Celebrating 45 Years of Dance, Community & Impact

2026–27 Anniversary Season

For 45 years, West Chester Dance Works (WCDW) has used the power of dance to inspire dancers, families, and communities throughout the region.

Founded in 1981 as an outgrowth of the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts, WCDW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing dance education, performances, and community outreach for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Our 45th anniversary season celebrates the dancers, educators, families, volunteers, supporters, and community partners who have helped shape WCDW over the past four and a half decades. Our theme, Legendary, honors our history while looking toward the future.

We Train. We Perform. We Reach.

We Train

The Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts, WCDW's resident studio, offers classes for every level, age, and background. From our youngest dancers taking their first steps to adults continuing their love of dance, students receive quality instruction in a welcoming and professional environment.

We Perform

Our five performing groups take the stage at theaters, festivals, and community events throughout the year. From our semi-professional Signature & Training Company to our youth praise dance group, WCDW performers bring energy, technique, and heart to every audience.

We Reach

Through programs such as Relevate You, Artist in Residence, and community partnerships, we take dance beyond the traditional studio and theater and into the places where people live, learn, and grow.

We bring dance to schools, nursing homes, underserved communities, festivals, and other community spaces, reaching people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the arts.

Our mission is to uplift, nurture, and transform dancers and communities through an accessible, inclusive dance experience.

We believe dance can be a powerful vehicle for connection, awareness, unity, and positive change, bringing people together regardless of background or circumstance.

Making an Impact in Our Community

Over the past year, WCDW has continued to bring dance, education, and connection into the community through programs and performances including:

WCDW Community Dance Event at the Charles A. Melton Arts & Education Center
“The Grinch” Holiday Outreach, bringing dance and holiday spirit to three local senior living facilities
Black History in Dance, presented at Collegium Charter School in Exton, PA, and The Langley School in McLean, VA
“Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the Line,” telling the true story of a formerly enslaved Chester County woman, presented at the Chester County History Center and other regional theaters, in collaboration with the Kennett Underground Railroad Center.
“DelAWAREness,” a charity concert hosted by Beat Addikts United supporting autism awareness

Looking Toward the Next 45 Years

Celebrating 45 years is not only about looking back. It is about ensuring WCDW has the resources and support to continue serving our community for generations to come.

Your support helps us:

Sustain and expand community outreach programs
Provide opportunities for dancers and families who may otherwise face barriers to participation
Invest in quality dance education and artistic programming
Enhance our studio and performance experiences
Reach new audiences through community performances and partnerships
Build a strong and sustainable future for WCDW

When you support West Chester Dance Works, you are supporting more than dance.

You are investing in creativity, confidence, connection, and community. You are helping ensure that the arts remain accessible and that future generations have the opportunity to discover the joy and transformative power of dance.

After 45 years, our story continues.

2026/27 Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship benefits are available to individuals, families, and businesses and are based on the sponsorship level selected.

SUPPORTER SPONSOR

$1–$499

Name recognition in the 2027 Spring Concert program

FRIEND OF WCDW

$500–$999

Recognition on the WCDW Studio Donor Plaque
Company or family name on the WCDW Sponsorship webpage
Recognition in WCDW’s monthly e-newsletter
Business or family name in all three 2026/27 performance programs

COMMUNITY PARTNER

$1,000–$1,499

Recognition on the WCDW Studio Donor Plaque
Company logo and link on the WCDW Sponsorship webpage
Recognition in WCDW’s monthly e-newsletter
Company logo in all three 2026/27 performance programs

PREMIERE SPONSOR

$1,500–$2,499

Recognition on the WCDW Studio Donor Plaque
Company logo and link on the WCDW Sponsorship webpage
Recognition in WCDW’s monthly e-newsletter
Company logo in all three 2026/27 performance programs
Quarter-page advertisement in all three 2026/27 performance programs

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

$2,500–$4,999

Recognition on the WCDW Studio Donor Plaque
Company logo and link on the WCDW Sponsorship webpage
Recognition in WCDW’s monthly e-newsletter
Company logo in all three 2026/27 performance programs
Half-page advertisement in all three 2026/27 performance programs
Social Media Sponsorship Announcement
2 complimentary tickets to any WCDW 2026–27 performance

LEGENDARY SPONSOR

$5,000+

Recognition on the WCDW Studio Donor Plaque
Company logo and link on the WCDW Sponsorship webpage
Recognition in WCDW’s monthly e-newsletter
Company logo in all three 2026/27 performance programs
Full-page advertisement in all three 2026/27 performance programs
Social Media Sponsorship Announcement
4 complimentary tickets to any WCDW 2026–27 performance

45th Anniversary - Annual Campaign