We believe that dance is essential to a healthy society, demonstrating the infinite possibilities for human expression and potential, and facilitating communication within and across cultures. Dance/USA sustains and advances professional dance by addressing the needs, concerns, and interests of artists, administrators, and organizations. By providing national leadership and services, Dance/USA enhances the infrastructure for dance creation and distribution, education, and dissemination of information.

VISION

We envision a future in which dance is an enduring and sought-after art form, recognized by all as an important part of America’s rich and diverse culture. A stable, comprehensive infrastructure for dance creation and distribution will be in place nationwide, and dance professionals will be able to access support from colleagues and experts in communities across the United States. The economic environment for dance will amply sustain its creative resources – dance artists and organizations throughout the country. Politicians, reporters, funders, business leaders, educators, and community members will value dance and include dance professionals and dance experiences in their day-to-day activities. The history and importance of dance in this country will be well-documented, comprehensive, and accessible to young and old, professional and avocational. Dance will be taught in every school in the country, and students will be able to access dance studios in every community. Leaders in the dance field will be consulted by leaders in other disciplines for their advice and contributions to the discussion of contemporary issues. American dance artists and dance works will be recognized and celebrated internationally as an integral component of the worldwide dance community.

Dance/USA will serve as the national hub for dance-related information, leadership, advocacy, and service. Our organization will be linked through a comprehensive network of local affiliations, interdisciplinary initiatives, and international colleagues to dance artists, organizations, professionals, and supporters representing the full spectrum of dance activity. Dance/USA will bring together the resources and information required by dance practitioners, audiences, media, philanthropists, and policy makers, and will generate significant data about dance in the United States. Above all, Dance/USA will nurture leadership in the field by providing a comprehensive curriculum of professional development activities and facilitating dialogue and action about significant issues for the future of the art form.

VALUES

Leadership is the essential element of initiative and direction that moves a group or idea forward. Dance/USA demonstrates leadership by proactively addressing the needs and concerns of the field, focusing on improving the present, and building a strong future for the art form.

Inclusiveness enriches a community and the experiences of its constituents by expanding its perspective and increasing its diversity. Dance/USA seeks to have our activities informed by a broad range of interests, points of view, cultures, and individual/organizational diversity by creating access, encouraging participation, and valuing differences.

Communication is the primary tool necessary for quality decision-making, organizational success, and community engagement. Dance/USA places a high priority on creating, maintaining, updating, and distributing materials that inform daily decision-making activity for dance professionals, as well as educating and engaging the greater public in the value of professional dance.

Service is the expression of an organization’s intention through activities for and on behalf of its constituents. As a membership organization, Dance/USA provides programs that support the vital interests of organizations and individuals in our membership network and in the larger dance community.

Collaboration generates synergy by bringing individuals or groups together to work cooperatively. Dance/USA is committed to fostering and facilitating collaborations among our constituents and to engaging in collaborations with our peer organizations. By working with a broad range of organizations and institutions from both the nonprofit and for-profit communities, we are able to draw on strengths, expertise, and viewpoints that can together create a stronger dance community.

Learning acknowledges that innovation and renewal result from a willingness to explore, evaluate, and adapt. Dance/USA endeavors to be a ”learning organization” by being open to new ways of practice, by integrating evaluation into our ongoing activities, and by supporting the development of our staff and leaders.