JOIN US in sustaining the future of the Arts
School for Contemporary Dance & Thought Inc.
A non-profit arts organization dedicated to bringing innovative programing in dance, performance and movement education to diverse communities in the Pioneer Valley
Dear SCDT Community,
Since 2014, The School for Contemporary Dance & Thought (SCDT) has been a hub for creative and experimental performance in Western Massachusetts. What began as a small local initiative has grown into a vital resource for artists of all ages, presenting internationally acclaimed artists, offering thousands of movement classes, and building lasting partnerships with organizations like Available Potential Enterprises, Northampton High School, Northampton Arts Council, MAPS, First Generation, and the Young@Heart Chorus.
In just a decade, SCDT has:
Presented the work of over 1,000 artists
Produced more than 500 performances
Offered over 2,000 classes
Engaged with 15,000+ community members
At the heart of our mission is accessibility. Through programs like The Hatchery Young Artist Project and EXCHANGE: The Teen Performance Project, we provide scholarships, mentorship, and opportunities for youth to collaborate with world-renowned artists and local organizations. These programs not only strengthen artistic skills but also foster resilience, collaboration, and mental health support.
But today, like many arts organizations, SCDT is facing significant financial strain. Reduced or cancelled grants, coupled with increased requests for scholarships, have created a funding gap.
To meet this challenge, we are launching a $10,000 fundraising appeal by the end of September.
Your gift matters!
Unrestricted donations allow us to sustain what grants cannot: daily operations, visiting artist programs, scholarships, and the creative infrastructure that keeps our work alive.
By contributing, you can directly support SCDT’s three-year strategic plan, which includes:
Expanding community outreach programs
Increasing scholarships and low-cost options for students
Hosting nationally and internationally acclaimed artists
Presenting over 3,000 people annually with transformative movement and performance experiences
And you receive recognition in return:
$1000+: Your name or business logo on SCDT’s website and Fall season poster
Acknowledgment at all events and in our programs
$50+: Special thanks on website and programs
Special visibility as a leader sustaining the arts in our community
We are proud of the community we have built—one that values creativity, innovation, and connection. But we cannot continue without your partnership. Please consider a tax-deductible donation today and help ensure that SCDT remains a beacon for artists, youth, and audiences in Western Massachusetts and beyond.
Inspired? Ready to donate now?
Our deepest, most humble THANKS,
••• Team SCDT •••
School for Contemporary Dance & Thought Inc.
A non-profit arts organization dedicated to bringing innovative programing in dance, performance and movement education to diverse communities in the Pioneer Valley
Dear SCDT Community,
Since 2014, The School for Contemporary Dance & Thought (SCDT) has been a hub for creative and experimental performance in Western Massachusetts. What began as a small local initiative has grown into a vital resource for artists of all ages, presenting internationally acclaimed artists, offering thousands of movement classes, and building lasting partnerships with organizations like Available Potential Enterprises, Northampton High School, Northampton Arts Council, MAPS, First Generation, and the Young@Heart Chorus.
In just a decade, SCDT has:
Presented the work of over 1,000 artists
Produced more than 500 performances
Offered over 2,000 classes
Engaged with 15,000+ community members
At the heart of our mission is accessibility. Through programs like The Hatchery Young Artist Project and EXCHANGE: The Teen Performance Project, we provide scholarships, mentorship, and opportunities for youth to collaborate with world-renowned artists and local organizations. These programs not only strengthen artistic skills but also foster resilience, collaboration, and mental health support.
But today, like many arts organizations, SCDT is facing significant financial strain. Reduced or cancelled grants, coupled with increased requests for scholarships, have created a funding gap.
To meet this challenge, we are launching a $10,000 fundraising appeal by the end of September.
Your gift matters!
Unrestricted donations allow us to sustain what grants cannot: daily operations, visiting artist programs, scholarships, and the creative infrastructure that keeps our work alive.
By contributing, you can directly support SCDT’s three-year strategic plan, which includes:
Expanding community outreach programs
Increasing scholarships and low-cost options for students
Hosting nationally and internationally acclaimed artists
Presenting over 3,000 people annually with transformative movement and performance experiences
And you receive recognition in return:
$1000+: Your name or business logo on SCDT’s website and Fall season poster
Acknowledgment at all events and in our programs
$50+: Special thanks on website and programs
Special visibility as a leader sustaining the arts in our community
We are proud of the community we have built—one that values creativity, innovation, and connection. But we cannot continue without your partnership. Please consider a tax-deductible donation today and help ensure that SCDT remains a beacon for artists, youth, and audiences in Western Massachusetts and beyond.
Inspired? Ready to donate now?
