One Dance, One Song, One Community: Join Us in Uplifting the Arts

Becoming a mother has had me reflecting on what I value most dearly in this life. As I make the slow return to my role as executive director at The Vanaver Caravan, I’ve been thinking about how to strike that healthy balance between work and family, while facing a future overshadowed by daunting uncertainty. But I’m not here to dwell—this is a message of hope!

Lucky for me, my work here is not just a job. The people who make this organization thrive—staff, artists, board members and volunteers—do so because we believe in the essential impact we have in the communities we touch. Whether it’s the 20 schools and nearly 8,000 students we reach annually, the many audience members who attend our performances, the talented artists with whom we collaborate, or the families, children, and aspiring dancers in our dance institute— our work as an arts organization is far-reaching and meaningful.

Yet, the impact is always difficult to quantify. It is the work of human connection and dignity, of building confidence and breaking down barriers, of igniting that singular spark of joy that only dancing and singing together can ignite. The Vanaver Caravan is a thriving, ever-changing, endlessly supportive network of people bound by a shared hope for this world and the people within it.

As we near Into the Light season, the fervor of community gatherings, performances, and shared joy remind us that hope isn’t just an abstract ideal—it’s something we build together, one song, one dance, one moment of connection at a time.

Now, more than ever, we need our community’s belief to keep going. I know we're not the only nonprofit reaching out for support at this time of year—so many worthy causes deserve our attention and resources right now. But if there’s one thing I can say about the Caravan, it’s that our mission is to uplift others as well. A gift to us nourishes the arts and strengthens our partnerships. We work hand in hand with other nonprofits, artists, and organizations to create an arts ecosystem where each of us supports the other.

Your support isn’t just for us—it’s for every student who finds belonging, every artist whose work reaches further, every audience member who feels renewed hope. In a time when so much feels uncertain, your donation is a testament to the power of small organizations that, together, make a tremendous impact.

What a wholly unique and beautiful thing it is to know that my three-month-old daughter already has a community—a web of support and creativity that has been lovingly woven over decades by people who believed in this work, just as I do. The Vanaver Caravan is a place where every effort, every donation, and every partnership contributes to something deeply felt by all who are a part of it.

I invite you to be part of this journey. To be part of a community that believes in the value of the arts, of human connection, of daring to hope. With your support, we can continue to be that source of strength, joy, and resilience.

Thank you for considering the Caravan in your end of year giving. We—and our concentric communities—are truly grateful. 

With love and hope,

Miranda Wilde Way 

Executive Director 

The Vanaver Caravan 

Photo of Miranda and her daughter, Wynnie, at AppleFest 2024. Taken by Rafal Pustelny. 

The Caravan Family grows!

We are thrilled to share the wonderful news that this summer has brought not just warmth and sunshine to our community, but also the arrival of two beautiful new members of the Caravan family. Both Wilde ten Broeke sisters, Miranda and Juliet, have safely and happily welcomed their babies into the world.

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Miranda gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Elowyn "Wynnie" Wilde Way, on July 18th, 2024 at 10:28pm. 7lb 12 oz, 21 inches long! Juliet's little one, Penelope "Poppy" Wilde Petkanas, arrived just five-and-a-half weeks later on August 31st 2024. 8lb 3oz, also 21 inches long. Both mamas and babies are thriving. Their hearts, and ours, are overflowing with happiness as we welcome these new lives into our tight-knit community.

We look forward to seeing Miranda and Juliet embrace the joys of motherhood and raise their little dancers together.  

With all our love,
The Vanaver Caravan Family

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.