Dance Heritage Coalition

Dance Heritage Coalition. The Dance Heritage Coalition was established in 1992 by a group of prominent dance professionals, including Jacques d'Amboise, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Twyla Tharp, with the goal of preserving and promoting America's rich dance heritage. The organization has worked closely with institutions such as the Library of Congress, New York Public Library, and Dance Theater of Harlem to achieve its objectives. Through its efforts, the Dance Heritage Coalition has collaborated with renowned dance companies, including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

● History

The Dance Heritage Coalition was founded in response to the growing concern about the preservation of dance history and the lack of resources available to dance companies and archives. The organization's early years were marked by collaborations with National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Institute of Museum and Library Services to develop strategies for preserving dance heritage. The coalition has also worked with dance legends such as Martha Graham, George Balanchine, and Alvin Ailey to document and preserve their contributions to the field. Additionally, the organization has partnered with institutions like the Smithsonian Institution, Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Center to promote dance education and appreciation.

● Mission and Objectives

The Dance Heritage Coalition's mission is to preserve and promote America's dance heritage through documentation, preservation, and education. The organization's objectives include working with dance companies, archives, and libraries to develop best practices for preserving dance materials, such as costume designs by Barbara Karinska and Rouben Ter-Arutunian. The coalition also aims to increase public awareness and appreciation of dance history through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs, often featuring works by choreographers like Jerome Robbins and Bob Fosse. Furthermore, the organization collaborates with institutions like the Juilliard School, Tisch School of the Arts, and California Institute of the Arts to develop dance education programs and provide resources for dance researchers.

● Programs and Initiatives

The Dance Heritage Coalition has developed a range of programs and initiatives to achieve its objectives, including the Dance/USA Archiving and Preservation Fellowship, which provides funding and support for dance archivists and preservationists. The organization has also established partnerships with companies like Pilobolus and Trisha Brown Dance Company to develop digital archives and online platforms for accessing dance materials. Additionally, the coalition has launched initiatives such as the National Dance Education Organization's Dance Heritage Project, which aims to promote dance education and appreciation in schools and communities across the United States, often featuring guest artists like Savion Glover and Judith Jamison.

● Preservation Efforts

The Dance Heritage Coalition has made significant contributions to the preservation of dance heritage through its work with archives, libraries, and dance companies. The organization has collaborated with institutions like the New York City Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival to develop preservation strategies and best practices for dance materials. The coalition has also worked with dance companies like Paul Taylor Dance Company and Martha Graham Dance Company to preserve and digitize their archives, including set designs by Joan Mitchell and Robert Rauschenberg. Furthermore, the organization has partnered with the Internet Archive and Google Arts & Culture to make dance materials and archives available online, featuring works by choreographers like Merce Cunningham and Pina Bausch.

● Notable Achievements

The Dance Heritage Coalition has achieved numerous notable successes in its efforts to preserve and promote America's dance heritage. The organization has worked with institutions like the American Dance Festival and Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival to develop and present exhibitions and performances showcasing America's rich dance history, often featuring works by choreographers like Balanchine and Graham. The coalition has also collaborated with dance companies like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and New York City Ballet to develop educational programs and resources, such as the Dance Education Laboratory and the National Dance Institute. Additionally, the organization has received awards and recognition from institutions like the National Medal of Arts and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation for its contributions to the preservation and promotion of dance heritage, often in collaboration with artists like Twyla Tharp and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Category:Dance organizations