Archiving & Preservation

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Dance/USA supports the field with resources, expertise, and programs to preserve and make accessible the records of dance artistry and communities. The mission of the Archiving & Preservation department is to advance the ability of diverse dance communities to safeguard and share their legacies, as well as to promote education and awareness of dance archiving practices and dance history and scholarship. The department was formed after Dance/USA and Dance Heritage Coalition (DHC) began the process of integrating DHC’s preservation, archives, and education programs into Dance/USA in 2017.

Resources include the Artist’s Legacy Toolkit, a free online suite of guidelines, tools and templates to help independent artists and dance companies organize, preserve, and plan for the legacy of their records.

Programs include Fellowships in Dance Archiving and Preservation, which pairs students pursuing Library Science studies with professional mentors in dance research institutions, and assigns them to complete archiving projects with local dance artist and organizations. Read about past projects and Fellows’ blogs, and find information about how to apply.

Dance/USA also provides consultations and hands-on assistance to dance companies to conduct archive assessments, improve records management systems, create inventories and descriptive records, and digitize moving image materials.

Questions about Dance/USA’s archiving activities should be directed to the Director of Archiving and Preservation.