Welcome Letter

This summer we are officially celebrating The Yard’s 50th anniversary, and we’re commemorating this momentous year with yet another cohort of world-class artists, companies, and dance educators.

Our 2023 artists-in-residence are pushing boundaries and confronting big questions. They are a dynamic group of creators and storytellers, movers, and magic makers — together they form an eclectic season built on a wide range of dance disciplines. From tap and samba to puppetry and a multimedia, black-lighton-paint installation and creation story, this season promises to inspire everyone!

Whether through a summer residency or a winter program, The Yard has been working to engage, expand, and explore.

During our ‘22-’23 “off-season,” we enjoyed great successes throughout our island community with a slew of programming that served year-round residents. We reestablished pre-pandemic favorites like Godfrey Muwulya’s Dance Showcase in the elementary schools; forged a new multi-discipline tango program via an exciting partnership with the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society; hosted a series of effervescent rhythm workshops in schools, led by Leo Sandoval; and with the help of island dance teacher, Claire Page, brought our popular Kids Do Dance program to The Martha’s Vineyard Museum during spring break for the island schools.

the human truths they explore in their works; and to experience their energy and joy through the gifts of movement, multimedia installations, and shared space. As always, some are presenting completed works, while others invite us into their creative process. But all are engaging with the pressing issues of our time.

Events will be held on our campus in Chilmark and at locations across Martha’s Vineyard. Whether you live in Aquinnah or Oak Bluffs (or somewhere other than the Island), this is your Yard. Please come and make yourself at home. We are anticipating the delight of seeing you again and celebrating with you!

Those successes will extend into this summer with residencies, workshops, and community conversations. We have created opportunities to engage with this year’s artists–to watch them in action; to dance side-by-side with them; to witness

Acting Executive Director / Program Director