A Special Message from Dian Dong
To Our Beloved Community of Dancers, Educators, Families, and Friends,
When H.T. and I began this journey over four decades ago at 70 Mulberry Street, our vision was simple yet profound: to create a home where modern dance, cultural heritage, and community could thrive together. We believed in the transformative power of movement—not just on stage in front of footlights, but inside classroom studios, school gymnasiums, and every space where a child first discovers their own creative voice.
The last six years have tested our organization in ways we could never have imagined. We endured the devastating fire at 70 Mulberry Street, the loss of our physical home, the global disruption of the pandemic, and, most painfully, the passing of my partner in life and art, H.T. Yet through every tragedy, this community showed us what true resilience looks like. Together, we kept dancing, kept teaching, and preserved the heart of our mission.
Throughout my life as a dancer, choreographer, and educator, my proudest work has been in the studio with our students and teaching artists. Building our dance education programs and curriculum has been a deep labor of love. Watching generations of young people grow in confidence, discipline, and artistic expression through movement has enriched my life beyond measure.
As I prepare to step down from my executive role at the end of this calendar year, I do so with a heart full of immense gratitude. I am deeply thankful to our dedicated faculty, our generous board led by Chair Rita Gail Johnson, and every donor, foundation, and audience member who sustained us through our hardest moments.
I step into retirement with absolute confidence because the future of Chen Dance Center is in extraordinary hands. I am thrilled that my daughters, Yeeli Chen and Evelyn Chen, will step forward as the next generation of leadership. Having grown up inside this organization, their deep artistic vision, strategic strength, and lifelong commitment to our teaching mission ensure that Chen Dance Center will continue to flourish.
To honor this transition and secure the future of our mission, we are establishing The Dian Dong Dance Education Fund. This fund will directly support the ongoing expansion of our school residency programs, curriculum development, and teaching artist training, ensuring our educational work remains accessible to students across the city.
Thank you for walking alongside me for these forty-seven wonderful years. I look forward to seeing you in January at our celebration, where we will honor our shared history, celebrate our long time board and board leadership, and welcome Yeeli and Evelyn into their new roles.
With warmth, affection, and deep gratitude,
Dian Dong Chen
Co-Founder & Artistic Director
Photo by Jamie Kraus, Courtesy of Jacob's Pillow