Our Mission & Story
About Dances For A Variable Population
Founded in 2009 by Artistic Director Naomi Goldberg Haas, Dances For A Variable Population (DVP) is a multigenerational dance company and educational organization dedicated to promoting strong, creative movement for older adults of all abilities. Through dance, we empower individuals to build creativity, improve physical and mental well-being, strengthen social connections, and enhance their overall quality of life.
By offering free and accessible classes, workshops, and performances, DVP fosters community engagement while creating vibrant, theatrical dance experiences that bring together professional dancers and older adults in dynamic, intergenerational collaboration.
Impact & Reach
Each year, DVP serves over 2,500 older adults across New York City through its classes, workshops, and performances. Our work is recognized for its free, site-specific professional dance performances in parks, transportation hubs, and public spaces.
2500+
Audiences attending our free public performances
30+
Older adult centers
1000+
Donors since inception
14+
Districts
800+
Older adults served annually
15+
Performances/workshops per year
Performance Highlights Throughout the Years
2009
“Fanfare” at the Whitehall terminal for the Staten Island Ferry with LMCC’s River to River Festival and Sitelines.
2010
“Autumn Crossing” first commissioned dance on the High Line: an intergenerational connection with Hudson Guild Fulton Houses.
2011
“Washington Square Dances” at Washington Square Park - Garibaldi Plaza, “Fanfare” at PS21 Chatham, NY, and “Family Matinee event” at the Joyce theater
2012
Jacobs Pillow dance festival and "Times Square Roundup" with unhoused older adults in the Times Square area.
2014
"Hudson River Dances" at the 14th Street Park.
2015
"10027” - a touring performance: connecting the community in four locations.
2016
"The Phoenix Project" at the New York Botanical Garden and West Harlem Piers Park.
2017
Beginning of the “Revival" project at Grants Tomb, Queensbridge Park, Washington Square Park, and Prospect Park
2018
“Revival 2” at Grants Tomb, Queensbridge park, Washington Square Park, and Claremont Park.
The Lower East Side parade “LES Parade” at Seward Park with LMCC’s River To River Festival
2020
First ever fully digital “Revival” performance
2021
“Revival: Hybrid” performance (online and in-person)
2024
“Revival 8: Then & Now” at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater
Contact us
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