Development Dialogue: The Reasons Are Many
In development, one size never fits all. Development professionals must ensure a full range of rewarding opportunities and experiences for all donors because the closer they feel, the deeper they will give. Read Ron Fredman’s July column for more.
Stitch and Step: Fashion Designers Craft Statement-Making Costumes for Choreographers
Fashion designers have had a long tradition of creating costumes for choreographers, from Coco Chanel’s knit swimsuits for Ballets Russes’ “The Blue Train” to the bold, black-and-white striped Norma Kamali pajamas for Twyla Tharp’s “In the Upper Room.” Dance and high fashion have their proponents and faultfinders. Read on..
Dance/USA Honors Sarah and Ernest Butler: Choreographing a Life of Wonder and Philanthropy
Austin, Texas, philanthropists Sarah and Ernest Butler have dedicated much of their philanthropic energy to providing “risk capital” as an investment in what might be for arts organizations like Ballet Austin. This month they receive Dance/USA’s Champion Award for their generosity and vision. Learn more here.
Dance/USA Honoree Jawole Willa Jo Zollar: Liberating the Pelvis … and the Dance Field
Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, founder of Urban Bush Women, laid the underpinnings for a company and a process of working that draws on her commitment to the culture of African Americans and the African Diaspora. This week she receives Dance/USA’s Honor Award for her extraordinary leadership in the field through both artistic excellence and force of vision.
How Audience Research Can Help Build Arts Audiences
Market research expert Bob Harlow shows how arts organizations can use qualitative and quantitative research to attract and retain new audiences. Watch a video of Harlow distill lessons about audience research, get practical tips and more
Determination and Perseverance: Dance/USA ‘Ernie’ Awardee Ann Williams Builds a Legacy in Dallas
Ann Williams receives the Dance/USA Ernie Award this month at Dance/USA’s annual conference in Austin, Texas. Williams founded Dallas Black Dance Theatre and her tireless dedication to the dance world and to encouraging black dance around the country has empowered young dancers, leaving a lasting legacy.
Ella Baff, 2016 Dance/USA Trustees Awardee: Sustaining a Dance Mecca in Western Massachusetts
As this year’s Dance/USA Trustees awardee, Ella Baff is being recognized at our annual conference in Austin, Texas, for her contributions to dance — particularly 17 years at the helm of Jacob’s Pillow Dance. Read on for more on how Baff advanced the dance field.
Development Dialogue: Phoning for Funds
Among a board member’s many responsibilities and opportunities, the chance to reach out to audience members and say “thank-you” is among the most powerful and rewarding. That personal touch with a patron is valuable. Read about how Ron Fredman harnesses this practice as a development tool.
Dyeing to Match: Dancewear for Everyone
Dyeing to Match is a national awareness campaign about the lack of new dancewear for darker skin tones. This is an issue of equity and diversity; the dancewear industry produces things that they say are nude but that always are a shade lighter than the skin tones of many of our students and dancers.
A Cautionary Tale: What Can Happen When Your Personal Video Goes Viral
Who hasn’t shared a fun personal video on social media? Read dancer/choreographer Alexandra Beller’s cautionary tale about what can happen when a personal video goes viral.