EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2024 IN REVIEW
Dear Steamboat Dance Theatre (SDT) Family,
As I reflect on my first year as Executive Director of this incredible organization, I am filled with gratitude and pride. 2024 has truly been a year of leaps and bounds for Steamboat Dance Theatre. Our focus on expanding our reach, deepening community impact, and fostering an inclusive and sustainable environment for dance has brought new energy and purpose to everything we do.
This year, we accomplished many of the goals outlined in our strategic plan while also discovering new opportunities to fulfill our mission. We prioritized accessibility, diversified our programs, and strengthened connections within the Yampa Valley community—all with the goal of building a vibrant dance ecosystem for everyone to enjoy.
We truly believe that dance has the power to transform lives, not just for today, but for generations to come. This annual report highlights the strides we’ve made in bringing that vision to life in 2024 and will give you a greater understanding of SDT overall.
I invite you to join us in this journey. Explore our website, become a member for as little as $25 per year, or connect with me directly to share your ideas and dreams for our future. Together, we can ensure that Steamboat Dance Theatre continues to inspire, empower, and uplift our community through the art of dance.
Jazz Hands & Pirouettes,
Lori Biagi
Lori Biagi Executive Director
970-846-5833
loribiagisdt@gmail.com www.steamboatdancetheatre.org
Happy Dancing!
COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENTS AND ENGAGEMENTS
A LOCAL DANCE COLLECTIVE: DANCE FOR DANCE
In September, we proudly launched a new event: A Local Dance Collective, which brought together eight performing groups and studios under one roof. Held at the Strings Music Pavilion, the event welcomed over 600 attendees, showcasing the incredible diversity of dance in the Yampa Valley.
The success of this inaugural event was threefold: it raised approximately $4,000 to support SDT’s programming, provided invaluable exposure for local dance studios and artists, and offered the community a fresh opportunity to experience the joy and artistry of performance. Unlike our Annual Concert, which invites anyone to participate, A Local Dance Collective highlighted the talent and leadership of established studios, professional groups, and artists shaping the local dance scene.
Participating studios and groups included Bella Movement, Elevation Dance Studio, Goodhart’s Dancin’, Forty106 Dance Project, Jasmir Belly
Dance Troupe, Perry-Mansfield, Steamboat Academy of Music & Dance, and The Yampa Valley Vixens. Each group brought its unique style and passion to the stage, creating an unforgettable evening of movement and connection.
We envision A Local Dance Collective becoming a staple in Steamboat Springs’ summer lineup. This event not only reinforces the vitality of the local dance community but also strengthens SDT’s mission to enrich the performing arts scene of our region. We’re excited to see this celebration of dance grow in the years to come!
OTHER NOTEWORTHY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2024 INCLUDE:
SCHOLARSHIPS:
In te calendar year 23/24, SDT awarded over $40,000 in scholarships, a significant increase from $17,000 the previous year. This supported more than 150 families in Routt County and allowed us to expand the program to Hayden and include scholarships for adults. Additionally, we translated the application into Spanish to make the process more accessible to non-English-speaking families.
Scholarships are a vital lifeline as the rising cost of living continues to challenge local families. This program bridges the gap, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent participation in dance.
A family shared their gratitude:
“We wanted to put in writing how thankful our family is for the scholarship we have received over the last year from Steamboat Dance Theatre. Although Alden has danced locally since age 3, we were usually able to afford the 1-2 classes she took. However, a year ago we experienced a sudden drop in income and the SDT scholarship made it possible for Alden to stay in dance classes. Last spring, we had a chat about which non-school activities were the most important and her eyes lit up when she talked about dance. As a child who is interested more in artistic activities vs athletic, sometimes it can be hard in an outdoorsy sporty ski town but dance has given her the artistic and physical outlet for her energy, created amazing friendships, and taught her responsibility and accountability. As Alden has gotten older, the excitement to try new styles of dance and perform more has not dimmed and again we thank SDT for allowing that spark to keep burning while our family has challenges.
