In Loving Memory of Philip Arnoult

Our dear friend Philip Arnoult — member of our Board of Advisors since The Vanaver Caravan’s very inception — just passed away. 

As founder and director of The Theatre Project in Baltimore (one of the three Free Theaters in the early 70’s), Phil launched our career and sponsored us, encouraging us to experiment with wild and wonderful ideas countless times.

We maintained a close relationship with Phil all these years and visited with him whenever we were in Baltimore. He will be missed by an international theatre community. Read more from the Center for International Theatre Development below.

As many of you know, Philip faced a long journey of significant health issues, which worsened after the passing of his wife and lifelong theatre partner, Carol Baish. Sunday afternoon, he passed away peacefully in his sleep with his beloved daughter Alison close by. His stepsons Sean, Michael, and Terry, along with his grandchildren, friends, and family have supported him throughout the last several months, providing him with constant love and care.

You won't be surprised to learn that even as his physical health was getting frailer, Philip was still brainstorming about connecting artists together — his lifelong work that he loved so much. His irrepressible energy and commitment to the theatre never waned….

The focus of Philip’s work this last year was to create a strong CITD team, and we continue to carry Philip's legacy forward with our ongoing projects in Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine.

Welcoming a New Generation to the Caravan: Maternity Leave and the Thriving Spirit of Our Community

From left: Expecting sisters, Juliet Wilde ten Broeke and Miranda Wilde Way (nee ten Broeke) at the Hudson Valley Beltane Festival, May 2024. Photo taken by Livia Vanaver.

This past weekend at the end of the Beltane Festival pageant, my sister Juliet and I (both of us extremely pregnant) were unwittingly guided onto the familiar mint-green stage of Stone Mountain Farm. There — surrounded by students dressed as gnomes, fairies, sprites, and magical creatures — we were presented with flowered Beltane crowns and lovingly compiled books of hand-crafted cards, letters, poems, pictures, and blessings for our babies. This overwhelmingly thoughtful gesture, spearheaded by our Caravan parents and students, got me reflecting on the profound sense of community and intergenerational connectivity that so often defines The Vanaver Caravan.

The surprise crowning ceremony. Photo by Noelle Volante.

Having attended the Beltane Festival nearly every year in my life, I cherish the whimsical traditions and sense of wonder they inspire. Soon, I will welcome my child into the world and I cannot wait to bring her to this beloved festival and share all that has been passed to me through the Caravan (one day, perhaps I may even witness her donning the flowered Crown of YesterMay). 

Growing up within the Caravan, there has never been a moment where I haven’t been immersed in a world of dance, music, and community. I am filled to the brim with gratitude for the lessons and values instilled in me by people within this organization. I step into parenthood feeling (almost) prepared and grounded — I trust my body, my instincts, and my creativity to guide me as I navigate the early days of motherhood. And I believe I have my lifelong experience with the Caravan to thank for this. 

Today, I am heartened by the ways in which this organization is thriving. I have loved stepping into the leadership role of Executive Director, working hand-in-hand with our Administrative Director, Jennifer Cottingham, and learning from the visionary wisdom of Livia Vanaver. The organization, now 52 years old, has been experiencing a significant transformation, moving away from a founder-led structure to a more democratic leadership model. 

We have recently welcomed new independent contractors — shout-outs to Shir Meira Feit, our new marketing consultant, and Zack Marshall, our new development consultant — who each bring a wealth of experience and talent to our team. This summer, we created leadership teams to run our CaravanKids Weeks and SummerDance workshops, brought in new teaching artists and faculty, and redistributed administrative responsibilities to ensure no one is overburdened during this transitional period. 

Like a giant tree with a deeply interwoven root system, the organization is evolving to support and nourish the community as a whole, and that feels really good. To me, this shift mirrors the natural cycle of change we see in the world today — where the next generation brings fresh perspectives, renewed energy, and a strong sense of camaraderie and collective responsibility for the stewardship of, and care for, our world and its peoples. 

A blessing from Juliet’s student, Austin.

As I prepare to go on parental leave this summer, I feel confident that our organization’s commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and team leadership will ensure that the Caravan continues to change and evolve, arching naturally towards an even more humane, thoughtful, and caring space.

I am also delighted to be experiencing, firsthand, the supportive structures and strategic plans we've integrated into The Vanaver Caravan over the past two years. The Caravan ethos is one that prioritizes the well-being, happiness, and dignity of everyone involved. We are dedicated to creating an environment where respect and love guide our actions and decisions, and I feel deeply supported by this organization as I step away from my work duties, and into this new chapter of life.

