Year: 2025-2026
DanceForce Member: Kim Engel
Artist: Ellen Sinopoli
Community Partners: Dance Alliance – Ballston Spa NY; Howard and Bush Foundation; Stewarts Shops; Upstate Coalition for a Fairgame
Audience: 1,756
Counties: Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady
Putting Out the Welcome Mat was devised for two main reasons: 1) to combat the current dearth of dance performances in the Capital Region and 2) to assist a local artistic resource in celebrating a commemorative anniversary.
Recently, the Capital Region has seen the number of dance performances plummet because of venue leadership change and renovation shutdowns, a devastating blow to dedicated dance audiences.
A staple of the Capital Region dance scene, the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company (ESDC) celebrated its 35th season in 2025-26, a significant accomplishment for the company and the region.
From September 2025 to July 2026, this project engaged ESDC in thirty-five 35-minute performances in locations mostly beyond traditional performance venues such as libraries, community centers, campuses, parks, playgrounds, markets, museums, etc. where people were already gathered. The performances were offered free to audiences providing them with an up-close and personal experience with the art form. There was an average of 50 viewers per event.
The series’ name came from the piece of equipment that allowed these performances to happen in non-traditional locations. ESDC used interlocking mat squares to easily create a danceable surface. The mat flooring not only protected the dancers’ bodies but formed a central focal point for audience to gather around and watch. Its significance also comes from the ability to welcome audiences to see dance without encountering a major time commitment, the restriction of cost and the potential barrier of going to a theatre.
The project served to increase dance activity in the region, celebrate a local resource, expose dance to a widespread population and ensure that dance was not an underrepresented art form in the region.
Ellen Sinopoli had this to say about the impact of the series on her company and the region:
“Our mission is to build awareness of and appreciation for modern dance through ongoing commitment to creativity, artistic/civic collaboration, and education of new audiences. As we celebrated our 35th anniversary season, “Putting Out the Welcome Mat” provided a means to share our art with a large and diverse audience and to thank the greater Capital Region for being such a welcoming place to call our home.”
One of the company dancers had this to say:
“To be in a consistent practice of performance, given for free all around our home region, made me feel connected to my community through dance. I’m amazed by the magic of showing up in a public space, setting a physical stage boundary, and making a show happen, often to the surprise of the audience.”
Location hosts raved:
“There was such an energetic buzz from your dance that the market seemed to soar with excitement and engagement.”
“Thank you for considering us as one of the 35 venues, for your open-mindedness regarding our environment, and for your commitment to bringing art to all!”
“You are all putting yourselves out there in a very special way, and I love this project. I hope you know how much it means to the community.”