OhioDance

Ballet Western Reserve (1982)
50 years of OhioDance.

50 milestones in Ohio history.

One incredible state story.

1982: A landmark moment for Youngstown! Anita Lin takes the helm as Artistic Director of Ballet Western Reserve, launching a transformative chapter of education, outreach, and performances that led the organization into the 21st Century until her retirement in 2010.

We’re proud to celebrate our golden anniversary alongside America 250 Ohio—honoring the moments that shaped Ohio and the movement that keeps us going.

Today, we honor the Indigenous Peoples whose cultural traditions, knowledge, and artistic practices continue to shape our world. Dance has long been a vessel for storytelling, resilience, ceremony, and community across Indigenous cultures.

As we move together, we recognize the importance of uplifting Indigenous voices, preserving cultural traditions, and creating spaces where diverse artistic expressions are celebrated and respected.

May we continue to learn, listen, and honor the stories carried through movement.

Taffy Epstein (1982)
50 years of OhioDance.

50 milestones in Ohio history.

One incredible state story.

1982: Expanding Ohio’s dance footprint nationwide! Taffy's Dancewear opens its New York City store, becoming one of over a dozen retail locations under the thriving enterprise founded by Taffy Epstein.

We’re proud to celebrate our golden anniversary alongside America 250 Ohio—honoring the moments that shaped Ohio and the movement that keeps us going.

Check out the new OhioDance Community Spaces Resource Guide
Community Space Committee
OhioDance supports Access for all.

OhioDance is committed to its mission, and to support healthy organizational environments.
We prioritize creating respectful, welcoming spaces to encourage full participation.
Our efforts aim to be intentional, positive, and statewide in reach.
https://ohiodance.org/resources/community-space-committee/

OhioDance

August 11-14, 2026
Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability Conference (LEAD)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Marriott Philadelphia Downtown https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/networks-conferences-and-research/conferences-and-events/lead-conference/

OhioDance

OhioDance Podcast “A State of Dance”
Season Four, Episode Two:
Season 4 Eposode 2 · A State of Dance
Lineage, Leadership, and the Future of Black Dance with Kevin Ward
Now Streaming
https://ohiodance.org/podcast/

OhioDance

1982 (Loren Bucek)

50 years of OhioDance. 50 milestones in Ohio history. One incredible state story.

We’re proud to celebrate our golden anniversary alongside America 250 Ohio—honoring the moments that shaped Ohio and the movement that keeps us going.

In 1982, visionary dance educator Loren Bucek co-founded the Duxberry Park Arts IMPACT Elementary School program for Columbus City Schools, leaving a lasting legacy for young artists in our public education system.

See the full timeline of the people who shaped Ohio dance: https://vdc.ohiodance.org/milestones/ https://ohiodance.org/
https://vdc.ohiodance.org/exhibits/loren-e-bucek/
Ohio Arts Council
National Endowment for the Arts

1980 - present (Mimi Brodsky-Chenfeld)

50 years of OhioDance. 50 milestones in Ohio history. One incredible state story.

We’re proud to celebrate our golden anniversary alongside America 250 Ohio—honoring the moments that shaped Ohio and the movement that keeps us going.

Starting in 1980 and continuing to the present day, Mimi Brodsky-Chenfeld co-founded Days of Creation. This incredible artist collaborative has provided vital, process-oriented arts experiences for children at camps, festivals, and school residencies across the state.

Celebrate the educators who keep Ohio moving forward: https://vdc.ohiodance.org/milestones/ https://ohiodance.org/
https://vdc.ohiodance.org/exhibits/mimi-brodsky-chenfeld/
Ohio Arts Council
National Endowment for the Arts

OhioDance is thankful for the support from the Ohio Arts Council.