ECDC is a New Haven based organization that provides a platform for an experiential and collaborative approach to dance creation, education and performance. 

Elm City Dance Collective (ECDC) began in 2008 as a conversation between four dance artists in the New Haven area. Kellie Ann Lynch, Lindsey Bauer, Jennifer Brubacher and Millie VandenBroek envisioned an organization that would offer classes in a variety of movement forms, as well as choreographic and performance opportunities for local dance artists. In addition, the founders discussed a shared commitment to building community and connection through art. They chose the name Elm City Dance Collective to honor the significance of community and place, as New Haven was dubbed the “Elm City” after a number of majestic elm trees were planted there during a public tree planting program.

The mission, vision, and goals of ECDC took shape over the Summer of 2008. It was important to the founding members that ECDC not subscribe to a singular model such as a dance company, dance studio, community center, or school. Instead, ECDC was organized as a collective – a group that could integrate aspects of a variety of organizational models, so as to engage and create as broad a community as possible. Immediately after establishing itself, ECDC began rehearsing, creating, and connecting with community members through classes and improvisation jams at the Center for the Arts at Christ Church (CACC) in downtown New Haven.

ECDC is committed to contributing to the presence of dance as an accessible public art, collaborating with artists and organizations in the New Haven area, providing performance opportunities to professional and sometimes non-professional dancers; and offering classes, workshops and  works in progress showings. The organization welcomes partnerships, collaborations and new projects outside of the New Haven region.

Elm City Dance Collective is a non-stock corporation in Connecticut and is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization under federal law.

Co-Artistic Directors

Lindsey Bauer & Kellie Ann Lynch  

Board of Directors  

Elinor Slomba, Chair

Lewis Beilman, Vice Chair

Valerie Garlick, Treasurer

Giulia Gouge, Secretary

Alyssa Esposito

Dr. Ann Maley