The Rough Waters Surveys were a series of brief surveys designed to uncover the challenges facing the U.S. dance field during the most recent economic crisis. The first Rough Waters Survey was conducted in January 2009, followed by a second round in May 2009, a third in January 2010, and a fourth in May 2010.

Results from the Rough Waters Surveys are available online for Dance/USA members, and portions of the data are available upon request. For more information about this survey, please contact the director of information services.