Mission and History
Our Mission
Through Dance and Musical Theater, we empower individuals to use their creativity and work collaboratively to connect to the world around them. Together in Dance builds community among students, families, educators, and other professionals who learn together so that the arts continue to be an integral part of their lives.
Our Vision
Each individual that works with Together in Dance will carry the experience of collaboration in the performing arts into their future and out to the world. We impact change by bringing people together to:
Express ideas through the arts
Share ideas and work collaboratively to create
Develop empathy and compassion
Value the performing arts
Think critically and self reflect
Our History
2000
Organization incorporated by Jannas Zalesky as an S-Corp in New Jersey. Primary program is providing professional development workshop series to NYCDOE classroom teachers, dance educators, and physical educators. Also developed multi-year partnership with Brooklyn Museum
2003
Begins offering Creative Movement residencies to public school communities
2006
Begins offering Musical Theater residencies to public school communities
2007
Becomes a 501(c)3 organization
2008
Stage 1 pilot - Teaching Artist Mentoring Program. There are 8 Teaching Artists working in 6 schools
2009
Jannas Zalesky retires as founding president, Roslyn Biskin and Karen Curlee become co-directors
2012
Implement formalized Teaching Artist Mentoring and Professional Development program, first through Brooklyn Arts Council
2015
Family Workshops partnership with Brooklyn Historical Society
2018
First pilot of Programming for Older Adults. Together in Dance has 14 Teaching Artists working in 17 residencies through Brooklyn and Queens
2020
Karen Curlee retires, Katie Palmer becomes Executive Director. Roslyn Biskin becomes Advisory Director