I am comforted knowing that I am not alone. The Caravan community is my village, ready to support and uplift me. As we embrace this season of change, I am filled with hope. The Caravan is not just surviving; it is thriving, adapting, and growing: building a future where creativity and compassion are at the forefront, and where every child has the opportunity to grow up whole. 

I, for one, am especially grateful for the opportunity raise my daughter in this vibrant community, knowing she will be safe, surrounded by love and a sense of belonging. There isn’t much more we can ask for for our children, is there?

Signing off — for now at least,

Miranda (Moo) Wilde Way
Executive Director
The Vanaver Caravan

Beltane Pageant lineup 2024. Our whole Dance Institute prepares for the procession. Photo by Ruth Pine.

In Memoriam

From a postcard in 1967 at American Dance Festival/Connecticut College, New London. 

Sarah Stackhouse dancing with Louis Falco & Jose Limon. photo:  Getty collection

Image restored by Shiloh Vanaver

Remembering Sarah (Sally) Stackhouse

Words by Livia Vanaver

In 1967 I was dancing with Fred Berk's Hebraica Dancers, the resident company at the 92nd Street Y,. At age 16,  I was the youngest member of the Company. There were several dancers who were going to the American Dance Festival that summer at Connecticut College in New London.  It was the first summer ADF included a special teen program.  The Jose Limon Company was in residence there.   I fell in love with them.... but most especially with Sally.   I followed her around like a puppy.   I snuck into the theatre, watched all the rehearsals and came to every performance..... then and subsequently for years.  

 Her expressivity, and depth of feeling touched me to the core.   Her dancing was soulful and transcendent and she inspired me and so many of us dancers.

Years later after Sarah and her husband, Nano,  moved up to New Paltz, where Bill and I had been living since 1974, we found to our delight that our houses was only 10 minutes away!  Since the 90's, our Company and Youth Company have loved dancing in her studio above the garage.  Many dances were created there.  We shook the rafters.  Sarah was always welcome to join us, and always gave great feedback. She inspired many of our young dancers during one SummerDance teaching the Essence of Limon. .   Her welcoming, encouragement and generosity will always be appreciated. Sarah was on the Board of Advisors of The Vanaver Caravan for many years.

I loved just being with her. In 2022 we decided to practice Miss Craske's 8 port de bras from Cecchetti ballet.  We both loved the iconic arm movements.  When we couldn't remember them exactly, we zoomed in Diana Byer, our mutual friend and the keeper of Miss Craske's vast knowledge and Cecchetti sylabus.   This past year,  our relationship included matzo ball soup which I enjoyed making for her knowing that this was something she could eat .   Those matzo balls were filled with my love for her. Indeed every interaction I had with Sarah was full of love.  She engendered that feeling in all of us.

[The photo at the top of this post] was a postcard from 1967 with Sarah, Louis Falco and Jose Limon, when we were at Connecticut College for the American Dance Festival.  I carried it with me for years.  Two years ago,  I asked my son, Shiloh (who does amazing photo restoration work) if he could restore it.

 I gave a nice blown up and framed version to Sarah for her birthday and the first thing she said was, "My feet were so dirty, but I guess that's how every dancer's feet were in those days".

We will miss her deeply.  Her life was a blessing to all who knew her.  

Arts-Ed Reflections

Calico Ball students singing their song finale.

2023 Arts Ed Reflections

Last Friday marked the 33rd Annual Calico Ball in Beacon. The entire third grade of the Beacon City School District (12 classes and over 100 students) took to the stage of the Pete and Toshi Seeger Theatre at the Beacon High School—eight and nine-year-olds dressed up in Lederhosen and Carnivale masks weaving through the current of high school students between bells to get to the backstage wings. The high schoolers had all been part of the Calico ball when they were in third grade, of course, so none of this seemed out of place. 

“When I come into the high school,” reflects Livia. “Students stop me in the hallway and start doing the steps of their third grade dances right there. It’s a riot!” 

Backstage snap shot of the Calico Ball song Finale.

For those of us who didn’t grow up in the Beacon School District, the Calico Ball is the first school dance program established by The Vanaver Caravan. Caravan teachers go into the elementary schools and teach each class a different dance from a country or region around the world. Classroom and special area teachers work with students on special art projects, songs, stories, and research. At the end of this two month cultural immersion, all the school staff, students and their families gather at the High School to perform their dances and share what they’ve learned. This year’s Calico Ball took the audience to Germany, Brazil, China, Ghana, South Africa, Côte D’Ivoire, Ecuador, Argentina, Greece, Egypt, Puerto Rico, and the outback of Australia. 

