Putting Out The Welcome Mat Again!
Buoyed by all of the successes of ESDC’s 35th anniversary series, Putting Out the Welcome Mat, ESDC will continue during its 2026-2027 season with additional performances within the greater Capital Region while also expanding by offering shows in the other four counties in the Capital Region (Fulton, Montgomery, Schoharie and Washington).
About the Series, Putting Out the Welcome Mat
From September 19, 2025 to July 1, 2026, this project engaged ESDC in thirty-five free 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 project served to increase dance activity in the region, celebrate a local resource, expose dance to a widespread population, develop new audiences for dance and ensure that dance is not an underrepresented art form in the region.
“ESDC’s 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.” ~Ellen Sinopoli, Artistic Director
Upcoming Welcome Mat Performances for 2026-2027 Season:
- Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Albany’s Empire State Plaza Farmers Market (Outdoors – North End of Empire State Plaza)
100 South Mall Arterial, Albany, NY 12242
- Sunday, September 13, 2026 at TBA
South End Children’s Cafe
33 Rensselaer St, Albany, NY 12202
- Friday, September 25, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Troy Night Out – At Troy, NY Sign
River Street, Troy, NY 12180
- Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Hudson Crossing Park
CR-42, Schuylerville, NY 12871
- Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM
The Egg – Family Circle in Hartt Loby
S Mall Arterial, Albany, NY 12203
Click Here to View the Previous 35th Anniversary Season Performance Locations
Thank you to our sponsors:
NYS DanceForce
Dance Alliance, Inc.
Howard & Bush Foundation
Upstate Theater Coalition for a Fairgame Grant Program
Stewart’s Shops
Ed Swyer
This project is made possible with funds from the NYS DanceForce, a partnership program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.