The Dance/USA 2020 Virtual Conference to Convene Dancemakers and Address COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2020

Washington, DC – The Dance/USA 2020 Virtual Conference, June 17-19, will convene dance professionals to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and provide much needed connection, learning, and support during this unprecedented time. Conference programming includes three days of breakout sessions and workshops that will explore health and safety, the virtual world of dance during COVID-19, addressing inequity in dance now and for the future, and more. Browse the Conference overview here.

“Now more than ever, it’s important to gather in conversation and support the connectivity of our field,” said Dance/USA Executive Director Amy Fitterer. “We invite all dancemakers to join us!”

The Dance/USA Virtual Conference is open to all regardless of membership, and rates are on a sliding scale from $10 to $100. The deadline to register is June 10.

Conference Programming
Dance/USA is pleased to offer a wide variety of sessions on key topics, educational workshops, movement classes, networking opportunities, and a virtual DJ dance party.

Conference sessions include:

Physical and Mental Health During COVID-19 and Making Work Environments Safe
Planning and Preparing for the 2020-2021 Season
Open Space: An Artist Connectivity Series, A Special Edition Presented by The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD), Sheffield Global Arts Management (SGA Management), KMP Artists, and Dance/USA.
Sharing and Making Dance Online in COVID-19 and Beyond
Addressing Inequity in Dance Now and for the Future
Federal Advocacy During COVID-19
Responsibility to Address Climate Change, Business Adaptation, and Community Togetherness
Celebration of Life Closing Session with Cleo Parker Robinson

Post Conference Workshops include:

Dance Business Bootcamp: Planning in Uncertainty, Using Your Values to Make a Theory of Change. This workshop is for independent artists, choreographers, and small-budget dance groups looking to accelerate their operations and is facilitated by Fractured Atlas.
Archiving and Preservation Workshop in two parts including an overview of the basics of understanding, organizing, preserving, and sharing archives; and breakout groups with professional archivists.

Movement Classes, Networking and Social Time
The Virtual Conference will also feature several dance breaks and movement classes for every body. Additionally, there will be networking coffee breaks, a mobile app for registered attendees to enhance connectivity, and a virtual DJ dance party featuring The Illustrious Blacks.

Find the full list of programming, networking events, and movement classes here.

Dance/USA is grateful to the following: The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, The Harkness Foundation for Dance, The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, and The Wallace Foundation. Additional thanks to the 2020 Annual Conference Sponsors: Arts Insurance Program; BEND Productions; Capacity Interactive; Gaynor Minden; International Arts Management Magazine; International Association for Dance Medicine and Science; KMP Artists; The LEAP Program; Marquee TV; Performing Arts Readiness; Risk Strategies; and University of Denver Dance Archives. This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

About Dance/USA
Propelled by our belief that dance can inspire a more just and humane world, Dance/USA will amplify the power of dance to inform and inspire a nation where creativity and the field thrive.

Dance/USA is the national service organization for the professional dance field. Established in 1982, Dance/USA champions an inclusive and equitable dance field by leading, convening, advocating, and supporting individuals and organizations. Dance/USA’s core programs are focused in the areas of engagement, advocacy, research, and preservation. Learn more at danceusa.org.