Dance/USA

For anyone passionate about the art of dance in Washington, D.C., whether you're a professional choreographer, a dance company administrator, an independent artist, or simply a fervent supporter of the performing arts, Dance/USA holds a pivotal position. This esteemed organization, based right here in our nation's capital, is the national service organization for professional dance, tirelessly working to sustain, advance, and elevate the art form across the United States.

Dance/USA was established in 1982 with a clear mission: to address the needs, concerns, and interests of professional dance. It serves as a vital hub for a broad cross-section of the dance field, including over 400 ballet, modern, ethnic, jazz, and tap companies, as well as dance service and presenting organizations, agents, artist representatives, educational institutions, and individuals. Their presence in a major city like Washington, D.C., as noted by a local admirer, allows them to be at the heart of national policy discussions and cultural advocacy.

While the pandemic presented challenges to many organizations, Dance/USA has continued its crucial work, adapting to hybrid operations and looking forward to bustling activity, vigor, and opportunities for the entire dance community. Their enduring commitment reflects a deep belief that dance can inspire a more just and humane world, and they consistently strive to amplify the power of dance to inform and inspire a nation where creativity and the field truly thrive.

For local dance professionals and enthusiasts in the District of Columbia, Dance/USA represents a powerful advocate and a valuable resource. They work diligently to enhance the infrastructure for dance creation, education, and performance, ensuring that the vibrancy of our local dance scene is supported by national efforts. Their work underpins the ability of countless artists and organizations, both locally and nationally, to continue creating, performing, and engaging with audiences, making them an indispensable part of the D.C. cultural landscape.

Dance/USA's office is strategically located at 1029 Vermont Ave NW #400, Washington, DC 20005, USA. This address places the organization in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., in a prime location that emphasizes its national significance and accessibility for the dance community.

The building at 1029 Vermont Avenue NW is prominently situated just three blocks from the White House, making it easily identifiable and a prestigious location. Its proximity to major landmarks and central position within the city's dynamic landscape means it's well-connected for local professionals and visitors alike. The area is known for its vibrant mix of trendy retail, lively dining, and prestigious hotel accommodations, contributing to an energetic and accessible environment.

For those utilizing public transportation, the location offers superior commuter access. It is within walking distance of multiple Metro stations, including McPherson Square (Blue, Orange, Silver Lines), Farragut North (Red Line), and potentially Mount Vernon Square (Green, Yellow Lines). This excellent connectivity to the Metro system makes it convenient for dance professionals and stakeholders from across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia to reach the office.

Furthermore, the building benefits from its corner position, offering abundant natural light and stunning views, creating a professional and inviting atmosphere. Generous vicinity parking options also contribute to the overall ease of access for those who prefer to drive. This strategic and accessible location ensures that Dance/USA can effectively serve its local and national constituents, facilitating important meetings, collaborations, and advocacy efforts within the nation's capital.

As the national service organization for professional dance, Dance/USA provides a comprehensive suite of services and programs that champion an inclusive and equitable dance field. Their core work is structured around several key areas:

• Advocacy:
  • Leading national advocacy efforts to ensure dance has a voice in federal policy discussions and funding decisions.
  • Working to make sure the needs of the dance field are heard with respect to changing federal regulations and funding.
  • Helping to communicate important changes in the law to its membership.
  • Initiatives like #DANCE2VOTE to encourage civic engagement within the dance ecosystem.
• Research and Data Collection:
  • Providing rigorous, relevant, and accessible research on the dance field.
  • Conducting annual surveys to measure the financial health, economic impact, and changing economic landscape of the dance field.
  • Offering customized data requests to members, drawing on information from its Directory of Not-for-Profit Dance Ensembles and member surveys to provide insights on budgets, income, staff size, and trends.
• Engagement and Convening:
  • Activating its network through meaningful programs, convenings, and educational opportunities.
  • Hosting the only national convening for dance professionals (Annual Conference), which includes plenary speakers, breakout sessions, and meetings of member councils.
  • Facilitating platforms like Dance Forum, Dance Business Bootcamp, and Centering the Artist webinars to build skills and networks.
  • Connecting, supporting, and advocating for independent artists and dance organizations nationwide.
• Preservation:
  • Providing resources and programs to advance the archiving and preservation of America's dance legacy. This includes projects like the National Dance Preservation Leadership Institute.
• Professional Development:
  • Offering programs and resources aimed at the professional development of dance artists, administrators, and organizations.
  • Supporting initiatives like the National College Choreography Initiative, which funds choreographers to create new works for college dance students.
  • Providing training for artists in business skills.
• Communications:
  • Maintaining a website with useful listings of upcoming member performances, community programs, jobs and auditions, and fact sheets.
  • Handling media requests for information on the dance field.

