BRATTLEBORO-Friends of the Brattleboro School of Dance (BSD) proudly present BSD’s 2026 Spring Show, “Continuum: Celebrating 50 Years of Dance,” a milestone performance honoring five decades of artistry, education, and community.
Organizers say this year’s production is “both a celebration of the school’s rich history and a vision for its evolving future.”
BSD’s annual Spring Show brings together dancers of all ages in a dynamic, multigenerational performance that highlights the breadth of the school’s programming. The 2026 production, under the artistic direction of Louisa-Marie, is especially significant, marking not only BSD’s 50th anniversary but also a major organizational transition — from a privately owned business to new nonprofit management.
Established in November 2025 by a small group of alumni, Friends of BSD is working to purchase the school and ensure its long-term sustainability as a community-centered nonprofit arts organization.
“Dance teaches us to be in our bodies with confidence and courage, to be resilient and to take up space,” said Friends of BSD Board President Marcia LoMonaco in a news release. “For 50 years, the Brattleboro School of Dance has offered dance education in our community. I grew up at BSD — developing as a dancer and a person while building lifelong connections. Friends of BSD was founded because we believe that art is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It is how we communicate our humanity. We intend to honor that belief and strive to keep BSD open to all for generations to come.”
Founded in 1976 by Kathleen Keller, BSD was created to meet a local need for inclusive, high-quality dance education for both children and adults. After 36 years of leadership, Keller passed the school to Jennifer Moyse (2012–2017), followed by current director Bridget Struthers, a BSD alumna who has led the school since 2018.
In honor of the school’s 50-year legacy, “Continuum” presents a retrospective, revisiting works from throughout BSD’s history. The program features many beloved repertory pieces alongside four newly choreographed works representing the school’s next chapter, including new choreography by graduating high school seniors Olive Fleming and Diana Webb — highlighting emerging creative voices.
The BSD Spring Show also serves as an opportunity to celebrate its graduating high school seniors and honor the years of dedication they have given to their dance training. The school reports its 2026 graduates are Diana Webb, Olive Fleming, Mariam Abena Diallo, and Isabella May, who is not performing this year but is recognized for her contributions to the BSD community.
Among the featured repertory is Senecus McDonaldus, a beloved children’s dance originally choreographed by Jane LoMonaco in 1993 and staged for the fourth time, now under the direction of mother-daughter duo Louisa-Marie and Nan Mann. This barnyard dance brings a chorus of animals to life through movement and music.
Originally created in collaboration with the Brattleboro Music Center Children’s Choir, the work “reflects the power of partnership between dance and music in the community,” said organizers.
Continuing that tradition, this year’s performance will again feature the choir, now directed by Stefan Amidon.
The program includes work by a diverse group of choreographers spanning BSD faculty, alumni, students, and guest artists, including Mucuy Bolles, Olive Fleming, Rachel Hebert, Holly Johnson, Kathleen Keller, Jane LoMonaco, Alison Mott, Jennifer Moyse, Toni Nagy, Bridget Struthers, Diana Webb, Patricia Wilson, and Crows Feet Collective.
Performances of “Continuum” take place at New England Youth Theatre, 100 Flat St., Friday, May 15, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 16, at 2 and 7 p.m; and Sunday, May 17, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors & children under 12. For more information and tickets, visit friendsofbsd.org/tickets.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.