The Vanaver Caravan

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New Paltz, NY
The Vanaver Caravan

Dance and music for all people. We envision a world where people understand and respect one another – where our differences unite rather than divide us."
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Situated in the Hudson Valley of New York, The Vanaver Caravan is an internationally acclaimed nonprofit dance and music troupe with a vast repertoire of world and American folk dance styles and a long history of professional touring, humanitarian work, peace advocacy, and widely celebrated arts-education programs. Mission Statement:

"Recognizing that the arts often communicate what words fail

to express, the mission of The Vanaver Caravan is to inspire, through dance and music, the harmonious co-existence of world cultures and traditions, to promote peace and celebrate our humanity. Visit our website to learn more.

11/12/2024

A big appreciation post to everyone who came to AppleFest and contributed to it’s success. These gorgeous photos by perfectly capture the spirit of the day and our cherished community.
Thank you to our generous partners:

📸 by

11/06/2024

Sending love and hope and resilience to anyone who needs it today 💌 A few years ago, our Youth Company compiled an extensive list of both local and national mental health resources. 🔗 Link shared in bio in case anyone out there needs a little extra support. 🩷

11/06/2024

In moments of uncertainty, we find strength in our community. Now more than ever, it’s through our shared resilience, kindness, and creativity that we keep moving forward, hand-in-hand.

Pete Seeger once said, “The key to the future of the world is finding the optimistic stories and letting them be known.” We, at The Vanaver Caravan, will keep sharing stories that uplift us and bring us closer together, no matter what. As we venture into the unknown–not unlike our Lucia entering the forest–each dance, each song, and each gathering becomes a reminder of our unity, even in the darkest of times.

Let’s keep the spirit of connection alive–supporting one another, holding each other lovingly accountable for our actions and our words, and spreading the collective power of hope wherever we go.

10/22/2024

📣Swing dance workshop with Ramona Staffeld.
UPDATED LOCATION: MaMA in Stone Ridge
3588 Main St, Stone Ridge, NY 12484

Long time company member and swing dance master teacher and jazz historian is in town from Australia. We are celebrating by offering two workshops which are open to the public.

Tuesday, Oct 29th
Stone Ridge, Upstate New York
6pm - Beginner swing workshop $25
7:15 - Advanced Lindy Hop $45
Please register in advance to reserve spot

09/25/2024

Come see Bill Vanaver's new symphonic masterpiece 🪕🎻
Saturday, September 28 in Mt. Tremper, NY

09/08/2024

Fall dance starts this week🍁🍂
All enrolled students will be included in the production of our annual holiday spectacular “Into the Light”
Sign up here:
https://vanavercaravan.org/falldance

08/01/2024

Appreciation post for our co-founder and multi-instrument wielding Bill Vanaver 🪕✨❤️

07/25/2024

🎭✨ Get Ready for a Night of Dazzling Entertainment! 🌟
Join us for a Vaudeville-Style Variety Show at the historic Rosendale Theatre on August 9th 🎉🎶
The SummerDance Student Showcase will feature eclectic performances from ballet to Afro-Caribbean Soca, Appalachian clogging, and more. Directed by Brian Lawton, this event is the grand finale of The Vanaver Caravan's SummerDance Intensive. 🩰💃
📅 Date: August 9th, 6:00 PM 📍 Location: Rosendale Theatre 🎟️ Tickets: Pay What You Can (Suggested Donation: $15)
🔗 Get tickets: Vanaver Caravan Events
Don't miss this celebration of creativity and community!

07/14/2024

Adults 📣 Registration for drop-in classes at SummerDance is open. Join our advanced track of classes from July 29 to August 5, 2024, at the beautiful Lifebridge Sanctuary in Rosendale, NY.

Our faculty will offer a diverse range of classes in:
Ballet, Soca, Clogging, House, Modern, Songwriting, Lindy-hop, and Theatre for Dancers.

This is a unique opportunity to explore various dance styles, improve your skills, and connect with fellow dance enthusiasts in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to learn from the best and experience the joy of dance.

https://vanavercaravan.org/drop-in

07/05/2024

Don't miss out on the ultimate summer experience for your little ones 🩰🪘🪕
Enroll your 4-8 year olds in CaravanKids and let them discover the magic of dance and music at MaMA in Stone Ridge, NY on Jul 8-12 and 15-19.

Sign up here: https://vanavercaravan.org/caravankids

06/20/2024

We really can't talk about our supporters any better than Livia Vanaver herself:
"There is nothing that we could have done without the support of all these people (our sponsors) not only financially, but also the theaters, the schools, and the people who have taught us all the material - the traditional holders and keepers of these treasures....we stand on your shoulders and we are SO grateful!"

To become a supporter please visit: https://vanavercaravan.org/donate

06/19/2024

Today on Juneteenth we celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. We will continue to honor and learn from the African diaspora's rich music and dance traditions.
We commit to our ongoing anti-racism learning and work as both an organization and individuals. Onward together🫶

Learn more about Juneteenth:
https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/what-juneteenth

05/26/2024

If you grew up in the Hudson Valley you probably danced with, saw a performance by, or were the parent of someone who was involved in The Vanaver Caravan. For over 50 years, The Vanaver Caravan Dance and Music Company has been an integral and beloved part of the Hudson Valley community: promoting peace, celebrating our shared humanity, and transforming young lives through the magic of music and dance.

