The Yard, Inc.

CONTACT:

PO Box 405
Chilmark, MA 02535-0405
(508) 645-9662
www.dancetheyard.org

Wendy Taucher, Artistic Director

DESCRIPTION:

The Yard, on Martha’s Vineyard, was founded in 1973 by dancer and choreographer Patricia Nanon, to nurture the creation of new work in dance, and enrich the cultural life of the island. They have abundantly succeeded. In 34 years their studios have hosted over 650 eminent choreographers, dancers, composers, and designers, who have collaborated on over 200 original works. A summer residency program offers five emerging choreographers, up to 20 dancers, and two companies, housing, workspace, stipends, and technical and administrative support for public concert performances of new work, in exchange for benefit performances, informal showings, lecture demonstrations, and open rehearsals, as well as reflective relationships with Yard artistic staff. Affiliate Artists have three-year appointments—currently The Urban Bush Women, Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company, Margie Gillis, Paola Styron, and the Jose Limón Company. For adult dancers and non-dancers, they run master classes and workshops by artists from prominent companies like Martha Graham and Bill T. Jones. In 2006, lessons in swing, tango, Latin, and world dance were offered at potluck family dances. In sum, The Yard is an “artistic nurturing ground” and a turning point in dancers’ careers. This is excellence at the highest level that merits your support.

(2007: CULTURE: Arts: Performing: Dance)