Mark DeGarmo Dance Hosts Virtual Salon Performance Series

Exploring the theme of Dance & Social Change, the series features diverse global dance makers presenting works-in-progress.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 7:31pm

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Mark DeGarmo Dance (MDD) is broadcasting the first salon of its 16th annual Virtual Salon Performance Series for Social Change (VSPS) 2026 on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 7 PM ET via a Live Online Interactive Zoom Broadcast. The February 5 salon features four artists - Andrea Agostini, Barbara Mahler, Carolyn Pampalone Rabbers, and Tanu Sharma - presenting a range of dance works-in-process exploring the theme of dance and social change.

Why it matters

MDD's Virtual Salon Performance Series provides a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with and contribute to the creative process of under-recognized dance and movement artists addressing global issues across cultures, countries, and continents. The series aims to demystify the creation of choreography and showcase a diverse range of performance approaches, genres, and styles.

The details

The February 5 salon will feature works exploring topics such as immigrant resilience and the right to rest and joy, women's bodily autonomy and resistance to political restrictions, the fight for clean and safe water, and women's selflessness and societal expectations. The artists hail from various locations, including Florida, New York, Michigan, and North Carolina.

  • The February 5 salon will take place at 7 PM ET via a Live Online Interactive Zoom Broadcast.
  • The 16th annual Virtual Salon Performance Series for Social Change (VSPS) 2026 will run throughout the year, with additional salons scheduled for March 5 and April 2.

The players

Mark DeGarmo Dance (MDD)

A leading New York City nonprofit dance organization located in Manhattan's Lower East Side, celebrating its 39th anniversary in 2026.

Andrea Agostini

A Venezuelan-American performer and choreographer based in Miami, Florida, who was selected as a Young Voice in Dance choreographer for the Battery Dance Festival/NYC 2024.

Barbara Mahler

A movement-based artist involved in performance, choreography, education, and bodywork, based in Queens, New York.

Carolyn Pampalone Rabbers

The Executive Artistic Director and founder of CPR Dance: Inhale Movement, based in Stevensville, Michigan.

Tanu Sharma

A dance artist and choreographer based in Cary, North Carolina, who has taught, choreographed, and performed at various national and international events.

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What they’re saying

“VSPS is an opportunity to view and contribute to works-in-process of under-recognized dance and movement artists that break, cross, or don't recognize boundaries; stir up the mix; and face global issues across cultures, countries, and continents.”

— Mark DeGarmo, Curator and facilitator

What’s next

The 16th annual Virtual Salon Performance Series for Social Change (VSPS) 2026 will continue with additional salons on March 5 and April 2, featuring a range of dance works-in-progress exploring the theme of dance and social change.

The takeaway

MDD's Virtual Salon Performance Series provides a valuable platform for diverse global dance makers to present their works-in-progress and engage with audiences, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the role of dance in addressing social issues.