Dear Tapestry Community,

As we reflect on the past year, I am thrilled to share the remarkable progress we have made at Tapestry Folkdance Center since celebrating it's 40th year in 2023. Thanks to the dedication and vision of our Executive Director and the incredible team of staff professionals who interact regularly with our committed volunteers, Tapestry is truly thriving!

In 2024, we have seen a significant increase in attendance and profitability across our programs, surpassing our pre-COVID numbers. This resurgence highlights Tapestry's vital role as a space for rebuilding connections, fostering happiness, and promoting health through dance. Our diverse offerings, including the exciting mini class series featuring Cumbia, Dabke, Haitian, Bollywood, and Scandinavian dance, have expanded our reach and enriched our community.

We are also excited to implement a digital Contact Relationship Management (CRM) system. This new tool will enhance our engagement with patrons, providing meaningful dance news and volunteer opportunities that align with their interests and expertise. The rich data enabled by the CRM will position us for better grant opportunities to extend our reach and further Tapestry's mission.

I am particularly proud of our young adult council which has emerged from one of our largest programs. We look forward to scaling this initiative across our organization to empower more voices and ideas in our mission.

Our full and diverse board has been instrumental in refining our mission, vision, and values, while strategic planning for 2025 is already underway. The formation of our Development Committee and the establishment of robust investment policies will ensure that Tapestry's resources are stewarded effectively, securing our mission for the next 40 years and beyond.

Together, we are building a vibrant community that celebrates the joy of dance and connection. Thank you for being an essential part of Tapestry's journey. Here’s to a future filled with creativity, collaboration, and continued growth!

Warm regards,

Hollie Benton

Board of Directors, President

Dear Tapestry Community,

Last year, Tapestry celebrated over 9,000 attendees—more than 1,300 unique individuals—at our dances, surpassing pre-COVID attendance levels as we marked 40 years as a nonprofit. With new staff and exciting programs like Nordic Social, Mostly Waltz and Tapestry Class Series added to our program roster, we finished the fiscal year in strong financial health—all thanks to your generous support.

As we turn our gaze forward, will you join us in Expanding the Welcome, and Building the Future? With our mission and values (community, fun, tradition, stewardship, cultural equity and inclusion) providing a true north, what could Tapestry be in 5, 10, or even 40 years? How can we enhance our offerings to spread the joy of dance further and welcome more people in the Twin Cities - and beyond? There are many exciting possibilities - some, like musician development and a summer 2025 outdoor dance series, already in motion. Your support is crucial for us to continue building and thriving, especially during this key end-of-year fundraising period, when over 50% of donations, which account for approximately one third of our annual budget, are made.

Community has always been at the heart of Tapestry, driving our mission and providing the life and breath of all that happens in our walls. Community support is also how an organization such as Tapestry is able to continue. It’s what makes our name so fitting - many people together make up a piece of the whole. Will you help us meet our $60,000 goal by contributing today? All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. 

We invite you to help us spread the joy and envision the future by sharing some of your joyful dance moments and big ideas with us on our lobby board when you come to dance through the end of the year, or by posting on social media and tagging us @tapestryfolkdance. Plus, help expand the welcome by bringing a first-time guest in November for 20% off your and your guest’s admission!

Together, we can create a brighter future filled with the joy of dance. Thank you for being part of Tapestry’s journey.

In gratitude,

Sherisa Oie

Executive Director