What We Learned from NYS DanceForce
Last month, our Associate Director of Leadership and Learning, Krystal Collins, traveled upstate to spend time with the NYS DanceForce network at their July convening. Here’s what stuck with them.
Photos by Krystal Collins at the NYS DanceForce convening
- Members reiterated that they are a group of dance activists. That distinction was important to them, and I found this very powerful and striking.
- They do a great job at advancing and supporting dance throughout the state of NY, not just NYC. And they’re really good at sharing resources—reaching out into their wide networks to help one another advance their project goals.
- Many of the projects folks shared were about making art happen across disciplines, and partnering with local businesses and municipalities to create opportunities for artists.
- Many people talked about how their project inadvertently stimulated the local economy (restaurants, local tech and A/V, etc.).
- This network is thick with people willing to say yes and willing to make it happen.
- They were just as candid about what’s still hard:
- Creating conditions for dancers to thrive
- Statewide network building
- Rehearsal space costs; artists can’t pay the full rate and venue owners can’t subsidize
- Presenters are enthusiastic, but can’t pay choreographers. (In fact, choreographers often have to pay production fees to venues)
- Building creative communities that last beyond the ephemerality of dance
Krystal and the entire team at Dance/USA are grateful to NYS DanceForce for their openness, generosity, resource-sharing and community. Until next time!