News

A Message from the Board of Directors of Mareck Center for Dance

It is with heavy hearts that the Board of Directors of Mareck Center for Dance announces the closure of both Mareck Dance and the Mareck Center for Dance School effective August 31, 2025. While we will retain the nonprofit entity itself, we have come to the deeply difficult conclusion that it is no longer feasible to continue our operations in the near future.

As many know, our beloved Executive and Artistic Director, Karen Mareck Grundy, recently shared her decision to step away from her role. While this is a significant change for the organization, please know that this decision was not made solely based on her departure.

Unrelenting Financial Challenges

Arts organizations across the country continue to face immense financial strain, and Mareck Center for Dance is no exception. Funding for the arts has been on a steady decline, with grant opportunities and institutional support growing more uncertain each year. Since the pandemic, we have seen a substantial drop in ticket sales and individual giving. Even our largest fundraiser, Dancing with Missouri Stars, was unable to generate the funds needed to sustain a 2025–2026 season.

In addition, rising theater rental and production costs have created further barriers to producing the high-caliber performances our audiences expect and deserve. The cost of simply keeping the stage lights on has become increasingly prohibitive.

Despite ongoing cost-cutting measures and tireless effort from our team, we have reached a point where continuing the company is no longer viable.

Our Dancers: Artists, Educators, Pillars of Our Mission

Throughout these difficult years, our professional dancers have done far more than perform. They have been instrumental in keeping the Mareck Center for Dance School alive—teaching classes, mentoring young dancers, and embodying the values of dedication and excellence that define our mission. Their passion for educating the next generation has been central to our school’s identity and success.

We are acutely aware of the burden this decision places on them. Karen has offered her support and professional network to help these remarkable artists make the next step in their careers. Their contributions both on stage and in the classroom have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Protecting Our Community Programs

We are actively exploring options to preserve our signature community outreach initiatives: DanceAbility and DanceReach. These programs reflect our unwavering belief in the power of dance to uplift, connect, and heal. We are committed to finding a path forward that allows these programs to continue serving our community.

We also recognize significant interest in continuing the School and are open to discussions with individuals or organizations that may be able to carry on its mission.

A Final Word of Thanks

To everyone who has supported us over the years—audience members, donors, families, students, volunteers, and friends—thank you. Your belief in our work made everything we accomplished possible.

Though this chapter is ending, we hold hope for the future of dance in Columbia. When the time is right, we trust that the joy, power, and community of dance will find its way back to the stage.

With deep appreciation,

The Board of Directors
Mareck Center for Dance