It means that we are engaging in a multi-year process of assessment, listening, exploration, and dreaming to gain a better understanding of what it means to be in humble service to the dance ecosystem, and how Dance/USA might evolve to meet the needs of the ecosystem – in ways the organization is uniquely positioned to do.
This work is both reflective and aspirational. It is reflective of moments in our history when the organization has fallen short of being truly inclusive or equitable. It also embraces our aspirations for a future structure that supports members of the dance community in ways that are deeply meaningful, while remaining realistic and practicable for our team.
We understand that our dance community is simultaneously grappling with tectonic shifts in the overall funding landscape, and living with uncertainty in federal, regional, and local arts policies. That’s a lot to manage, and the element of surprise doesn’t help…
We anticipate that the programs and resources Dance/USA currently provides will shift as a result of this work, and so we are committed to sharing key learnings with you as we move through the rest of this process.
The following emerged as top needs from our three sets of data—
As of March 2025, we are entering a phase of decision-making in order to update our operations and systems to align the needs of our dance community with the assets and strengths of our organization.
At Dance/USA, we are dedicated to ensuring that dance is a powerful, thriving, and essential part of our nation’s cultural landscape. Our advocacy initiatives are central to this mission.
These efforts include:
And, after hearing from Dance/USA members and the greater dance ecosystem, we are now implementing new initiatives to address the critical need for our community’s voice to be heard and equip you with the skills necessary to make that happen.
Throughout 2025, you will be able to participate in a series of advocacy education opportunities that will prepare you to become a better dance advocate.
Who the survey was for:
An annual national survey distributed to 1,455 individuals who are on Dance/USA’s membership email list.
Who participated:
Membership Category:
Top Three Annual Operating Budget Ranges:
Members ranked Connectivity as the most important value of Dance/USA.
Most useful current services:
Who the survey was for:
A national survey to understand the current needs and challenges of individuals and organizations in the U.S. dance ecosystem
Who participated:
Top Three Organizations Budget Ranges:
Top Three Primary Roles (98% of individuals reported having multiple jobs):
As part of the SRP, nine individuals were invited to join the Strategic Reframing Impact Group (SRIG). The SRIG was charged with providing greater context and clarity about the needs of the dance ecosystem and the role of Dance/USA through hosting Exchange Circles.
Exchange Circle Background
Who Participated*
* Data is based on responses received.
At Dance/USA, we are dedicated to ensuring that dance is a powerful, thriving, and essential part of our nation’s cultural landscape. Our advocacy initiatives are central to this mission. These efforts include:
Stay tuned as we announce brand new advocacy initiatives this Spring, and please consider making a donation of $25, $50, $150, or more to help continue our advocacy work for the future of dance.