With gratitude, Alden Katz, Michael Katz, & Sarah Cherry”
COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENTS AND ENGAGEMENTS
DANCE VITALITY:
2024 marked the launch of Dance Vitality, a program dedicated to promoting the multifaceted benefits of dance, particularly in mental health, athletic performance, and aging/longevity. This new initiative has already made a significant impact:
• Mental Health: We partnered with REPS in June to bring Boulder Ballet to the community for a live performance and presentation. We watched their recent production “Mindfield,” which centered around mental health and movement. This was followed by free dance classes focused on mental health. We are now working with REPS and local therapist offices to provide dance as a resource for mental health in the community. We are also partnering with Undiscovered Earth in their Prescription for the Arts Program which allows local pediatricians to prescribe arts for mental health.
• Aging and Longevity: In February, Viki Psihoyos, a retired professional ballerina now with 3rd Law Dance, hosted classes at Casey’s Pond and the Library. These sessions reached our Parkinson’s network and other aging community members. We have since implemented additional free classes at Casey’s Pond and the Community Center to serve this demographic. Viki will return in 2025 for another workshop.
• Athletic Performance: Over the summer, Meg Southcott of Forty106 Dance Project taught Ballet for Athletes as part of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club’s Fun Fit program. Additionally, Steamboat Academy of Music and Dance led cross-training classes for the Skating Club, and we partnered with The Cycle Effect to bring similar opportunities to their athletes. We are seeking additional ways to implement this program community-wide.
Wendy Smith Mikelsons (one of our instructors) says of Dance Vitality:
“This weekly class at Casey’s has amazed me. I have had several people brand new to Steamboat just moving into Casey’s, here because their adult children live here and have moved their parents to be near them. When all of these various residents come together for class, it’s a very special experience. People from all walks of life, from all over the country and overseas, able bodied and not... some in wheelchairs, some with impaired mobility or memory or cognition. The benefits I personally witness each week are many. Those who are feeling confused or unsettled, upset, agitated, sad or changing their mind about wanting to be there in the first place, tend to calm, relax and actively participate once class starts and they engage with the music and the movement. Often they are able to let go of whatever is worrying them and find a different focus as they join in the class. Aging bodies and minds, some quite frail, concentrate to follow the movement which in turn reaps many benefits. Moving is key to life. Physically it helps with mobility, strength and balance. Cognitively it spurs those neural pathways to fire and re-engage. Socially and emotionally I have literally seen it bring a smile to a sad face, recognition and remembrance to someone with dementia, awaken those who are tired, encourage many to interact with others around them and get people to think about the things they can do, body, mind and soul, in class and out, to carry into their daily
lives. The Dance Vitality Program is a gift to seniors in this community. I thank all who promote and fund it as it is truly making a difference in the lives of many.”
From Barbara, a participant in the Dance Vitality class at Casey’s: “I was feeling really grumpy today and now I feel so much better and relaxed...” Excerpts from her comments... (we begin and end class with deep breathing, soft music and gentle movement, often using imagery)
“I just feel like we’re floating along and a gentle coming back...and you feel like you’re slowly going up to the planets and when you’re coming down it’s like a gentle ride and a feeling of peace. You feel the presence of peace wrapping around the earth with promise and love.”
It also made her recall the lyrics of a song...”If you want to be happy for the rest of your life...”
End note:
Barbara was having a tough day that day. I believe she has Alzheimer’s or dementia. My mother had Alzheimer’s at the end of her life so I recognize the similar struggles. Barbara is a younger senior though. She was very anxious and wandering the hallway that day and not at all sure she wanted to come to class but after encouragement, she joined us. She is one of those participants who becomes fully engaged. Her demeanor was completely changed by the end of class as is obvious from her comments.
To learn more about why dance is critical in these areas, visit our website for resources!
COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENTS AND ENGAGEMENTS
WORLD DANCE IN SCHOOLS & YOUTH OUTREACH:
Our World Dance in Schools program expanded dramatically this year, serving over 500 3rd and 5th graders in Routt County, up from just over 200 last year. This program, which integrates cultural dance into PE classes, was implemented a minimum of three times per classroom, community wide:
• Last year, we spent $3,000 on the program; this year, we invested $6,150 to train new instructors and expand its reach.
