Boston Dance Alliance

For anyone passionate about dance within the Massachusetts community, the Boston Dance Alliance (BDA) stands as a pivotal and invaluable resource. Far more than just an organization, BDA is a vibrant hub that actively nurtures, promotes, and sustains the diverse world of dance across the Boston metropolitan area and indeed, the entire New England region. As local users, we understand the importance of having a central entity that champions artistic expression and provides essential support to the individuals and groups who bring dance to life in our cities and towns. The Boston Dance Alliance fills this crucial role, fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and advocating for the continued growth and vitality of this dynamic art form.

Since its inception, BDA has been committed to building capacity for dance by identifying and creating shared resources, fostering productive partnerships, and disseminating critical information. This commitment extends to a wide array of dance professionals and enthusiasts, including dancers, choreographers, teachers, presenters, allied arts and cultural professionals, arts journalists, scholars, wellness and health providers, and the many dance enthusiasts who appreciate the art form. Regardless of genre or geographical location within Massachusetts, BDA strives to increase cultural equity, expand access to dance for diverse communities, cultivate new audiences, and promote overall quality and sustainability within the dance ecosystem. It is an independent service organization, meaning its focus is solely on serving the dance community, making it an unbiased and dedicated partner for anyone involved in dance in our state.

The Boston Dance Alliance is strategically located at 19 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116, USA. This address places BDA within Boston's vibrant Back Bay neighborhood, a central and easily accessible area for many residents across Massachusetts. While the physical address serves as a hub for their operations and a point of contact, it is important to note that BDA's work often extends beyond this singular location, reaching communities and individuals throughout the Boston metropolitan area and beyond, leveraging various venues and online platforms for their programs and initiatives. For local users, the proximity to major transportation hubs in Boston, including MBTA subway and bus lines, makes BDA’s administrative presence highly accessible. The Back Bay station, a significant interchange for the Orange and Commuter Rail lines, is within a comfortable walking distance, as are numerous bus stops. This central location ensures that those needing to connect with BDA for resources or inquiries can do so with relative ease, whether traveling from within Boston or from neighboring towns and cities in Massachusetts.

For those driving, while street parking in Back Bay can be challenging, there are several public parking garages nearby, offering convenient options for visitors. The location within the Boston Ballet building also signifies a strong connection to the local dance scene, embedding BDA firmly within the city's artistic landscape and reinforcing its commitment to supporting the broader dance community.

The Boston Dance Alliance offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to empower and support the dance community. These services are crucial for individuals and organizations working to make dance thrive in Massachusetts:

• Shared Resources and Information: BDA serves as a central clearinghouse for vital information, helping dancers, choreographers, and organizations connect with opportunities, funding, and industry insights.
• Productive Partnerships: They actively identify and forge collaborations among various stakeholders in the dance ecosystem, leading to new projects, performances, and expanded audiences.
• Advocacy for Dance: BDA acts as a strong voice for dance at local, regional, and national levels, advocating for policies and funding that support the arts and cultural sector in Massachusetts.
• Fiscal Sponsorship Program: This invaluable service allows emerging artists and small dance companies to operate under BDA's non-profit umbrella, enabling them to apply for grants and receive tax-deductible donations. In 2024, this program disbursed a significant sum, demonstrating its direct impact.
• Community Auditions: BDA facilitates community-wide auditions, creating accessible pathways for dancers to connect with performance opportunities and choreographers to find talent.
• Health Screenings and Wellness Resources: Recognizing the physical demands of dance, BDA provides access to important health screenings and resources tailored to dancers' unique needs.
• Portable Sprung Wood Floor Rental: A unique and incredibly valuable service, BDA offers a rentable, portable sprung wood floor, enabling dancers to safely present their work in various settings that might otherwise lack suitable flooring.
• Annual Dancewear Distribution Initiative: This program addresses financial barriers by providing shoes and clothing to financially disadvantaged dancers of all ages, ensuring greater access to dance.
• Online Resources and Directories: BDA maintains online platforms that connect dance enthusiasts with classes, performances, and other relevant opportunities across the region.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Through various programs, BDA supports artists with workshops, mentorship, grant writing support, and organizational coaching to help them sustain their creative livelihoods.

The Boston Dance Alliance distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore its importance to the Massachusetts dance landscape:

• Sole Focus on Dance: BDA is the only arts service organization exclusively dedicated to promoting and strengthening the region's dance community. This singular focus ensures deep expertise and dedicated support.
• Comprehensive Support: From fiscal sponsorship to dancewear distribution and health resources, BDA provides a holistic range of services that address the multifaceted needs of dancers and dance organizations.
• Strong Leadership: Under the leadership of individuals like Executive Director Aaron Myers, BDA is committed to expanding its reach and deepening its impact, with plans to assess post-pandemic needs and develop strategic plans for the dance community.
• Commitment to Cultural Equity and Access: BDA actively works to increase cultural equity and ensure access to dance for diverse communities, promoting inclusivity within the arts.
• Vibrant Community Engagement: BDA's efforts in building partnerships and fostering connections between dancers, audiences, and cultural institutions contribute significantly to the vibrancy of Boston's arts scene.
• Direct Impact: The organization's programs, such as the Boston Dancemakers Residency (in partnership with Boston Center for the Arts) and the fiscal sponsorship program, directly contribute to the creation of new works and the financial sustainability of artists.
• Advocacy and Representation: As a member of Dance/USA's Service Organization Council and MASSCreative, BDA effectively advocates for the dance community at broader levels, ensuring its voice is heard in cultural policy discussions.

To connect with the Boston Dance Alliance and learn more about their services and programs, please use the following contact information:

Address: 19 Clarendon St, Boston, MA 02116, USA

Phone: (201) 564-5351

Mobile Phone: +1 201-564-5351

For Massachusetts residents who cherish the art of dance, the Boston Dance Alliance is an indispensable asset. Its unwavering dedication to supporting the dance community makes it suitable for locals in myriad ways. Whether you are a professional dancer seeking resources, a parent looking for opportunities for your child, an arts enthusiast eager to discover local performances, or simply someone who believes in the power of the arts, BDA provides the infrastructure and support necessary for dance to thrive in our state. By fostering a vibrant and interconnected dance ecosystem, BDA not only helps artists sustain their livelihoods but also ensures that the magic and transformative power of dance remain accessible and celebrated within our Massachusetts communities for generations to come. Their work directly enriches our cultural landscape, making Boston and the broader New England region a better place for all who appreciate this dynamic art form.

Boston Dance Alliance

19 Clarendon St, Boston, MA 02116, USA