Barbara Ally

Barbara Ally has been teaching as an adjunct professor in both the Dance and Music Divisions at the University of Hartford’s Hartt School since 2017. In 2023 she was recognized with the The Gordon Ramsey Creative Excellence in Teaching Award.

Prior to joining the faculty at UHart, Ally was the Associate Director for Programs and Events at the Center for the Arts at Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT overseeing the production of 200+ performances annually in Dance, Music and Theater, as well as Creative Campus Initiatives and faculty/student events and programs.

Barbara’s career in arts administration leadership positions have included being the Executive Director of the historic Cheney Hall Performing Arts Center, the Executive Director of WORKS Contemporary Dance Company and the Development and Program Coordinator for the nationally recognized Artists Collective, Inc, an inner city arts and education center founded by jazz master Jackie McLean and Dollie McLean.

As an independent arts consultant and State of Connecticut Peer Advisor, Ally has designed and conducted workshops throughout Connecticut for non-profit organizations of various sizes and phases of development specializing in strategic planning, fundraising and board and staff development.

Her work in the arts field has also included serving as a mentor in the New England Foundation for the Arts National Dance Project’s Dance Lab, being a founding board member and president of Connecticut Dance Alliance, member of National Dance Presenters Leadership Forum at Jacob’s Pillow, New England Presenters Consortium executive board member and president of the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz Producing Board. Barbara Ally has also served on regional and state granting panels.

Courses Taught

• Introduction to Arts Management
• Not For Profit Arts Management
• Fundraising
• Introduction to Arts Management Dance Nonprofit and For-Profit