New Year, New Tidings: A Letter from the Incoming Executive Director
Miranda (Moo) Wilde Way
A year ago, our Founders, Artistic Directors, Administrative Team and Board of Directors gathered to envision the future we hope to see for this nonprofit. We have since worked together to understand the impact and possibilities that exist within the Caravan’s legacy. The emerging vision for the future is one in which this organization continues to educate, inspire and nurture community for another half a century.
We set out to do this with a collective agenda to shake up the traditional non-profit structure—moving away from top-down leadership to team-led decision-making. This has been a peaceful evolution for us: the nature of The Vanaver Caravan has often defied convention in search of a more beautiful and true way of being. As we plan for the future, we plan to use our artistic creativity to break down social barriers and build a more inclusive and loving world. These concepts are not new to the Caravan, but they are actively being woven into our strategic planning process today—through the fabric of our organization, across every fold and fiber.
And so we enter into 2023 with an important shift in company management: the Vanavers are officially passing the torch to the next generation. Never fear! Livia and Bill aren’t going anywhere (well, actually, they fly out to India next week to teach and produce a school-wide dance performance for India’s Republic Day!). But they remain steadfast in their roles as co-Founders and Artistic Directors—guiding my generation through the labyrinth of nonprofit life.
The need for clear leadership roles and tangible infrastructure has emerged with the growth of the organization. It is no secret that Livia and Bill have lovingly carried the Caravan mantle for 5 decades—sometimes through sheer force of will and powerful optimism. They have shlepped and housed every musical instrument, costume, dancer, musician, leaf of sheet music and errant tap shoe in their home, cars, and memories (and sometimes their neighbor’s homes, cars, and memories😉) from the get. Now, the company expands beyond the capacity of Vanaver family’s household—but everyone is still welcome for dinner.
It is with great humility, gratitude and commitment that I step into the role of Executive Director for The Vanaver Caravan this year. I come into this role knowing that I am not filling anyone’s shoes, but rather charting a path alongside the village of incredible artists, activists, friends, family, colleagues, and elders who have paved the way for us all.
What began from a seed of love and a yearning to celebrate our incredible world has evolved into one of the most unique, long-standing, and change-making nonprofits the world has seen. Livia said it best, “We never planned for any of this to happen. It just felt right, and we just kept going”. And now, we, the people who love and celebrate this organization, have the chance to lead the Caravan forward, with integrity and intention.
So, this New Year’s, I’d like to share some resolutions for the Caravan.
Exciting new projects are on the horizon! In addition to our Dance Institute programs and year-round performances, our goal is to build a home base. The Caravan Center will create a much-needed four season space for our classes and workshops. It will be an accessible hub for artistic excellence, community belonging, and creative education in the Hudson Valley. The capital campaign officially launches this month and we will need the support of our community to realize this visionary space. Learn more.
In 2023, the company also aims to expand its music program, train new teaching artists, and provide tangible curricula for our beloved arts-education programs (read: Bill & Livia are writing a book!).
As the Caravan stretches into new ways of being, we honor the central tenets of why we exist and how we operate. This company began as a family whose values revolve around togetherness, vibrancy, adventure, and joy. Built into the very heart of The Vanaver Caravan’s mission statement is the recognition and celebration of our own humanity.
Thus, the ethos of the company will continue to prioritize the health, well-being, and happiness of our employees, performers, and communities. We aim to make sure that the actions this organization takes ensure that the people and places with whom we work are treated with dignity, respect, and love. And, last but not least, we plan to have a whole lot of fun along the way. We hope you, our community, will join us!
Three cheers to many more years of whimsy, wonder, and good work.
Happy New Year,
Miranda (Moo) Wilde Way
