Mission Statement

Tapestry Folkdance Center welcomes all to participate in the joy of dancing and music from a variety of cultural traditions.

Vision Statement

Tapestry envisions people united through the joys of dance and music, fostering stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.

Building on over 40 years of fostering joy and community through dance and music, Tapestry Folkdance Center envisions itself as a lively cultural hub in the Twin Cities and beyond. We want to be a community destination that welcomes people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to engage with a rich tapestry of dance programs led by expert instructors, callers, and musicians, in a high quality dance facility. 

We also desire to be more than a place to dance. We envision offering opportunities for many throughout our region to participate in the joys and benefits of movement and music, with programming in parks, in schools, in senior centers, at special events, and other community gatherings. 

We aspire to provide a network of connection and support for instructors, callers, musicians, and community folk dance groups around the region, and to be a resource for learning about cultural dance traditions and music styles. 

We want to serve as a bridge between cultures and generations, increasing understanding and acceptance of diversity through dance and music. By cultivating a culture of curiosity, enthusiasm, and respect,  we desire to strengthen the social connections that lead to stronger communities.

We believe in the power of dance to transform lives and brighten our world and are committed to making that happen, one step at a time.

Values

  • Tapestry strives to be a place where people can find connection and a sense of belonging. Tapestry values meaningful collaborations and partnerships that strengthen bonds between people, cultures, and dance communities around our region.

  • People need JOY in their lives and social dancing is FUN! Tapestry seeks to keep this at the heart of its offerings and operations, cultivating a welcoming culture and a positive atmosphere filled with dynamic energy.

  • Tapestry is committed to honoring diverse dance traditions through experiential learning and to support the development of instructors, musicians, and others who support these dance traditions. These dance forms have survived and continue to evolve because they provide joy, artistic expression, and human connection that enrich people's lives across generations. 

  • Tapestry seeks to be a community of care for people, dance expressions, and the space, honoring its 40+ years of history, utilizing resources and finances wisely, and sharing responsibility for the organization’s future.

  • Tapestry believes dance can be for everyone. We as an organization are committed to engaging in conversation, learning, and action that allows our programming and physical space to welcome individuals and groups from many different cultures, races, socio-economic statuses, gender identities, abilities, and other identifiers.

 2025-2026 Strategic Goals

Tapestry’s Board of Directors engages in a strategic planning and goal-setting process in January each year. Projects completed as part of the 2023-2024 fiscal year goals include implementing Google Workspace for the organization, revamping rental management and implementing a new studio booking software, refreshing the lobby space, revamping the website, updating the security system, building a Tapestry brand book and defined visual identity, implementing a Customer Relationship Management system, working through updates to membership and admissions, the formation of a development committee to look at building a Tapestry endowment fund, and more! The 2025-2026 goals build off of and expand this work.

  • Create a volunteer committee (to be established by end of February, with minimum monthly meetings)  to work with staff to achieve the following initiatives:

    • Host a Neighborhood event/Block Party

    • Summer Folk Dances in the Park - Summer 2025

    • Youth Council expanded to Tapestry at large

    • Continue Tapestry Class Series

    • Analyze and Build Infrastructure to be able to create new community education initiatives

    • Create a database and set up meetings/meet and greets for colleges/universities where Tapestry has existing relationships towards creating student-focused programming

    • Start to invest in Lower-energy resources

    • Assess viability to remodel entrance, office, and storage space to allow for a more welcoming experience

    • Investigate surrounding real estate for basic information to consider for future expansions  - building and parking

    • Make improvements to Tapestry’s exterior curb appeal and safety, investigating options such as a mural, drop-off/loading zone, new front sign, parking lot cameras and signage etc. 

    • Bring in a professional (building engineer/architect)  to work with our building committee to map out a long-range plan for care

    • Continue to examine Demographic Data Collection process and participation towards simplicity and fuller data, and build reports that make utilizing that data effective in decision-making

    • Take a look at how we recruit, train, cultivate, and appreciate volunteers, utilizing the new technology to help make that efficient and to expand

    • Establish standard operating procedures (SOP) across all committees for charters, recruitment, reporting, communication processes, and institutional document retention