Dance/USA

Dance/USA is a national service organization for the professional dance community in the United States, founded in 1982 by Judith Jamison, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Twyla Tharp. The organization is dedicated to supporting and promoting the art of dance through various programs and services, including the National Endowment for the Arts, National Dance Foundation, and Dance Magazine. Dance/USA works closely with other organizations, such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and the American Dance Festival, to advance the field of dance.

● History_of_DanceUSA

Dance/USA was established in 1982 as a result of the efforts of Judith Jamison, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Twyla Tharp, who recognized the need for a national organization to support and promote the professional dance community. The organization's early years were marked by collaborations with other prominent dance companies, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. Dance/USA has also worked with renowned choreographers, such as George Balanchine, Martha Graham, and Merce Cunningham, to develop and implement programs that support the creation and presentation of new dance works. Additionally, Dance/USA has partnered with organizations like the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to provide funding and resources for dance companies and artists.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of Dance/USA is to support and promote the professional dance community in the United States through a range of programs and services. The organization's objectives include providing resources and support for dance companies and artists, promoting the art of dance to diverse audiences, and advocating for the importance of dance in American culture. Dance/USA works to achieve these objectives through partnerships with organizations like the National Dance Education Organization, Dance/NYC, and the International Dance Council. The organization also collaborates with prominent dance festivals, such as the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, American Dance Festival, and DanceAfrica, to showcase the work of dance companies and artists from around the world.

● Membership_and_Services

Dance/USA offers a range of membership benefits and services to its members, including access to professional development opportunities, health insurance programs, and tax and financial planning resources. The organization also provides support for dance companies and artists through its emergency fund and career transition programs. Members of Dance/USA include prominent dance companies, such as the San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Houston Ballet, as well as individual dancers and choreographers, like Savion Glover, Bill T. Jones, and Trisha Brown. Dance/USA also partners with organizations like the Service Employees International Union, Fringe Festival, and the Institute of Contemporary Art to provide resources and support for its members.

● Annual_Conference

Dance/USA hosts an annual conference that brings together dance professionals from around the country to discuss issues and trends in the field. The conference features workshops, panel discussions, and performances by prominent dance companies and artists, such as the Martha Graham Dance Company, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Pilobolus. The conference also provides opportunities for networking and professional development, with sessions led by experts like Deborah Jowitt, Anna Kisselgoff, and Jennifer Dunning. Dance/USA's annual conference is often held in partnership with other organizations, such as the Dance Critics Association, National Association of Schools of Dance, and the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science.

● Advocacy_and_Outreach

Dance/USA is committed to advocating for the importance of dance in American culture and society. The organization works with policymakers and legislators, such as those in the United States Congress and the National Endowment for the Arts, to support funding for dance programs and initiatives. Dance/USA also partners with organizations like the Americans for the Arts, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, and the Arts Education Partnership to promote the value of dance education and arts programming in schools and communities. The organization's advocacy efforts have been recognized by prominent dance leaders, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Twyla Tharp, and Judith Jamison, who have all spoken out on the importance of supporting dance in America.

● Dance_Education_and_Research

Dance/USA is dedicated to supporting dance education and research initiatives that promote the development of dance as an art form. The organization partners with institutions like the Juilliard School, Tisch School of the Arts, and the University of California, Los Angeles to support dance education programs and research projects. Dance/USA also collaborates with organizations like the National Dance Education Organization, Dance/NYC, and the International Dance Council to develop and implement dance education standards and curricula. The organization's research initiatives have been recognized by prominent dance scholars, including Selma Jeanne Cohen, Marcia B. Siegel, and Susan Manning, who have all contributed to the development of dance studies as a field of academic inquiry.