Dafmark Dance Theater

Our mission: Dafmark passionately embraces creative arts to enrich the human experience. This is brought to life through thought-provoking dance theater performances steeped in social consciousness and is put into practice through arts education and community outreach programs. This is rooted in the belief that compassion, understanding and empathy are the building blocks of a diverse and inclusive community.

Statement: In addition to presenting two productions of original choreography every year for the past 35 years, Dafmark achieved the distinction of becoming a PennPat (Pennsylvania  Performing Arts on Tour)  touring company in 2003.  Dafmark’s trademarks are originality, social issues impacting our surroundings as well as consistent collaborations with local organizations and artists. In 1998, Dafmark began a creative partnership with the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Peter Bay;  between 1998 and 2006, 5000 regional students were thus able to yearly experience the excitement of original choreography set to live symphonic performances. Dafmark has also collaborated with the Erie Art Museum, the Erie Playhouse, Erie Chamber Orchestra, the Cypress Quartet, and Quintango.  As a PennPat artist, Dafmark toured Pennsylvania with “Unsilenced Voices,” produced in 2004 with the participation of The Ravel Trio. When looking at the inspiration behind Dafmark’s original choreography output, it is clear that its creative drive is linked to the issues we are encountering as human beings living in a society replete with injustice.   We view dance as a language and as a means to be a part of the voices within our community who understand the arts as a presence intended to better our environment.   In order to remain relevant, both directors, Jean-Marc and Dafna Baier have travelled extensively to witness dance as it is presented in different parts of the world as well as using the internet to view dance productions from the leaders of dance in the world.  It is Dafmark’s intent to remain deeply involved with the artistic and social movements of our times. 

Outreach programs have always been a part of Dafmark’s educational presence; they include Partners in Dance (EHCA collaboration) for the past 24 years, St. Martin Center for the past 4 years and the Dafmark Creative Arts Center (DCAC) now in its fifth year.  Most recently, Dafmark engaged in a new partnership with the City of Erie: The Dafmark Youth and wellness Center is a new program located on Erie's Eastside, offering children, art programs and various activities under the supervision of professional artists from the Erie Community.