Mission and History
Our Mission
At Iowa Dance Collective, we believe in the transformative power of dance to shape lives, build community, and expand possibility. Our mission is to provide exceptional, inclusive dance education rooted in artistic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement.
We are committed to fostering a learning environment that challenges and supports dancers of all levels—whether they are exploring movement for the first time or preparing for a professional career. Our programming emphasizes technical proficiency, creative exploration, and the development of discipline, resilience, and self-expression.
Through our classes, performances, and outreach efforts, we aim to nurture confident, compassionate individuals who understand that dance is not only an art form, but a powerful vehicle for connection, expression, and social impact.
We are proud to make this training accessible to all through our scholarship programs, hybrid offerings for distance learners, and a nonprofit foundation that supports our ongoing mission to expand access to high-quality arts education in Southeast Iowa and beyond.
Our History
Iowa Dance Collective was born from a desire to create something both bold and rooted: a space in Fairfield, Iowa, where students could access rigorous, inspiring dance training in a supportive and inclusive setting. What began as a small studio with a handful of classes has evolved into a dynamic center for dance education and performance—serving hundreds of students annually and growing into a cultural cornerstone of our region.
Founded by Executive Director Tyler Malone, whose training includes the Graham and Horton techniques and professional performance experience with LehrerDance, IDC is built on a foundation of strong pedagogy, passionate instruction, and a belief that dance should be accessible to everyone.
In 2024, Iowa Dance Collective launched Malone Dance Theater, our pre-professional company, which has since performed original modern and contemporary works, often exploring themes of identity, equity, and resilience. The company has become a vital training ground for dancers preparing for collegiate and professional opportunities, offering over 150 hours of rehearsals annually in addition to regular classes.
Recognizing the financial and geographic barriers that many dancers face, we created hybrid learning pathways and expanded our Rising Artist Scholarship program—awarding more than 20 scholarships and offering flexible training options for students from across the state.
In 2024, we established the Iowa Dance Collective Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting our scholarship fund, producing community-centered performances, and bringing in guest artists through residencies and master classes. That same year, we secured our permanent home at 402 N B Street—a multi-studio facility that allows us to deepen our offerings and provide an inspiring space for all dancers to grow.
Our story is still unfolding, but our purpose remains steady: to make meaningful dance education a possibility for every student who walks through our doors, and to cultivate a community where art, expression, and belonging are celebrated every single day.