Other youth outreach highlights include:
• Bringing dance to the Boys and Girls Club every Wednesday over the summer, including a line dance lesson and performance.
• Two dancers leading an African dance-themed summer camp through the City of Steamboat.
• Connecting Perry-Mansfield with the City to offer an after-school hip-hop camp during the school year.
• Partnering with Steamboat Creates to provide additional summer camp opportunities.
These initiatives are designed to reach children who might not otherwise have access to dance, while also complementing existing programs at local studios.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & PARTNERSHIPS:
• SDT enhanced local festivals, including the All Arts Festival and Art in the Park, with dance performances.
• At Art in the Park, we engaged children with creative activities like dancing ribbon crafts
• We participated in the Festival of the Trees, a fundraiser for the Tread of Pioneers Museum.
• We facilitated rehearsal space for events like the Yampa Valley Pride flash mob and new adult ballet classes at CMC, helping keep class costs low.
DANCE ON FILM:
Our Dance on Film series returned this year in collaboration with Bud Werner Library, by hosting the San Francisco Film Festival montage in June and Call Me Dancer in October. Each screening drew over 50 attendees, and we plan to offer quarterly films in 2025.
OPERATIONAL & COMMUNITY GROWTH:
• We revamped our website to include an events calendar, Spanish translation, and centralized information on local dance happenings.
• Our Treasurer and Executive Director began an operational audit to maximize resources, ensuring more funds go directly to programming.
FIRST CLASS FREE PROGRAM:
This new initiative reimburses partner studios for offering a first free class to community members, lowering barriers for newcomers to try dance. Membership is not required to participate.
MEMBERSHIP & VOLUNTEER EXPANSION:
We introduced new membership tiers to appeal to non-concert performers, offering an affordable way for anyone to support SDT. The Ambassador Program allows volunteers to earn free membership through service hours, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all.
COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENTS AND ENGAGEMENTS
ANNUAL CONCERT
Our Annual Concert continues to be a cornerstone of Steamboat Dance Theatre, bringing the community together for a sold-out series of performances. This year, the show featured over 200 dancers across a diverse range of styles and levels. The Annual Concert is our largest fundraiser and a well-loved community event. It allows anyone the ability to participate, regardless of skill level or background. As new choreographers emerge, we welcome new talent and evolution of the show, while remaining true to the foundation built in 1972. Our production team, led by Kelly Cook, Courtney Gerber and Haley Orton, brought new visions to life.
To make the arts accessible to more members of the community, we invited numerous local nonprofits to attend the dress rehearsal for free, including:
• Horizons Specialized Services
• Partners for Youth
• Yampa Valley Autism Program (YVAP)
• Compañeros Immigrant Integration of Colorado (CIIC)
• Boys and Girls Club of Steamboat Springs
• Casey’s Pond Senior Living Community
• Hayden Senior Retirement Community
• Queer Futures
• Junior Achievement
This initiative allowed individuals and families who may face financial, physical, or logistical barriers to experience a live dance performance in an inclusive and welcoming environment. The Annual Concert not only showcases the talent and passion of our local dancers but also demonstrates SDT’s commitment to making dance accessible to everyone in the Yampa Valley.
In addition to being a celebration of artistry and community, the concert serves as a vital fundraiser, enabling us to sustain and expand our programming throughout the year. From first-time performers to seasoned dancers, this event brings the joy of dance to all corners of our community.
ADAPTIVE DANCE:
Inspired by a community member, we partnered with Feel the Beat, a non-profit in Denver, to train six instructors in adaptive dance techniques. We’re now working with The Steamboat Springs School District and STARS to offer adaptive dance classes community-wide.
COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENTS AND ENGAGEMENTS
INTRODUCING NEW BOARD MEMBERS
TIANA BUSCHMANN
Tiana has deep rooted ties to dance in the Yampa Valley. She moved to Steamboat Springs at 16 years old and began teaching Jazz at Ballet Northwest (Julie SnedenCarlson). After high school graduation, she pursued professional dance training in college and performed with the theatrical Hip Hop Company, Motion Underground (Boulder, Colorado). Upon returning to Steamboat Springs after college, she continued to teach for nearly 25 years in Routt County and the Front Range. Tiana previously held positions as VP of Steamboat Dance Theatre, SDT Annual Concert Artistic Director, Choreographer, and Dancer. She served as the Program and Competition Director for Elevation Dance Studio for 13 years. Tiana brings a unique perspective not only as a former professional dancer but also as a community member and parent of a pre-professional ballet dancer.
KIM BATES
Kimberly began her dance training in Steamboat at the age of 3…her training continued with The Caribbean Dance Company in St. Croix for 4 years before returning to Steamboat when she first performed with Steamboat Dance Theatre in her early teens and is still performing today. She coached the Steamboat Springs High School Dance Team for 10 years, worked in entertainment for Walt Disney World MGM Studios and for the last 10 years has been the Artistic Director for our local Dancing With the Stars. Fun fact she has even choreographed a competitive ski ballet routine…gotta love the 80s! She is currently working at Strawberry Park Elementary Pre-school. When she isn’t having a dance party with the littles she enjoys hiking, reading, trips to Disney and spending time with her people and pets. She is ready to apply her blend of performance experience, educational background and communityoriented vision to our board.
SDT IN THE NEWS
In 2024, Steamboat Dance Theatre took significant steps to increase community awareness of our growth, mission, and programs. Through strategic outreach, we made headlines and strengthened relationships with local media and organizations.
Our efforts included publishing press releases, participating in Executive Director roundtable discussions and hosting booths at community events such as the Farmers Market and Impact 100. We actively engaged with nonprofits and community groups to expand our reach and collaboration opportunities.
SDT promoted our events widely, leveraging platforms like the Steamboat Chamber, Steamboat Creates, and local media channels. The Steamboat Pilot & Today featured us three times this year, in addition to their coverage of our Annual Community Concert. These stories showcased the breadth of our programs and celebrated the impact we are making in the Yampa Valley.
By cultivating relationships with local media and increasing our public presence, we’ve enhanced awareness of SDT’s mission and the many ways we enrich the cultural fabric of our community. This outreach is vital to fostering continued support and engagement with our programs.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
+ CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
2024 was a year of growth and transformation, bringing both exciting opportunities and inevitable (happy!) challenges. Growth often demands greater investments in infrastructure, staff, and sustainable solutions, and we are actively taking measures to solidify our growth and plan for the future. While we faced hurdles, SDT remains financially sound and deeply committed to our mission. Our guiding philosophy is that when we invest in our community, our community will, in turn, invest in us.
We addressed certain challenges through strategic pivots, collaborative granting, and forming partnerships with like-minded organizations. We learned that by team-building, and working together, we can move the dial on a greater scale while strengthening our impact and broadening our reach. Here’s a closer look at the challenges we faced and how we’re evolving to meet them:
$12,882.55
$2,000.00
CHALLENGES:
1. Increased Annual Concert Expenses: Costs for rehearsal spaces and auditorium rentals rose significantly this year, while overall sponsorships decreased.
2. Decreased Donations: Contributions through Colorado Gives Day and direct donations declined, reflecting the strain of rising cost of living.
3. Limited Marketing Budget: Outside of the Annual Concert, we lacked an allocated budget for marketing. Depending solely on volunteers for this critical function proved unsustainable.
4. Board Transitions: Four members of our Board of Directors, including two committee chairs, resigned within a short period.
5. Grant Denials: Several grant applications, intended to fund program expansions, were not successful.
6. Scholarship Program Growth: Demand for scholarships increased significantly. While we granted over $25K, we could not fulfill all requests, highlighting system inefficiencies and the urgent need for additional funding.
SOLUTIONS:
1. Revised Sponsorship Allocations: To maximize funds, we revamped how Annual Concert sponsorship dollars are allocated. By raising sponsorship goals, we will yield additional revenue from our 2025 concert.
