About Us

The Erie Dance Consortium is a collaborative organization of members from Erie's dance community, whose mission is to promote and celebrate the art, education, performance, and experience of dance, while building participation, appreciation, and audience for all dance forms within the Erie community.

The Erie Dance Consortium is an all-volunteer organization that was founded in 2000, primarily to unite the local dance community and promote a spirit of cooperation.  Spearheaded by former Lake Erie Ballet Artistic Director, Christina Maria Adelhardt, and former Mercyhurst University Dance Department Chair, Tauna Hunter, the Erie Dance Consortium began by forming a membership of performing dance ensembles from the Erie community, along with strong collaborative support from the Erie Art Museum.  The first Erie Festival of Dance was presented in 2001, and has been presented biennially ever since.  While exposing audiences to dance in its many forms, our organization can reflect our cultural and ethnic diversity, as well as demonstrate the interrelationship of the arts through collaboration with various, other art forms.

The Erie Dance Consortium continually strives to foster dance in the Lake Erie region by showcasing regional talent in the biennial Erie Festival of Dance.  The organization provides dance education to students, seasoned professionals, and the general public by offering a diverse range of Community Classes throughout the year.  In addition,  Erie Dance Consortium is working toward expanding our community reach and impact through the development and administration of Dance Outreach programs within the Erie area.  Contact the Erie Dance Consortium to learn more about how you can support existing programs by becoming a Sponsor or a Volunteer.