Mason Dance Fête

Dancer against black

Learn about the Friends of Dance and support the School.

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Join us each Spring in supporting and celebrating Mason’s School of Dance!

An Inside-the-Studio Celebration Benefiting Student Scholarships

 deLaski Performing Arts Building

Dance Fete at George Mason University signature image of a girl wearing flowers in her hair against black background

Kimberly K. Eby and Julia G. Morelli, Co-Chairs    
Susan Shields, Director, School of Dance

Held every March, this pre-performance event is a special celebration of the extraordinary School of Dance faculty and students for those who support School of Dance students through scholarships. Learn about what it takes to produce this powerful and remarkable art form directly from the dancers and faculty and enjoy great food, drink, and company before heading over to the The Dance Gala Concert at the Center for the Arts.

This fantastic evening includes:

  • Open studio demonstrations exploring work by leading choreographers
  • Delicious hors d'oeuvres, wine, and dessert reception with faculty, students, and supporters
  • The Dance Gala Concert: the crowning event of the season, in 2025 featuring the work of world-renowned choreographers Robert Battle, Robyn Mineko Williams, Yue Yin, and our very own Christopher d’Amboise, performed by the talented Mason dancers, the next generation of professional artists.

Each year this annual event funds critically needed scholarships. Sponsorships and other donations invest in the next generation of professional dancers, choreographers, arts administrators, and dance educators.

  • Sponsorships begin at $550 and include recognition benefits and a charitable donation to support Dance student scholarships
  • Individual Tickets are $140
  • School of Dance Alumni and Current Parents tickets are available for $125.

For more information, call Amanda Snellings at 703-993-1593.

Sponsorship Opportunities

All sponsorships include:

  • Invitations to special School of Dance rehearsals and events year-round
  • Access to the Friends of Dance e-newsletter
  • Recognition at the event, on the event website, in Center for the Arts program, and on the School of Dance website

Platinum Sponsor - $10,000 ($1,150 in benefits)

  • Tickets for ten (10) guests to the event and performance
  • Recognition on the electronic save the date* and print invitation**

Gold Sponsor - $5,000 ($920 in benefits)

  • Tickets for eight (8) guests to the event and performance
  • Recognition on the electronic save the date* and print invitation**

Silver Sponsor - $2,500 ($690 in benefits)

  • Tickets for six (6) guests to the event and performance
  • Recognition on the electronic save the date* and print invitation**

Bronze Sponsor - $1,000 ($460 in benefits)

  • Tickets for four (4) guests to the event and performance
  • Recognition on the electronic save the date* and print invitation**

Benefactor Sponsor - $550 ($230 in benefits)

  • Tickets for two (2) guests to the event and performance
  • Recognition on the print invitation**

Make a Gift

THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 DANCE FETE SPONSORS

Platinum Sponsors

Dr. Peter N. Stearns and Ms. Donna L. Kidd

Gold Sponsors

Anonymous
Sara Costello
George Mason University Foundation, Inc.

Silver Sponsors

Helen and Bill Ackerman    
Mike Brown and Elizabeth "Buffy" Price    
Dr. Kimberly K. Eby and Dr. José M. Cortina    
Julia G. Morelli and Daniel Rainey


Bronze Sponsors

Zofia Burr
Stephen Crable and Deborah Sult-Crable
Rick Davis and Julie Thompson  
Virginia McGehee Friend  
Jim Irwin and Margaret McManus   
Mary Sanders Jones   
Linda and Buford Lewis  
Evans and Trish Mandes  
Dr. Richard S. Mason, in memory of Harriet C. Mattusch  
Dr. Carol C. Mattusch, in memory of Harriet C. Mattusch   
Lynette Matz   
Phillip Mink and Ann Ardis  
Susan and Jim Murphy
Don and Sonja Palomaki
Paul P. Peou and Hua C. Wang 
Dr. Victoria N. Salmon and Mr. John J. Salmon

Benefactor Sponsors

Bill and Sheila Boyle
John Chick and Susan Shields
Susan Causbie Cowgill and John Cowgill   
Peter and Lenore Farrell
Gregory Flatt and Dr. Sherry L. Bennett
Travis and Andi Floyd  
Art and Linda Hamerschlag
Judith and Harry Hoglander
Jenna Krall and Charles Simpson
Linda and Phillip Miller, in honor of Beverly Metz  
Mack and Paulette Miller   
Phoebe Peterson
Rob and Ida Portland
Jennifer Reed  
Gary and Diane Schnurrpusch  
Mark and Merrill Shugoll
Heidi Soltis-Berner and Dan Berner   
Kenneth and Tobi Walsh   
Dr. Adam Winsler and Kathy Preisinger  
Janice Sutera Wolfe and Jim Wolfe   
Mary and Ed Zigo