Our History
{254}DANCEFEST was founded in 2012 under the wing of Cultural Arts of Waco, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Its founder, Brooke Schlecte, envisioned a festival where dance would be celebrated alongside music and visual arts—a true weekend of performing arts for the community.
The very first {254} took place at the Waco Convention Center, with performances staged on a simple padded Marley floor surrounded by black draped walls. From those grassroots beginnings, the festival has grown into a professionally produced event, thanks in large part to a strong partnership with McLennan Community College. This growth reflects both a commitment to artistic excellence and a dedication to shaping the future of dance in Central Texas.
From the start, {254}DANCEFEST has emphasized community connection. Classes, workshops, and choreography exchanges have brought together dancers and studios from across the region, sparking collaboration and inspiring the creation of many unique and beautiful works.
Today, as the festival continues to expand its reach—bringing professional dancers and choreographers to Waco—it remains firmly rooted in its original mission: to foster creativity, provide opportunities, and celebrate the joy of dance within the wider Waco community.
Our Vision
Our vision is to bring professional and pre-professional contemporary dance to Central Texas, creating opportunities for audiences to experience innovative performance, choreography, and collaboration beyond the scope of popular culture. We are dedicated to fostering artistry that both challenges the boundaries of contemporary dance and honors its rich traditions.
Donations can be made under the WCAF via givebutter
All donations are tax deductible.
Administration:
Hannah Requa, BFA Ballet & Modern Dance
Joseph Taylor: Associate Professor of Theatre
Movement and Dance.
McLennan Community College
Doreen Ravenscroft, President
Cultural Arts of Waco
Tyler Vansyckle, IT & Digital Media Specialist
Cultural Arts of Waco