Learn about the impact of dance beyond the stage through an interactive panel discussion with leaders from 20-year-plus Northeast Ohio dance companies, Ballet Excel, Dancing Wheels Company, Inlet Dance Theatre, Ohio Contemporary Ballet, and host GroundWorks DanceTheater. Each company will share how original programs they have designed with partner organizations have supported and enriched the lives of Northeast Ohio community members. Partner organization representatives from Cleveland Clinic, LIFE: A Dementia Friendly Foundation, Fairmount Center for the Arts, The Estuary, and Reach Out And Dance® will also be a part of the discussion that will provide insight into each participating organization's experiences regarding the importance of dance in their community outreach programming. Facilitated by Joan Meggitt – Director of Education & Community Engagement, GroundWorks DanceTheater

Part 1 - Founders: 1:00-2:30 p.m. | Learn about the origins of some of the region’s established dance organizations, including Ballet Excel, Dancing Wheels, Dianne McIntyre, GroundWorks DanceTheater, Inlet Dance Theatre, and Ohio Contemporary Ballet, each with a history of 20 years or more in Northeast Ohio communities. Visionary founders and leaders will share stories about the beginnings and evolution their organizations. Light Luncheon: 2:30-3:00 p.m. | Mingle and connect with colleagues and friends. Continue to build relationships and strengthen community around dance in Northeast Ohio. Part 2 - Next Generation: 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Join an interactive discussion with individual artists and leaders from some of the region’s dynamic new startups, companies, and platforms in dance.  Learn about and share insights about topics including: current challenges and opportunities in dance; visions for the future of dance; successful strategies to advance dance; and dance as a career choice and life-long practice. Facilitated by Christy Bolingbroke – Founding Executive Artistic Director for the National Center for Choreography at the University of Akron (NCCAkron)