We are ready to keep the magic going for future generations, and we need your help. Consider becoming a sustaining monthly donor for as little as $5 per month, and support our work for another 50 years.

Sustaining monthly donations provide guaranteed monthly income for the company which is critical for us as a non-profit. You can make a donations at this link:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/b4e4f9df-cd81-411c-87ae-62d3387f8b7e

Photo by Lauren Thomas. "Walkway over the Hudson" opening dedication project featuring Pete Seeger.

05/11/2024

This will be our 33rd Beltane springtime festival.
Imagine the pomp and whimsy of a Renaissance fair with the delights of a springtime picnic.
Expect family-friendly performances from the students of the Vanaver Caravan, live musical acts, and a chance to spin ribbons around the maypole.
Don your best fairy wings and join us!
Food is available from the or bring a picnic with.
May 18 11-5pm
May 19 Rain date

TICKETS: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/4709fb05-2ab5-4f95-86c8-295840bd782d

05/09/2024

This will be our 33rd year of celebrating the arrival of spring on Stone Mountain Farm. Tickets are limited to reserve yours today and join us at Beltane festival.

Join us May 18th for the 33rd Beltane Festival at Stone Mountain Farm - https://mailchi.mp/a2f0935b1afd/zzhcdh45vv

Address

10 Main Street
New Paltz, NY
12561

Website

http://www.vanavercaravan.org/

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Videos

Dance a duet with nature. Register for adult drop in classes at SummerDance now

Adults 📣 Registration for drop-in classes at SummerDance is open. Join our advanced track of classes from July 29 to August 5, 2024, at the beautiful Lifebridge Sanctuary in Rosendale, NY. Our faculty will offer a diverse range of classes in: Ballet, Soca, Clogging, House, Modern, Songwriting, Lindy-hop, and Theatre for Dancers. This is a unique opportunity to explore various dance styles, improve your skills, and connect with fellow dance enthusiasts in a supportive and inspiring environment. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to learn from the best and experience the joy of dance. https://vanavercaravan.org/drop-in

Thank you from Livia

We really can't talk about our supporters any better than Livia Vanaver herself: "There is nothing that we could have done without the support of all these people (our sponsors) not only financially, but also the theaters, the schools, and the people who have taught us all the material - the traditional holders and keepers of these treasures....we stand on your shoulders and we are SO grateful!" To become a supporter please visit: https://vanavercaravan.org/donate

The Vanaver Caravan has been teaching and performing in the Hudson Valley for over 50 years. In our immersive dance program, students will experience masterclasses with renowned faculty. Held in a beautiful Hudson Valley location in both indoor and outdoors spaces, students can detox from technology, explore the Hudson Valley, and bond with an amazing community. SummerDance welcomes students of every level and ability, meeting each dancer as they are and nurturing personal growth, technique, and joy. #hudsonvalley #upstateny #upstatearts #summercamp #summercampforkids #summerdanceforteens

In our immersive dance program, students will experience masterclasses with renowned faculty. Held in a beautiful Hudson Valley location in both indoor and outdoors spaces, students can detox from technology, explore the Hudson Valley, and bond with an amazing community. SummerDance welcomes students of every level and ability, meeting each dancer as they are and nurturing personal growth, technique, and joy. #hudsonvalley #upstateny #upstatearts #summercamp #summercampforkids #summerdanceforteens

Your Saturday could be this joyful! Join us at the Stone Ridge Orchard on Saturday October 21st for an afternoon of live music, dance, snacks, and of course apples. Learn more about Apple Fest here: https://vanavercaravan.org/upcomingevents/2023/10/21/applefest-a-caravan-harvest-fundraiser-for-the-whole-family

Celebrating Bill Vanaver's 80th Birthday at the Stone Ridge Orchard with a clog dancing freestyle circle and live band.

Our very own Livia Vanaver is the subject of the original short film Move Me: Livia Vanaver by @hudsytv 🎬 Screening times ✨Sunday, Oct 2, The Woodstock Film Festival ✨Saturday, Oct 22, The Vanaver Caravan 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner ✨Anytime via the @hudsytv app #watchlocal #streamthehudsonvalley

Livia & Bill Vanaver Doing a Vocal Warmup

SOUND ON! All warmed up, and ready to perform for all you beautiful people. Up first THIS SATURDAY July 30th, an evening of traveling around the world (musically) with the Vanaver Caravan Musicians, 5:30pm at Opus 40. NEXT UP Aug 6 - Summer Wellness Fest, at Stone Mountain Farm Aug 12 - Reverence site specific performance featuring Bloom choir, at Opus 40 Aug 13 - Battery Dance Festival, Battery Park, NYC Sept 16 - Liv + Bill, The Railtrail Cafe Oct 22 - 50th Anniversary Gala, Hudson Valley location TBC For more info on each of these performances please visit: https://vanavercaravan.org/events