Hudson Valley Dance Festival Raises Record $241,086 for Dancers Responding to AIDS
The 12th annual festival raises $241,086 for Dancers Responding to AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
By: A.A. Cristi Oct. 16, 2025
Hudson Valley Dance Festival returned to Historic Catskill Point on October 11, 2025. Two sold-out performances raised a record $241,086 for Dancers Responding to AIDS (DRA), a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Produced by and benefiting DRA, the festival directs proceeds to programs providing medication, counseling, meals, and housing for people living with HIV/AIDS and other illnesses. The funds also support Broadway Cares’ National Grants Program, which aids 483 organizations across the U.S., including 18 in the Hudson Valley.
The 12th annual event featured a range of performances in ballet, tap, contemporary, and Broadway styles, including two premieres and two previews from Parsons Dance.
Highlights included new works by David Parsons, set to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, and Courtney Balenciaga Washington, incorporating voguing and contemporary movement. Other featured performances included Leggybones Physical Theater’s Nocturne, The Verdon Fosse Legacy’s revival of Who’s Got the Pain? from Damn Yankees, Kayla Mak performing Human for American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, Reed Luplau’s A Single Man, New Chamber Ballet’s Mandragore, Dario Natarelli’s tap solo Feelin’ Good, and Jon Lehrer Dance Company’s Solstice.
To recognize the fundraising milestone, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will award $2,500 grants to each of the 18 Hudson Valley organizations supported by the festival, including the Albany Damien Center, Catskill Food Pantry, Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center, and Dutchess Outreach.
Since its first performance in 2013, the Hudson Valley Dance Festival has raised more than $1.75 million, becoming one of the region’s key annual arts fundraisers.
ABOUT DANCERS RESPONDING TO AIDS
Dancers Responding to AIDS (DRA), a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, funds social services for individuals affected by illness, poverty, and crisis. DRA supports the Entertainment Community Fund’s Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts, The Dancers’ Resource, and the HIV/AIDS Initiative, as well as over 450 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide.
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