A Dance/USA Council is a peer group generally
denoted by a membership category (e.g., Service Organizations Council,
Presenters Council, etc.) or job function (e.g., Managers Council,
Agents Council, etc.). See below for a complete list of Dance/USA Councils and Chairs.
The Councils, also referred to as “Standing Councils” because they
have representation and voting rights on Dance/USA's Board of Trustees,
meet in-person at Dance/USA Annual Conferences and connect throughout
the member year via member Google Groups, quarterly Council Calls hosted
by Dance/USA, and informal meetings in various locations across the
country. Councils give members of Dance/USA an opportunity to discuss current issues and trends in the field and how these issues and trends affect their business.
Councils are not used as a marketplace, but instead as a gathering of industry professionals engaged in peer-to-peer networking, career development, and building a collaborative environment. Council agendas are designed by Council Chairs, in consultation with Council members, and are facilitated by the Council Chair.
Each Standing Council elects a Council Chair to serve as their representative on the Dance/USA Board of Trustees and to coordinate Council meetings/calls. A Council Chair’s term lasts for one year, from July 1 to June 30, and Council Chairs may serve up to three consecutive terms. If a Council Chair has not reached their three term limit and wishes to remain as Council Chair for a second or third term, their intentions should be made clear prior to the election or nomination period. A Council may also choose to elect a Chair-Elect or Co-Chair for their Council. The Chair-Elect does not serve in an official capacity (i.e., on the Board) and is not subject to term restrictions, but does assist with Council activities and is often designated to take over as Council Chair when the current Chair finishes his or her term.
In early April, current Council Chairs will contact their Council
members to prepare for an electronic election process. Council Chairs
should be selected no later than May 15. This electronic election allows
council members who cannot attend the Council Meeting to vote for a
Council Chair. If you have any questions about the election process for
Council Chairs, please contact your Council Chair or the Director of Member Services.
Agents/Artist Representatives Council
This Council is comprised of booking agents and artist representatives for companies and artists large and small, emerging to established. The Council works together and with fellow Dance/USA Councils to keep abreast of issues, strategies, and trends related to touring dance throughout the U.S. and internationally.
back to top2013-2014 Council Chair
Cathy Pruzan, Cathy Pruzan Artist Representative
Artistic Directors Council for Member Companies with Budgets of $3 Million and Greater
The purpose of this Council is to provide opportunities for its members to discuss issues pertinent to their unique careers as well as resources and networking for professional development.
back to top2013-2014 Council Chair
Paul Vasterling, artistic director/CEO, Nashville Ballet
Artistic Directors Council for Member Companies with Budgets of $2.9 Million or Less
The purpose of this Council is to provide opportunities for its members to discuss issues pertinent to their unique careers as well as resources and networking for professional development.
back to top2013-2014 Council Chair
Lucy Bowen McCauley, artistic director, Bowen McCauley Dance
Managers Council for Member Companies with Budgets of $15 Million and Greater
This Council is composed of executive administrators for dance companies with operating budgets of $15 million or more. Council members discuss common experiences on topics of relevance including, but not limited to: union labor relations; effective management of supply and demand of their product; artistic ownership, rights, and royalties; fundraising strategies and trends; real estate management; and individual experiences in managing their respective company's operations.
back to top2013-2014 Council Chair
Barry Hughson, executive director, Boston Ballet
Managers Council for Member Companies with Budgets from $3-$14.9 Million
This Council consists of senior management and/or executive administrators of dance companies with operating budgets between $3 million to $14.9 million. The purpose of this Council is to discuss common areas of concern and best practices in areas such as governance structure, dance schools, marketing, development, board relations, production, human resources, technology, etc. An equally important purpose is to provide networking opportunities for its members.
back to top2013-2014 Council Chair
Doug Singleton, executive director, North Carolina Dance Theatre
Managers Council for Member Companies with Budgets from $750,000-$2.9 Million
This Council is composed of executive directors of companies that employ separate artistic and executive directors and individuals who may perform both functions. The council focuses on issues relating to artistic and executive directors’ overall organizational management and development, as determined most useful by its members.
back to top2013-2014 Council Chair
George Sutton, executive director, James Sewell Ballet
Managers Council for Member Companies with Budgets of $749,000 or Less
Recognizing the diverse responsibilities of individuals who work in organizations with budgets under $749,000, this council is composed of administrators and artists with managerial responsibilities. Aiming to provide opportunities for networking and professional development, this Council is a forum to discuss management issues emerging from limited time and resources, often including the cost-effective application of technology, diversity and accessibility, sustainability, and planning for growth.
back to top2013-2014 Council Chair
Andrea Lodico Welshons, executive director, Keigwin + Company
Presenters Council
Seeking to serve the broadest constituency of dance presenters around the country, this Council is open to dance presenters of all dance forms, organizational size and structure. The Council exists to provide a forum for peer-to-peer exchanges in issues affecting the touring and presenting of dance, as well as dialogue about issues affecting the broader dance community. The Council welcomes the input of its members to set agendas and lead such conversations.
back to top2013-2014 Council Chair
Pamela Young, executive director, DANCECleveland
Service Organizations Council
This Council, composed of administrators and artists whose primary focus is providing service to the field, offers opportunities to share best practices and programs, address challenges, create joint programming, garner vital information from specially invited experts, and to network with colleagues from across the country.
back to top2013-2014 Council Chair
Rosemary Johnson, executive director, Alabama Dance Council
