Snap Facts March 2004:
Field at a Glance — Dance

Introductory Statement

Dance/USA, the national service organization for not-for-profit professional dance, seeks to advance the art form by addressing the needs, concerns and interests of professional dance. To fulfill its mission, Dance/USA offers a variety of programs for the membership and arts community, including data research and regional professional development, as well as works with organizations within and outside the arts field with whom common goals are shared. Dance/USA’s membership currently consists of nearly 500 ballet, modern, ethnic, jazz, culturally specific, traditional and tap companies, dance service and presenting organizations, artist managers, individuals, and other organizations nationally and internationally. Dance/USA’s member companies range in size from operating budgets of under $50,000 to over $30 million.

Economic Profile for the Field

Dance/USA estimates that there are over 650 dance companies active in the United States today and that about 76 have budgets over $1 million. Based on hard data collected in 2003 from a sample of 32 companies, these 76 largest and most visible dance companies:

• Employed 4,458 full-time and 2,949 part-time people for a total of 7,407, representing a significant decline in numbers of part-time employees from 2000 to 2002.
• Paid $229,860,600 in wages and benefits, representing a 5% increase over 2000.
• Had 24,500 volunteers, including 3,220 members of boards of trustees (a significant increase in volunteerism over 2000 levels).
• Had operating expense budgets totaling $404,831,400, representing a 7% increase over 2000.
• Received $18,873,125, or 5% of their income, from state, local and government contributions.
• Received $4,431,200, or 4% of their income, from corporate contributions, a dramatic decline from $26,281,400 in 2000.
• Received $40,910,500, or 10% of their income, from private foundations.
• Received $98,501,500, or 25% of their income, from individuals contributions through donations, benefit events, guilds, and United Arts drives, a 10% increase over 2000.
• Earned $166,448,700, or 42% of their income, from performances.
• Earned $47,760,300, or 12% of their income, from sales, tuitions and activities other than performances.

Economic Profile for a Company

The percentage breakdown of revenue and expenses of a typical mid-sized ballet company (budget range $1 million – $6 million) are shown in the pie charts below.