Flamenco Vivo’s Executive Director Hanaah Bates recently attended the annual gathering for the NY State DanceForce, a statewide consortium of dance activist members working to increase the amount and quality of dance activity across New York State. The 19 DanceForce members work all across the state, bringing wide-ranging projects from creative development residencies to community engagement projects for their local communities and beyond. Each summer, they gather to share projects and field insights through artist showcases, panel discussions, seminars, and more.

Hanaah reflects, “My first experience at a DanceForce meeting was in Summer 2014, the last time it was hosted here at Hobart and William Smith College, and I have learned so much from these incredible dance advocates over the past decade! It feels like a true full circle moment to return here exactly 10 years later but this time as an official member. I’m looking forward to doing my small part to continue spreading flamenco throughout NY State!”