5 Dance Organizations You Should Know About
As dancers, teachers, and lovers of the art form, it’s essential to stay connected with organizations that not only celebrate dance but also uplift the community through education, outreach, and inclusivity. Here are five dance organizations you should know about that are making significant contributions to the dance world.
Many of these organizations have played a significant role in my personal journey as a dancer and educator. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work closely with several of them, witnessing firsthand the profound impact they have on the dance community. Their dedication to nurturing talent, promoting diversity, and fostering artistic expression has been truly inspiring.
These interactions have deepened my appreciation for the crucial role these organizations play in supporting and advancing the art of dance. Each one is dedicated to making a meaningful difference, whether it’s through educational programs, community outreach, or advocacy. Their efforts not only support individual dancers and educators but also contribute to the overall vitality and diversity of the dance world.
1. Dance Canvas
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Website: Dance Canvas
What Makes Them Special: Dance Canvas is an incredible platform that provides emerging choreographers with the resources and opportunities they need to create and present their work. Founded in 2008, this organization is dedicated to nurturing new voices in dance and offering them the guidance and exposure they need to thrive.
Community Impact: Dance Canvas is committed to expanding the reach of dance by making it accessible to all. They work with young dancers and choreographers from diverse backgrounds, providing them with mentorship, workshops, classes, education and performance opportunities. Their work is instrumental in developing the next generation of dance artists.
How to Support: You can support Dance Canvas by attending their performances, donating to their programs, or becoming a sponsor. Every contribution helps in fostering new talent and expanding the reach of dance in the community.
2. National Dance Institute (NDI)
Location: New York, New York
Website: National Dance Institute
What Makes Them Special: Founded by renowned dancer Jacques d’Amboise, the National Dance Institute (NDI) is a leader in arts education, bringing dance to thousands of children across New York City and beyond. NDI’s programs focus on using dance as a tool for social change, instilling confidence, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment in young students.
Community Impact: NDI’s mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to experience the joy of dance. They offer in-school programs, after-school classes, and summer workshops, reaching over 6,000 children annually. NDI’s work goes beyond dance, teaching life skills that empower children to succeed in all areas of life.
How to Support: Donations to NDI directly fund their programs, ensuring that they can continue to bring the power of dance to more children. You can also support them by attending their events and spreading the word about their impactful work.
3. National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
Website: NDEO
What Makes Them Special: The National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) is a vital resource for dance educators, offering professional development, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the field of dance education. NDEO is committed to advancing dance education centered on the art form’s cultural and educational importance.
Community Impact: NDEO provides a national platform for dance educators to share resources, ideas, and research. Their conferences, certifications, and online courses help teachers refine their craft and bring high-quality dance education to students across the country.
How to Support: Becoming a member of NDEO is one of the best ways to support their work. Membership offers access to a wealth of resources and helps sustain their advocacy efforts. You can also contribute by attending their events or donating to their initiatives.
4. Brown Girls Do Ballet
Location: Nationwide
Website: Brown Girls Do Ballet
What Makes Them Special: Brown Girls Do Ballet started as a photography project and has grown into a powerful movement advocating for diversity in ballet. This organization provides scholarships, mentoring, and performance opportunities for young dancers of color, ensuring that ballet is accessible to all.
Community Impact: Brown Girls Do Ballet works tirelessly to break down barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented dancers. They also offer a directory of ballet schools that are committed to diversity and inclusivity, making it easier for parents to find supportive environments for their children.
How to Support: You can support Brown Girls Do Ballet by donating to their scholarship fund, purchasing from their online store, or simply following and sharing their social media platforms. Every bit helps in their mission to diversify ballet.
5. Dance Collaborative
Carolina Dance Collaborative
Location: South Carolina Upstate and the North Carolina Triangle
Website: Carolina Dance Collaborative
What Makes Them Special: a non-profit, 501c3 mobile dance outreach organization offering community dance opportunities in the South Carolina Upstate and the North Carolina Triangle. We do not have a brick-and-mortar studio. That’s what makes us unique! We collaborate with organizations to hold our dance and movement classes at their locations, enabling us to have a broader community impact.
Community Impact: Our mission is to make dance education accessible to all people regardless of location, ability, or resources. Since 2015, Carolina Dance Collaborative has impacted over 11,000 children, adults, and seniors with enriching dance opportunities, including many with disabilities.
How to Support: Attend their performances, donate to their programs, or get involved with their community events to support local dance initiatives.
These organizations are just a few of the many making a difference in the dance world. By supporting them, we help ensure that dance continues to thrive, inspire, and bring people together.
For more insights and resources on dance, be sure to check out our article on 10 Best Dance Movies and 10 Best Preschool Dance Books.
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Happy Dancing,
Taylor
