Dance

Seven dancers jumping in front of a fountain.
To ensure your Partners in Dance gift is properly credited, please write Dance Emergency Support Fund or PID Annual Fund in the online giving comments section or in the memo section of your check.
Support PID Scholarships & Annual Activities Support WMU Dance Student Emergency Support Fund

Partners in Dance

Mission:

Western Michigan University Partners In Dance supports dance students to encourage growth and excellence in their academic experience fostering a new generation of exceptional dance professionals.

Vision: 

We sponsor our students’: 

  • Financial Needs: Scholarships, continuing education, the Great Work Dance Project and more.
  • Professional Needs: Preparing for real world career and career transitions by connecting students with Alumni, dance community professionals, and mentorships.
  • Personal Needs:  Helping to ensure emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing of our students. 

 

Celebrating 25 Years of Partners in Dance 

For 25 years, Partners in Dance has raised nearly $300,000 for scholarships, guest artist residencies, travel, and special projects—helping WMU dancers learn, grow, and shine. That support will continue for years to come.

Now, we’re taking an important new step. To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we’re launching the WMU Dance Student Emergency Support Fund. This special fund will provide vital help when unexpected financial hardships threaten a dancer’s ability to stay in school.

In addition to our annual fundraising efforts, our goal is to raise $25,000 to kickstart this emergency fund and ensure no student has to step away from their art because of sudden financial strain.

With your gift, you make it possible for dancers to stay on stage, in the classroom, and on the path to their dreams. We hope to see you at our annual Toast for the Talent Celebration on February 14, 2026 prior to the Winter Gala Dance Concert or at one of the many amazing WMU Dance events this year. 

Department of Dance
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5417 USA
(269) 387-5830

 

PID Giving Levels 

  • Sapphire $1-249
    • Acknowledgement on the Partners in Dance Webpage and in the Winter Gala Dance Concert program
  • Ruby $250-499
    • The benefits of Sapphire and…
    • 2 tickets to the Winter Gala Dance Concert
  • Emerald $500-999
    • The benefits of Ruby and…
    • 4 tickets to the Winter Gala Dance Concert
  • Diamond $1000+
    • The benefits of Emerald and…
    • 2 tickets to the Toast for the Talent Celebration
    • Option to be recognized as a sponsor
Support PID Scholarships & Annual Activities

 

Annually Partners in Dance participates in:

  • NEW: Providing emergency support to dance students experiencing financial hardship
  • Bestowing tuition scholarships for WMU dance majors
  • Providing professional development conference support for WMU dance majors
  • Funding for choreographic commissions
  • Providing support for WMU dance senior projects, including B.A. Capstones and B.F.A. Graduating Presentations
  • Raising funds to increase and safeguard the Great Works Dance Project Endowment Fund.
  • Hosting the December Art Hop performance by the Western Dance Project and guests
  • Hosting the Toast for the Talent Celebration prior to the Winter Gala Dance Concert

 

Board of Directors

Executive Board

Hanna Stangebye, President

David Curwen, Vice President

Lisa Wainwright, Past-President

Mary Ellen Harris, Secretary

Kris Neubar, Treasurer

Megan Slayter, Executive Director

 

Board Members

Patti Herm

Kelly Ann Kakaley

Paige Mulick

Marissa Peterson

Noel Price-Bracey

Carolyn Pampalone Rabbers

Liz Raglin-Fuqua

Jill Ruterbusch

Jessica Spano

Shelley Utt

Cheyenne Niemann, Student Representative