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Purple graphic with gray bubbles and white text: Dance/USA 2025 National Conference June 17-20 Chicago

Thank You for Joining Us at the 2025 National Conference!

The Dance/USA 2025 National Conference took place, June 17-20 in Chicago, Illinois! At the 2025 National Conference, we:

  • Heard from leaders from across the dance ecosystem. Participated in engaging and illuminating panels and workshops that help prepare us for a vibrant future.
  • Grew our skillset. Addressed shared problems and left with practical tips and innovative ideas that help advance our work. 
  • Expanded our professional network. Connected with our peers and built new professional relationships that last beyond the Conference.

The Dance/USA Conference attracts a broad range of creative workers and dance professionals including independent artists, dance presenters, agents and artist representatives, education and service providers, executive directors, artistic directors, company managers, fundraisers, development and marketing staff, and more.

About the 2025 Conference Host Committee and Programming Impact Group

2025 National Conference Host Committee Co-Chairs
Thank you to the award winning and distinguished Chicago dance leaders who led the 2025 Host Committee, a vital component of the Dance/USA National Conference. The 2025 National Conference Co-Chairs were:

  • Joanna Furnans, Dance Artist and Executive Director, Chicago Dancemakers Forum
  • Jorge Pérez, Executive and Associate Artistic Director, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and Board President, See Chicago Dance
  • Vershawn Sanders-Ward, Founding Artistic Director and CEO, Red Clay Dance Company

2025 National Conference Programming Impact Group
The Conference Programming Impact Group (CPIG), a non-hierarchical coalition of Dance/USA members and stakeholders from the dance ecosystem, was created during the planning for the 2023 National Conference to increase and broaden the number of voices and perspectives involved in Conference programming. Dance/USA’s organizational values of connectivity, creativity, equity, and integrity guide the CPIG as Dance/USA integrates equity and inclusion into this new approach to Conference programming curation. The Conference Programming Impact Group includes:

  • Michele Kumi Baer, Dance/USA 2025 National Conference Guest Curator; Founder and Principal, Kumi Cultural 
  • Maria Isabelle Blanco, Founder, LOUD BODIES Dance 
  • Jenai Cutcher, Independent Dancer, Educator, Journalist, Archivist, and Producer 
  • Juan José Escalante, Executive Director, Miami City Ballet 
  • Kealoha Ferreira, Artistic Associate, Ananya Dance Theatre; Co-Leader, Shawngrām Institute for Performance & Social Justice 
  • Petra Kuppers, Disability Culture Activist and Community Performance Artist 
  • Sarah Lewitus, Program Director, Performing Arts and Accessibility Coordinator, Mid Atlantic Arts 
  • dani tirrell, Artistic Director of Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas; Founder and Artistic Director, dani tirrell and The Congregation 
  • Tamara Williams, Founding Artistic Director, Moving Spirits Inc.; Co-Founder, Bloco Afro Ayedun 
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2023 Conference Keynote Speaker Christal Brown interacts with Conference attendees. Photo by Shoccara Marcus
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The Dance/USA 2023 Award Recipients (l-r): Douglas Scott, Judy Tyrus, Nena Gilreath, Waverly T. Lucas II, Virginia Johnson. Photo: Shoccara Marcus
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Three Conference attendees sit side by side participating in a breakout session. Photo by Shoccara Marcus
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Three Conference attendees stand facing each other, talking and smiling. Photo: BEND Productions
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A panel of four Conference speakers sits on a stage in a semi circle in front of a dark background. Photo: BEND Productions
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About the Dance/USA 2023 National Conference
Dance/USA presented the 2023 Conference June 13-16 in Atlanta, Georgia. The theme of the Conference was EMERGE | BECOME | MOVE; the convening offered strategic, values-based, energizing, visionary ideas that spoke to the needs of the dance ecosystem. Explore the 2023 Conference sessions and speakers and learn about the dance leaders who were honored at the convening. 

“It's like a summer intensive for your job.” - Past Conference Attendee
"I was blown away by the depth of the conversations." - Past Conference Attendee
“It galvanizes the dance community.” - Past Conference Attendee

Sponsorship Opportunities

Gain unparalleled access and virtual exposure to the professional dance field’s artists, managers, representatives, and service providers by sponsoring Dance/USA today. For more information, contact the Dance/USA Development Team.

Press Opportunities

Interested in obtaining a press pass to the Dance/USA Conference? Contact our Leadership & Learning Department to learn more about the opportunity.

Questions?
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