Dance/USA distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore its vital role in the national and local dance ecosystem:

• National Leadership and Advocacy: As the sole member-based national association for professional dance, Dance/USA is the primary voice advocating for the dance field in federal policy discussions. Its efforts are critical in ensuring that dance is recognized and supported at the highest levels, impacting funding, regulations, and public perception across the United States, including here in D.C.
• Comprehensive Support for the Dance Ecosystem: The organization's mission extends beyond just dance companies to include independent artists, presenters, service organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. This broad scope ensures that a wide array of needs within the dance community are addressed through its programs and services.
• Commitment to Equity and Inclusion: Dance/USA is actively engaged in championing an inclusive and equitable dance field. Its Strategic Reframing Process, including initiatives focused on equity, inclusion, justice, and liberation, demonstrates a strong dedication to removing systemic barriers and fostering a diverse and fair environment for all dance professionals.
• Valuable Research and Data: Dance/USA provides indispensable research on the dance field's financial health, economic impact, and evolving landscape. This data is crucial for informed decision-making by organizations, policymakers, and funders, helping to ensure the sustainability of dance.
• Connecting the Dance Community: Through its annual conferences, forums, and webinars, Dance/USA serves as a vital convener, bringing together dance professionals from across the nation to exchange ideas, build networks, and collaborate. This connectivity is highly valued by its members, as noted in their impact reports.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Despite challenges like the pandemic, Dance/USA has continued to operate and support its community, adapting its services and embracing hybrid models. This resilience demonstrates its unwavering commitment to the field.
• Strong Membership Base: With over 400 member organizations and individuals, Dance/USA represents a significant collective voice, enhancing its ability to advocate effectively and provide robust services to the dance community.

For dance professionals, organizations, or anyone interested in the crucial work of advancing the art form, connecting with Dance/USA is straightforward. Their office in Washington, D.C., serves as a central point of contact for their national operations.

• Address: 1029 Vermont Ave NW #400, Washington, DC 20005, USA
• Phone: (202) 833-1717

Dance/USA is undeniably suitable for locals in the District of Columbia because it serves as the vibrant nerve center for the professional dance community, both within our city and across the nation. For local choreographers, dancers, studio owners, and arts administrators, having such a powerful national service organization headquartered right here in Washington, D.C., provides invaluable access and opportunities.

Its central location on Vermont Avenue, easily accessible by Metro and close to major government and cultural institutions, means that local dance professionals can directly engage with an organization that is shaping the future of dance. This proximity facilitates participation in their conferences, workshops, and advocacy efforts, allowing D.C. creatives to directly contribute to and benefit from national discussions on dance funding, policy, and equity.

Furthermore, Dance/USA's commitment to research and data provides crucial insights into the health and challenges of the dance field, information that is highly relevant to local organizations seeking to grow and sustain their operations. For anyone who believes in the transformative power of dance, knowing that a dedicated organization like Dance/USA is actively championing the art form from our very own city offers a profound sense of connection and pride. They are not just a national entity; they are a vital resource and a beacon of support for the thriving dance community right here in the District of Columbia.

Dance/USA

1029 Vermont Ave NW #400, Washington, DC 20005, USA