Vail Friends of Dance was founded 40 years ago, in 1984, by Denise Briner, Henry Hill, Joanne Morgan and Sybill Navas.

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The initial mission was to serve as the liaison between Colorado Mountain College and its dance instructors. The organization also began offering financial assistance to students for classes at CMC and elsewhere during the summer.

 

The original vision of providing financial assistance, additional dance training and community outreach lives on in everything Vail Friends of Dance does today:

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• VFOD is made up entirely of volunteers dedicated to providing dance education, financial assistance and performance opportunities.

• VFOD supports the Vail Valley Academy of Dance and Vail Youth Ballet Company by contributing time and funding for artistic directors, studio space, choreography, master classes, performances, theater rental, costumes, storage, production, financial aid, scholarships, social events and teacher continuing education. 
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Vail Friends of Dance is managed by a Board of Directors, comprised of volunteer members who meet on a monthly basis to discuss fundraising events, annual budgets and the distribution of funds.  

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​We believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual and are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our operations. This commitment extends to our volunteers, dancers, teachers and anyone involved with Vail Friends of Dance. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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