Kinetic Dance Collective Bylaws

Updated Fall 2023

Preamble-

We, the members of Kinetic Dance Collective, establish this Constitution so that our purpose is realized to its fullest extent.

Name and History-

The name of the organization will be Kinetic Dance Collective henceforth referred to as “KDC.”

Founded in 1969 under the name “Koshare Dance Collective,” KDC’s inaugural performance took place in the Winn-Seeley Gymnasium. In 1971, the show became an annual tradition with performances in both Bartlett Theatre and the Winn-Seeley Gymnasium with help and guidance from the HWS Dance Department. Performances began at The Smith Opera House in 2013.

Following the social justice awakening of 2020, the members of KDC reevaluated the club’s values, identity, and standing in the HWS community. After reaching out to alumni, founders of the club, and anthropology professionals, we learned that the name “Koshare” is an indigenous term deriving from Hopi Katsina ceremonies; our founders were not Hopi. With the advice and suggestions from anthropologists, we determined the most responsible way of honoring the Hopi tribe would be to avoid using the word in our name, so as not to appropriate it. We asked for suggestions from our club members, voted, and welcomed the new name: Kinetic Dance Collective (KDC).

Purpose-

KDC is established for the purpose of encouraging students to connect with the HWS campus and the greater Geneva community through the art of dance. KDC aims to foster an inclusive and creative environment that values communication, teamwork, and individual expression through student-led choreography and performance.

KDC understands and is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities of abiding by Hobart and William Smith Colleges policies.

Membership-

Active membership shall be limited to persons officially connected with Hobart and William Smith as registered students, faculty, or staff. In addition, the following requirements are necessary to constitute active membership:

1. Active membership shall be granted to students (undergraduate and graduate) who volunteer to choreograph in the annual fall showcase.
2. Active membership shall be granted to students, faculty, or staff who show interest and commitment to the club by participating in the annual fall showcase.
   1. Cast members are expected to attend each rehearsal leading up to the fall showcase. Should a dancer miss more than two rehearsals for a piece, their participation in said piece will be re-evaluated.
   2. If a cast member decides to drop out of a piece prior to the fall showcase, they should give proper notice to their choreographer(s) and the Member Advocate.
3. Active membership shall be granted to students (undergraduate and graduate) who apply for an Executive Board Position and are elected by KDC members.
4. Active membership shall be granted to any student, faculty, or staff member who attends KDC Day of Dance.
5. Active membership shall be granted to any student, faculty, or staff member who signs up for the email subscription list via Google Forms.

The Kinetic Dance Collective openly admits students to its membership and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, sex, marital status, personal appearance, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.