2. Aligned Fiscal Year: We are shifting our Fiscal Year to better align with semester-based funding cycles and our programming schedule, enabling smoother operations.
3. Hired a Marketing Contractor: Partnering with Kaitlyn Mueller of Off The Grid Agency, we now have professional social media management and can efficiently handle outsourced marketing projects. Our Partner Studio & Instructor Program was also formalized, increasing support and visibility for Partner Studio/Instructor spotlights, promotions, and events.
4. Scholarship Program Overhaul: We formed a Scholarship Task Force of community members and parents to redesign the program for greater efficiency and accessibility. Improvements include:
• New forms and backend systems for streamlined communication
• Emergency funding for urgent needs
• Increased funding allocations to support the growing demand
5. Bylaw and Board Role Revisions: We are revising our bylaws and formalizing the duties of board members and contract staff, ensuring clarity and sustainability in our leadership structure. We are also recruiting additional board members to give the organization capacity and diversity within its leadership.
These efforts reflect SDT’s resilience and commitment to turning challenges into opportunities. With each pivot, we are strengthening our ability to serve the community and build a lasting legacy for dance in the Yampa Valley.
FUTURE INITIATIVES
LOOKING AHEAD
2 3
Looking ahead, we are wrapping our brains and hearts around the future of this organization. We are excited to implement additional programming, grant-seeking to fulfill this programming, community collaborations and outreach to support our mission and vision.
4 6 5
COLLABORATIONS: We are actively exploring collaborations with other local non-profits such as Partners for Youth, CIIC/Integrated Community, Routt County 4H, and The Routt County Veterans Association. We are also strengthening the collaborations that presently exist between organizations such as Queer Futures & Yampa Valley Pride, Boys and Girls Club, and Casey’s Pond.
CONTINUATION OF COMMUNITY INITIATIVES: We are hopeful to see the community programming we’ve established continue to run seamlessly, so we can focus on adding additional programming in new sectors.
Steamboat Dance Theatre is an ACTIVE MEMBER of the Performing Arts Alliance, and is currently exploring collaborative granting efforts, so that we can reach more funding streams. Some funders require operating budgets over our small budget, but by coming together, collectively we can meet these guidelines and qualify for additional funding.
MENTAL HEALTH: In 2025 we are bringing trained Dance Therapist, Hillary Sinn, to Steamboat to work with 6-8 local instructors to provide a framework and foundation for our Therapeutic Movement sessions. This initiative, funded largely by the Craig-Scheckman Family Foundation, will provide another tool for community members who struggle with mental health
We created an ADDITIONAL FUNDING STREAM we hope our members and community members will utilize, through Deja Vu Consignment. Any items consigned and sold under SDT’s account will go towards Gina Toothaker’s memorial statue.
TICKETS TO INSPIRE: Created by one of our long-standing members, Loren Parsons, this program provides free tickets to those in the community wishing to attend dance performances, but who are financially unable to do so on their own.
In our bigger picture, SDT is growing more roots and increasing efforts in the community. We are also trying to support efforts for a Performing Arts Center as well as earmarking funds for hiring additional employees and bringing more nationally recognized groups to Steamboat in the coming years. We have identified new short and long term goals including additional collaborations to reach underserved demographics. Our vision remains a supportive and welcoming community where anyone who wants to experience dance is able to do so.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
On behalf of SDT, I extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated artists, volunteers, sponsors, and the entire Steamboat Springs community for your support. Your commitment ensures the continued success and growth of Steamboat Dance Theatre and Dance as an Art in the Yampa Valley.
A heartfelt thank you to my amazing Board of Directors who are dedicated, actively involved, and passionate about fulfilling our mission: Kat Goodhand, Pamela Peretz, Stephanie Juneau, Kelsey Harkins, Jessica Stanford, Tiana Buschmann, Krista Colby, Jenn Simbre, Melanie More-Smith, and Kim Bates.
We are so blessed by returning and new sponsors, supporters, and grantors.