Our deepest, most humble THANKS,
••• Team SCDT •••
SCDT TESTIMONIALS
WAYS TO DONATE:1. ONLINE!
2. GIVE US A CALL! We would love to chat. Call us at (413) 695-1799. 3. MAIL! We love getting mail! If you would prefer to send a check, please make it out to SCDT and send to 32 Maple Street, Florence MA, 01062 Don't forget to SHARE! Spread the word about a special performance you have seen, a great class you took, a teacher your child loves... Sharing helps this organization to GROW! Thank you! Donations to The School For Contemporary Dance & Thought are tax deductible. The School For Contemporary Dance & Thought is a 501(c)(3) organization, EIN: 82-4126933.
ABOUT US
Since 2014, SCDT has grown from a small artist-run organization presenting a handful of events annually to a vibrant, cutting-edge nonprofit interdisciplinary arts organization. We are now creating new programming to respond to current COVID- and culturally-related challenges and demands. Prior to the pandemic, SCDT was on a steady trajectory towards a sustainable budget; since Spring 2020, we have kept our part-time employees and a presence online with most programming, although our income has diminished by about 50%. We have taken the opportunity to restructure, and cut expenses by moving to a more supportive building location that is dedicated to keeping low-cost space for artists available. We are working as a collaborative team with our sister organization A.P.E. on diversifying programming and sharing resources. We are now a more nimble, versatile organization, ready to serve our communities and spotlight process based work in more powerful pertinent ways. |
Photos by Peter Raper
|
In 2024:
SCDT CELEBRATED OUR 10th YEAR as a vibrant hub for experimental arts!
- Produced 15 performance events, 25 workshops, 350 classes and supported 90 artists
- Received over $30,00 in grants and sponsorships from BEVERIDGE FOUNDATION, HARMON FOUNDATION, MCC, COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF WESTERN MA and private donors
-Collaborated with YOUNG AT HEART, YOUTHFUL EXPRESSIONS, BOMBYX and ONE BEAT!
Hatchery WONDERLAND spring 2025
- Spring 2024 Season in Review
- FALL SEASON EVENTS
IN 2023:
CHECK OUT OUR NEW PARTNERSHIPS WITH YOUNG@HEART CHORUS and BOMBYX!
-Produced: 20 performance events; 300 classes; 60 artists
-Initiated EXCHANGE- THE TEEN PERFORMANCE PROJECT: and expansive performing arts program to engage and spotlight the voices of our creative teens
-Received over $30,000 in grants from the MCC, ARPA, NEFA, The Northampton Arts council and private donors!
In 2022:
-Produced: 40 performances; 20 workshops; 250 classes; 75 artists
-Settled into our new home at 33 Hawley Street, The Northampton Community Arts Trust
-Received over $25,000 in grants from the MCC, Art Angels, LCC, NEFA and private foundations
SOME EXAMPLES OF OUR PROGRAMMING:
Class schedules
Hawley Street Ballet
Hatchery Teen Dance Company
HUT Interdisciplinary Performance Series
WIP
SCDT Summer Dance Festival
SCDT CELEBRATED OUR 10th YEAR as a vibrant hub for experimental arts!
- Produced 15 performance events, 25 workshops, 350 classes and supported 90 artists
- Received over $30,00 in grants and sponsorships from BEVERIDGE FOUNDATION, HARMON FOUNDATION, MCC, COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF WESTERN MA and private donors
-Collaborated with YOUNG AT HEART, YOUTHFUL EXPRESSIONS, BOMBYX and ONE BEAT!
Hatchery WONDERLAND spring 2025
- Spring 2024 Season in Review
- FALL SEASON EVENTS
IN 2023:
CHECK OUT OUR NEW PARTNERSHIPS WITH YOUNG@HEART CHORUS and BOMBYX!
-Produced: 20 performance events; 300 classes; 60 artists
-Initiated EXCHANGE- THE TEEN PERFORMANCE PROJECT: and expansive performing arts program to engage and spotlight the voices of our creative teens
-Received over $30,000 in grants from the MCC, ARPA, NEFA, The Northampton Arts council and private donors!
In 2022:
-Produced: 40 performances; 20 workshops; 250 classes; 75 artists
-Settled into our new home at 33 Hawley Street, The Northampton Community Arts Trust
-Received over $25,000 in grants from the MCC, Art Angels, LCC, NEFA and private foundations
SOME EXAMPLES OF OUR PROGRAMMING:
Class schedules
Hawley Street Ballet
Hatchery Teen Dance Company
HUT Interdisciplinary Performance Series
WIP
SCDT Summer Dance Festival
