Every moment on stage is supported by many hands behind the scenes.

Volunteering with The Vanaver Caravan is one of the most meaningful ways to be part of our community. It is how beautiful performances come to life, how institutional knowledge is shared, and how families build lasting connections with one another.

Whether you have a few hours, a particular skill to share, or simply a willingness to help, there is a place for you here.

The Vanaver Caravan is a family- and education-driven nonprofit rooted in connection, creativity, and shared experience. When you volunteer, you help create art that brings people together across generations and cultures.

Many families begin volunteering because their child dances with the Caravan. What often surprises them is how much they gain in return.

Volunteering is a way to:

• meet other parents and families

• feel connected to the work happening behind the scenes

• build friendships and community

• help create something joyful and meaningful

Throughout the year, the Vanaver Caravan Dance Institute moves through seasonal cycles of classes, rehearsals, and community gatherings. Each season culminates in a performance or special event where many volunteer opportunities take place.

Volunteers help in many ways, from welcoming audiences and assisting dancers backstage to supporting costumes, bake sales, merchandise tables, and event setup or cleanup.

If you are able, we invite each family to contribute 2–10 hours of volunteer time per dance season in a role that feels comfortable.

❄️ WinterDance (January–March)

DanceFest
March’s vibrant community dance celebration bringing together dancers ages 9–18 from many schools and styles to share the stage.

🍄 SpringDance (March–May)

Beltane
May’s whimsical outdoor festival and pageant celebrating the arrival of spring through dance, music, storytelling, and community ritual. All Dance Institute dancers are invited to perform.

☀️ SummerDance (July–August)

Variety Showcase
Our joyful end-of-summer performance where students ages 9–18 share the work and discoveries from SummerDance. The performance takes place on the final day of the workshops.

🍂 FallDance (September–December)

HarvestFest
An autumn FUNdraiser at Stone Ridge Orchard featuring apples, pumpkins, food, drink, dance, and music.

Into the Light
December’s winter storytelling performance exploring how cultures celebrate light, hope, and togetherness. All Dance Institute dancers are invited to perform.

You can volunteer in the same role each season or try something new. No prior experience is required.

✨ Class Parent
One per class. Helps share updates with families and serves as a point person for performance logistics.

✨ Hall Monitor
Supports classes at Mountain Laurel by helping with transitions and keeping shared spaces calm and organized.

✨ Kid Wranglers / Dressers
Two per class. Assist dancers during performances, help with costume changes, and escort groups backstage.

✨ Merchandise & Information Tables
Help with setup, greeting audiences, sales, and breakdown before and after performances.

✨ Bake Sale Team
Bake items, help with table setup, and take sales shifts during the event.

✨ Program Sponsors & Ad Sales
Support our printed programs by reaching out to local businesses.

✨ Ushers / Greeters / Program Distributors
Welcome audiences, hand out programs, and help people find their seats.

✨ Costumes
Help make, mend, label, or organize costumes.

✨ Props, Sets & Puppets
Assist with building, repairing, organizing, or maintaining sets and puppets.

✨ Show Set-Up & Breakdown Crews
Help prepare the space before the performance and restore it afterward.

If you are able, we invite each family to consider contributing 2–10 hours of volunteer time per dance season.

This might look like:

• helping with one short show-day shift

• assisting with set-up or breakdown

• baking something for a bake sale

• helping sew or repair costumes

• reaching out to a local business for program sponsorship

Some volunteers enjoy helping every season. Others pick one event each year. Every contribution helps.

Our Volunteer Coordinators help match people with roles that feel comfortable and enjoyable.

Each season, we send out a short Google Survey where families can indicate:

• which roles interest them

• their availability

• any special skills they may want to share

From there, volunteers are contacted with simple instructions for their role. We’ll let you know where to go, who to check in with, what your role is, etc.

You do not need special skills or a lot of time. Just a willingness to help and a love for community, creativity, or both.

Volunteering with The Vanaver Caravan is a way to support your child, connect with other families, and help create something beautiful together.