Event Details
Please join VCNY at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 26 for “Movement, Community, and Careers in Dance,” a conversation with alum artists, educators, and arts leaders working across New York City’s dance community.
Hosted at Gibney, this panel will explore pathways into the dance world, the intersection of creativity and social impact, and how Vassar alums are shaping the future of dance performance, education, and nonprofit leadership.
The evening will include a moderated panel discussion, audience Q&A, an optional movement-based icebreaker, and informal networking with fellow alums and guests.
RSVP by Wednesday, August 19.
Moderator:
Alaina Wilson ’16 is Chief of Staff and Director of Individual Advancement at Gibney, a New York City-based performing arts and social justice organization dedicated to supporting dance artists and advancing movement-based work as a force for change. In her role, Alaina supports administrative processes, organizational strategy, fundraising, and institutional leadership at one of the city’s leading dance centers.
In addition to her arts administration work, Alaina is pursuing a doctorate in Dance Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where her academic work focuses on empirical research related to dance education and embodied technique through practice and pedagogy. Alaina also remains active as a dance performer, choreographer, and teacher. As an arts leader, dance educator, and artist she brings together experience in nonprofit leadership, movement practice, and dance research.
Panelists:
Maranda Barry ’16 is a teaching artist honored to be working with dancers of many ages and stages. She teaches and choreographs for National Dance Institute (NDI), a nonprofit organization that brings accessible and empowering dance experiences to NYC elementary and middle school students during their school day. This includes whole-body, energetic movement that blends many dance styles, as well as more technical work in ballet, modern and contemporary dance. Part of her work is with NDI’s DREAM Project, where dancers with and without disabilities form collaborative artistic relationships and perform together.
She also teaches creative movement to early learners (toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners). Her classes use games to develop rhythm, musicality, communication, body awareness and sensation. And lastly, she is proud to lead Dance Church, an all-levels adult class simply focused on the joy of moving together. (Imagine a high energy, gently guided, silly and sweet dance party set to multi-genre pop.)
At Vassar, she danced and choreographed for VRDT and majored in Cognitive Science with a self-chosen focus on Dance and Embodied Art. All her work stems from the core belief that dance is a vital mode of processing life, understanding the world, and connecting with each other!
Emma Butensky ’18 is a tap dancer, educator, and choreographer based in New York City. She is a faculty member at Tap Dance Central, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and expanding the art form of tap dance through education and performance.
Emma began studying tap dance at age seven and was an original member of the Tap City Youth Ensemble, performing at venues including New York City Center, Symphony Space, the Kennedy Center, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She was selected for the Jacob’s Pillow Tap Program in 2012 and was recognized as a YoungArts Winner in tap dance in 2014. While at Vassar, Emma served as president of Vassar On Tap and produced multiple tap performances during her time on campus.
Isaac Alan Lindy ’14 is a dancer, actor and figure skater based in NYC. Recent theatrical credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (Alliance Theatre + Atlanta Opera), The Gig (Williamstown Theatre Festival), Water by the Spoonful (Morningside Theater Co.), and The Daughter of the Regiment (Lyric Opera of Chicago). Isaac is a proud union member of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).
As a professional figure skater, Isaac has toured with the internationally-acclaimed contemporary skating company, Le Patin Libre (Venice Biennale, Théâtre de la Ville de Paris, Kennedy Center) and has served as a booking and development agent with the company. With Holiday on Ice, Isaac was the Line Captain of the ensemble for 3 seasons on tour, and has skated in more than 275 performances with the company across Europe.
Isaac has worked as a curriculum developer for Figure Skating in Harlem and was a founding member of the Figure Skating Diversity & Inclusion Alliance. At Vassar, Isaac was an Urban Studies major and a member of VRDT.
Niya Nicholson ’14 is a respected arts and culture leader dedicated to championing opportunity access, building impactful businesses, and advancing creative careers. Niya is the founding Executive Director of MOVE|NYC|, a civic arts nonprofit that is committed to transforming the dance profession by expanding access to tuition-free high-quality dance training and mentorship for young artists from historically underrepresented communities. This work has resulted in a 100% matriculation rate, with 99 alums performing in 25 acclaimed dance companies across six countries.
Recently named a 2025 Nonprofit Power Player by Politics NY and amNY, Niya's commitment to equity and excellence continues through NOWNEXT by NN, her consultancy where she equips artists and organizations with the strategic resources and operational roadmaps necessary to deepen their purpose and expand their possibilities.
This event includes optional participatory movement activities accessible to all experience levels.
Questions? Contact Maya Sterling at maya.sterling@gmail.com.
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