of calendars, tap shoes, and cups of coffee. In other words: summer is just around the corner! There is a great deal happening across the Caravan, and we are grateful to have you along for the journey.

ARTS EDUCATION

36 Years of the Calico Ball & Public School Programs

When children learn a song in another language or team dances from another national tradition, they glimpse the soul of that culture — something no textbook can teach. The Vanaver Caravan helps shape our future by bringing children closer to other peoples through music and dance.

— Pete Seeger

Every June, something remarkable happens in Beacon. For two months, our teaching artists visit classrooms across the district, introducing students to dances, songs, rhythms, and traditions from around the world. Then, after weeks of practice, over one hundred third graders gather at Beacon High School and take the stage together for the Calico Ball.

This year marks the 36th anniversary of the program. Pete Seeger helped launch the very first Calico Ball alongside The Vanaver Caravan, and over the decades it has become one of the longest-running arts residencies in the region. Some of the parents cheering from the audience danced in the program themselves.

At a time when arts programs are increasingly difficult to sustain, there is something heartening about a tradition that continues to bring generations together through a shared experience.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SCHOOL PROGRAMS

AMERICA IN MOTION

A Behind-the-Scenes Preview
Saturday, June 13, Kingston, NY

Photos by Madeline Cottingham Simon

Something new is taking shape. The Vanaver Caravan is developing America in Motion, our first new full-length performance project in more than a decade. Directed and choreographed by Brian T. Lawton, the work draws from American folk music, social dance, work songs, rhythmic traditions, and the many stories that have shaped this country.

On Saturday, June 13, we will gather at Old Dutch Church in Kingston for an intimate behind-the-scenes preview of the work in progress.

This is not a public premiere. It is a special opportunity to experience excerpts from the piece, hear a bit about the creative process, and glimpse the next chapter of The Vanaver Caravan as it begins to unfold. We will also be capturing footage from the evening to help bring the work to presenters and wider audiences in the seasons ahead.

The gathering will be small and thoughtfully held, and we would be delighted to welcome community members who feel drawn to the project.

Interested in attending? Please reach out to Moo (moo@vanavercaravan.org) for more information and availability.

DANCE INSTITUTE

Summer Programs - One Month Away 🤸

JUL 6 - 17

For dancers ages 4-8: Caravan Kids Weeks, creative movement and structured play at Marbletown Multi-Arts, Stone Ridge, NY

JUL 27 - AUG 7

For dancers ages 9-18: SummerDance+Music, an immersive experience at Lifebridge Sanctuary, Rosendale, NY.

Photo by Rafal Pustelny

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SUMMER PROGRAMS

CARAVAN HAPPENINGS

India Cultural Exchange Program - Registration now open

For many years, The Vanaver Caravan has traveled to India to learn, teach, collaborate, and build lasting artistic relationships. This year, we are opening the door wider and inviting participants to come with us.

Led by Program Directors Chelsea Needham and Bharat Verma, alongside Co-Founder Livia Vanaver, this experience connects participants directly with artists, educators, and communities across India.

PART ONE: UDAIPUR

Artistic Immersion

Dec 26, 2026 - Jan 9, 2027

Udaipur, Rajasthan (“The City of Lakes”), North India

PART TWO: AUROVILLE

Teaching & Creative Practice

Jan 9, 2027 - Jan 30, 2027

Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, (“Auroville”), South India

THE FULL JOURNEY

Dec 26, 2026 - Jan 30, 2027

Experience the entire 5-week exchange across North & South India

ONLY 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE. REGISTRATION DEPOSIT DUE BY 8.15.26

SUMMERDANCE GETAWAY

Hudson Valley Accommodations Await

SummerDance takes place at a historic lodge turned retreat center in the heart of the Hudson Valley. In addition to the spacious guest rooms the lodge offers a large shared commercial kitchen, dining areas, outdoor gazebos, lush grounds, and hiking trails.

Families or participants 18 and older are invited to book a room or several rooms and take advantage of this affordable home-base to enjoy the Hudson Valley.

Overnight Accommodation:

$325 per week per person

$130 weekend stay per person

BOOK YOUR ROOM

GREAT GRANT NEWS...

Awards Enable a New Public School Residency

We are honored to be awarded an Ann and Abe Effron Fund Grant from the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley. This grant will help support a brand new residency program at Smith Elementary School in the Poughkeepsie City School District.

Thanks to CFHV for leading the way in connecting generosity with community needs and nonprofits.

COMMUNITY CORNER

A Spotlight on Events Being Presented by our Wider Community:

Qigong at Opus 40

Explore the ancient movement practice of Qigong with dancer and movement practitioner Jill Ann Schwartz

Sundays May 17-Sept 6

9:30-10:30AM

📍Opus 40 Sculpture Park, NY

Visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/qigong-with-jill-ann-schwartz-3 to reserve a spot.

Make an Impact Today

Your support means that we can continue to foster a love of dance and music in the next generations through public school residencies, summer programs, and public performances.

DONATE