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Dance program at Dance Barns highlighted as county-supported youth initiative; county funds early childhood pilot
Summary
NDI New Mexico presented a performance and program overview to the board; presenters said county funding supports after-school advanced training and a new early-childhood outreach pilot; presenters gave program scale and finance figures and commissioners praised students' performance.
The Dance Institute (NDI) New Mexico presented a student performance and program overview to the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners on April 8, highlighting an established partnership with county youth services and a recently piloted early-childhood outreach program.
Chanel Delgado, who oversees the county Youth Services Division, described the partnership: "Santa Fe County has been a steadfast supporter of NDI New Mexico for many years, collaborating to provide comprehensive development for children." NDI artistic director Liz Solganek and guest teaching artists introduced performers and explained the organization's curriculum and "core 4" teaching principles.
Solganek and staff said NDI serves thousands statewide; presenters said the organization's annual program budget is about $8 million. They described a funding mix that includes roughly 35% government support, 21% individual contributions, 8% from foundations and 8% from earned income such as tuition and ticket sales. NDI said Santa Fe programs currently serve several hundred local students in in-school outreach, after-school programs and advanced training; the advanced training program costs about $256,000 a year and the county provides $24,000 of support, presenters said. The newly piloted early-childhood outreach cost about $35,000 this year and was free to participating families because of county support.
Commissioners thanked performers and praised program impacts. Commissioner Lisa Kokari Stone said she would "apply the 4 core every day moving forward" and Commissioner Hank Hughes noted that participants in advanced training had higher academic performance in evaluation summaries the organization provided.
Why it matters: The presentation underscores how county arts funding is being used for youth development and early-childhood outreach, with specific budget and service numbers provided to the board.
What happens next: NDI invited commissioners and the public to upcoming performances and to follow program evaluation results; county staff continue to oversee the contract and county support.