The Calico Ball has grown into a steadfast community tradition–integrated deeply into school curriculum, from the superintendent to the custodial staff, everybody celebrates together. It is so integrated, in fact, that the current principal of Sargent Elementary School herself performed in the inaugural Calico Ball and more than half of the students have parents or siblings who have passed through third grade and marched onto the stage to proudly celebrate the beautiful music and dance that the world has to offer.

While the Calico Ball is our oldest residency, it is not our only residency. This year saw The Vanaver Caravan in 29 schools, with over 3,000 students. Our growing team of Teaching Artists took the classrooms with aplomb, sharing the change-making power of the arts with children and adults alike. At Arlington High School, where we run a full year dance and yoga elective for sophomores-seniors, students reflected that the Dance program was one of the only places they felt truly safe to be themselves. 

Arlington High School Dance Studio. Dance teachers: Miranda (Moo) Way, Mara Lileas, Debra Waner, and Cedric James

Yesterday, our Arlington High School students philosophized:  “I feel so comfortable with all of you here–like we’ve all been through a trauma and it’s made us closer–except it wasn’t traumatic, it was fun! Why is that?” Eventually, they came to the conclusion that dancing together and being really present in their bodies made it way easier to shake off the walls they put up to protect themselves from judgment or hurt. 

Teaching dance in schools is important. We have worked hard to ensure that our dance and music programs are available to schools. In a climate where schools are banning books and erasing history, it feels more vital than ever to make sure the stories and movements of all peoples are represented and honored with integrity. So, as we celebrate the end of the school year, we also acknowledge that there is so much more work to be done. And we are here for it.

India 2023

Unity Through Diversity: Shakti Caravan, India 2023

Reflections from Livia Vanaver

In the 70's and 80's The Vanaver Caravan toured for the US State Department as Cultural Ambassadors of Good Will. Over the years, we continued to do this representing New York State and Ulster County. Truly, we are still doing that wherever we go. I have always been drawn to India and never imagined how it would affect me and broaden the work of The Vanaver Caravan until we began in 2011. Every time we have visited India, I never know what to expect . . . but I do know that something unexpected and miraculous will happen every day. This was our 4th time working with the Aikiyam faculty and students grades 1-8. For 2023, they asked us to create something special for the whole school to celebrate Republic Day . The theme this year was Unity Through Diversity.

In January, we worked with the faculty and 200 children from the Aikiyam School, one of Auroville's seven schools, which serves the village of Kuyilapaliam, bordering Auroville in Tamil Nadu. We chose eight countries that represent the peoples and cultures who reside in, and helped to build, Auroville. Created by Sri Aurobindo and his main disciple, known as The Mother, Auroville is an idealistic community with a vision to model global unity. West Africa, Germany, Brazil, Italy, France, China, South Africa and the USA were the cultures of choice. Each class/grade level studied and portrayed these countries through dance, music, song, and history.

One of the highlights for all of us was working with the teachers and having them perform dances from Greece and Israel. After the school day (and after chai and unwinding together), we rehearsed. The teachers were received like rock stars by the entire student body. You should have heard the audience cheering! The crumbling theater on the property next door to Aikiyam was renovated, and refurbished to accommodate this event and the whole school performed and shared their dances and all that they learned. Hopefully the space will now serve as a lovely performance area for future events.

You may know that every Thursday morning since April 2020, a month after the Covid lockdown in India, we began weekly world dance classes with the students at Malarchi home, the boarding house for Aikiyam and the high school. When it's 6:30 AM here, it's 5:00 PM there: a perfect time to Dance for Joy (their title for the class). That class still continues remotely today. Bharat Verma (an amazing dancer and body percussionist whom we met 11 years ago when the Company first went to Udaipur, India to work in the schools there) is currently teaching Rajasthani folk dance, Bollywood and body percussion to the students. We are all so happy to see each other on Zoom every week to dance. Last week we were ALL thrilled to dance together in person for the first time in 3 years!

Jill Ann Schwartz and I were the Teaching Artists. Chelsea Needham and Bill were the musicians extraordinaire. Jonah Grossman and Kyan Malone, two of our Youth Company, assisted in teaching these dances to the entire school, and they had the time of their lives. We all performed together at SAWCHU in front of their main theatre, Bharat Nivas, which brought people from throughout the Auroville communities together for the concert and participatory dancing. It was a true celebration of global connection and continuing to build community, in the way Auroville was intended. Big shout out to Laura Stotz and Marc Grossman, the two VanaParents on board for this tour, documenting and supporting the experience.