Special Thanks to:
The Craig-Scheckman Family Foundation, The City of Steamboat Springs, Alpine Bank, Mountain Valley Bank, Yampa Valley Bank, Steamboat Resort, Yampa Valley Electric’s Operation Round Up, The Yampa Valley Community Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, The Rotary Club of Steamboat Springs, and The Steamboat Springs Education Fund Board. We are grateful for the partnerships we have established with not only these grantors, but the sponsors we have throughout the community for the Annual Concert and our various programming. It takes a Dancing Village to be able to support the Performing Arts and Steamboat Springs is richer and more alive because of the generosity of its residents. We are asking our members and those who love the organization to please support these local businesses and thank them for their support.
And to Annual Community Concert Sponsors and Platinum Donors!
Alpine Bank, SBNY, Central Park Management, McCreight Progressive Dentistry, Alpine Masonry, Texter Mountain Construction, Linford & Company LLC, Yampa Valley Bank, Mambo/Besame, The Steamboat Group- Jon Wade, Mountain Valley Bank, 1-Off Performance & Doc’s Auto Clinic, Aurum Steamboat, Vertical Arts Inc., Schmiggity’s, RD Home + Cafe, Rumor Design, Lucky 8 Ranch, The Group Gives Yampa Valley, The Paoli Group, Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty, Steamboat Local Brokers, B&K Distributing, James Abbott, Steamboat Mountain School, Wagner Design Studio, Mountain Blue Bird Farm, Paws & Claws, Dax Mattox, Drunken Onion, Storm Mountain Metal, Eddington Law Firm, AP Group Real Estate, Re/Max Advantage Plus, Affordable Flooring Warehouse, Lisa McKinley, Clyde’s Pies, Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp, Steamboat Trivia, Dear Park Road Management, Edward Jones Blair Labaree, The Main Event, Elevation Dance Studio, Rideline Electric, The Barley, CBNT Co, Preferred Properties Steamboat, Electric Microgreens, Colby & Ludy PC, Danielle Zimmerer Photography, Healing Path Acupuncture, Silver Creek Enterprises, Edward Jones Jessica Koppe, Emerald Mountain Tax & Consulting, Goodhart’s Dancin’, Skin Chalet, Bella Movement, Pine Grove Dental Arts, Retreatia, Best
Carpet and Upholstery Service, 9 North Group, Advanced Auto Body, Manes & More by Mermaid, The Steamboat Group Fund of the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, Bike Fast Fit, Four Points Funding LLC, Tread of Pioneers Museum, Richey Construction, Liz Smith Counseling, Power Graphics, Casey’s Pond Senior Living, Advanced Auto Body, Eric Tooley, Integrated Community, The Pedersen Team ad Cross Country Mortgage, Pinky & Steve Downs, The Hogan Family, Jamie Lamb, University of Colorado Boulder, Taylor Ashby, Odette Vandenburg, Michael Giordano, Richard Mandell, Jonathan Flint, Fred and Patricia Auch, Loren Parsons, and Dan Foley.
We would also like to thank our Partner Studios and Instructors, without whom our programming would not be possible: Kim Bates, Michelle Barnett, Jamie Boeri, Annmarie Blodgett, Stephanie Clayton, Kelly Cook, Heather Denison, Renee Fleischer, Angie Gamble, Carly Gilliland, Kat Gingrich, Scott Goodhart, Neel Gupta, Traci Hiatt, Alissa Rae Hill, Jean Labaree, Melissa Marienau, Wendy Smith Mikelsons, Brandon Mota, Heathre Naused, Janet Peasley, Gaby Piva, Marti Potter, Mandy Quinones, Ebany Rae, Sarah Ruby, Emma Sharp, Emily Schweitzer, Meg Southcott, Miah Taylor, Emma Terwilliger, Alexa Joy Taylor, Jill Waldman, Danielle Zimmerer.
Merde!
For further inquiries, information, or to connect with me at any time please visit our website or reach out to me! My door is always open to your ideas and feedback.
Thank you for your ongoing support. We look forward to another year of bringing dance to the Yampa Valley.
Lori Biagi
Lori Biagi Executive Director
970-846-5833
loribiagisdt@gmail.com www.steamboatdancetheatre.org