It is a community where students develop as artists, competitors, scholars, and leaders—and donor support helps make those experiences possible.
That support was on full display during Giving Day 2026, when 360 donors contributed more than $19,000 to Endicott’s dance programs, creating opportunities for students in both the nationally recognized dance team and Repertory Dance Ensemble.
For the five-time national championship Endicott dance team, philanthropy helps students represent the College on the national stage. Donor support helped the team travel to Orlando for the 2026 UDA National Championships, where the Gulls captured their fifth overall national title in Open Game Day, along with top-five finishes in Open Pom and Open Jazz. Beyond competition, these experiences build teamwork, discipline, resilience, and a sense of community that students carry with them beyond Endicott.
That same spirit of philanthropy creates opportunities for students in Endicott’s Repertory Dance Ensemble.
For sophomore Bella Fine ’29, dance also embodies her future. An exercise science major with a dance minor, Bella hopes to become a physical therapist specializing in dance medicine, helping performers stay healthy, recover from injuries, and enjoy long careers doing what they love.
Ryan and Courtney Fine P’26, ’29 have followed Bella’s dance journey every step of the way. During Giving Day, they established the Repertory Dance Ensemble Challenge, pledging to unlock $2,500 if 20 donors supported the program. The Gull community responded enthusiastically, with 59 donors stepping forward to surpass the goal.
The Fine family’s generosity helps offset costs for guest artists, choreographers, travel, and experiential learning opportunities that expose students to industry professionals and professional-level training.
“Whether through working with guest artists, traveling to performances and competitions, or participating in professional-level experiences, these opportunities help bridge the gap between the classroom and the industry,” said Nicole Sao Pedro-Welch, Endicott’s Director of Dance, Assistant Professor, and Dance Team Head Coach.
Together, these investments give Endicott dancers the resources, experiences, and mentorship to grow as artists, scholars, and leaders.
Everybody who gives their time or support to make this school better gives us students the space and opportunity to fight for something that we want.
Benjamin Sanchez ’27
Performing Arts Major, Dance Concentration