Dance/NYC

- 218 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003

In the global dance capital that is New York City, there exists a vital organization working behind the scenes to support, uplift, and advocate for the entire dance community. Dance/NYC is not a performance venue or a class studio, but a powerful service organization dedicated to ensuring the knowledge, appreciation, practice, and performance of dance thrives in the metropolitan area. Its mission is deeply rooted in values of justice, equity, and inclusion, making it a crucial resource for artists, audiences, and organizations alike. For anyone in New York who is part of the dance world or simply wants to learn more about its vibrant ecosystem, Dance/NYC is an indispensable point of interest. This article will provide an overview of what makes this organization so essential, detailing its work in advocacy, research, and community-building, and highlighting its commitment to creating a more equitable and accessible future for dance.

Dance/NYC’s work is all about building a sustainable and thriving dance field. Its initiatives are designed to address the pressing needs of dance workers and organizations, from economic inequities to social barriers. Through its programs, the organization works to provide resources that are often hard to come by for independent artists and small companies. It serves as a centralized hub for community engagement, professional development, and advocacy, offering a "go to" platform for dance-related news, job opportunities, and funding resources. A key part of its mission is to advocate for the dance sector to governmental bodies and philanthropic communities, using data from its comprehensive research to drive policy and inform investment. This proactive approach ensures that the dance community has a powerful voice and is recognized for its immense cultural and economic value.

Beyond its advocacy, Dance/NYC is a leader in research, producing landmark studies that provide critical insights into the dance ecosystem. Reports like the Dance Industry Census offer a detailed look at the size and health of the field, which then guides the organization's strategic work. This research also informs its grantmaking activities, which deliver much-needed financial resources to dance makers with small budgets. By offering grants and providing resources on everything from equitable contracting to emergency readiness, Dance/NYC helps to build the capacity of the dance workforce and foster a more resilient and self-sufficient community. The organization's focus on technology and visibility is also a major component of its work, with its website serving as a central platform for free listings, directories, and a campaign to bring New York City dance into the limelight.

Location and Accessibility

Dance/NYC is centrally located at 218 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003, in a convenient and accessible part of Manhattan. While it is primarily an administrative office and not a public performance space, its location is ideal for serving the metropolitan area's dance community. The office is situated on the ground floor of the Mertz Gilmore Foundation, and for anyone with mobility needs, the building offers a lift to the ground floor entrance. Additionally, the office has a wheelchair-accessible toilet, reflecting its dedication to accessibility. For those traveling via public transportation, the office is just a short walk from major subway stations. The N, R, Q, W, 4, 5, or 6 trains at 14th Street/Union Square or the L train at Third Avenue make the location easily reachable from almost anywhere in the city. The central location allows the organization to be a tangible part of the community it serves, fostering in-person connections and collaboration when needed.

Services Offered

• Advocacy and Policy: Dance/NYC advocates on behalf of the dance sector to local, state, and federal governments, ensuring the needs of dance workers and organizations are represented in policy decisions and funding allocations.

• Action-Oriented Research: The organization conducts and publishes in-depth research reports that provide a foundation for strategic planning, resource development, and management practices within the dance field.

• Grantmaking: Dance/NYC acts as a regrantor, providing financial support to the dance community through various funds, including the Dance Advancement Fund for small-budget dance makers and initiatives for disabled dancers.

• Online Resources and Technology: The Dance.NYC website serves as a comprehensive online hub with free community calendars, job listings, artist directories, funding opportunities, and tools for professional development.

• Leadership Training and Networking: The organization convenes the dance community through events like its biennial Symposium, Town Halls, and roundtable discussions, fostering peer learning and collective action.

• Special Initiatives: Dance/NYC manages unique programs like the Disability. Dance. Artistry. Initiative, which advances inclusion and access for disabled people in the art form.

Features / Highlights

• Dedicated to Justice, Equity, and Inclusion: At its core, Dance/NYC is committed to embedding values of justice, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of its work, ensuring the dance field is more fair and accessible for all.

• Comprehensive Resource Hub: The organization provides an extensive range of free and low-cost resources online, serving as a one-stop-shop for dance professionals in the New York metropolitan area.

• Advocacy Powerhouse: Dance/NYC uses data and a strong collective voice to represent the interests of the dance sector, making it an essential advocate for the community.

• Accessibility Initiatives: The organization is a leader in promoting accessibility, not only in its own office with wheelchair-accessible amenities but also through its research and initiatives aimed at making dance more inclusive for disabled artists and audiences.

• Grantmaking for the Community: Dance/NYC provides crucial financial support, often to small, independent artists and companies, filling a vital need in the artistic ecosystem.

• Community Convenor: Through its regular events and online platforms, Dance/NYC brings the dance community together, fostering connections and collective action on pressing issues.

Contact Information

Address: 218 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (212) 966-4452

What is worth choosing

For anyone in New York City with a stake in the dance world, whether as an artist, an organization, or an audience member, engaging with Dance/NYC is an absolute must. While you won't take a class or see a performance at its office, you will find the engine that powers the city's entire dance ecosystem. What makes Dance/NYC truly worth choosing is its role as a strategic and ethical leader. The organization's deep commitment to justice and equity sets it apart, as it actively works to dismantle barriers and create a more inclusive field for all. By providing data-driven research, accessible resources, and direct advocacy, Dance/NYC empowers the community to not only survive but to thrive. Its work in granting funds, building networks, and promoting accessibility directly impacts the lives and careers of countless dancers and choreographers. For a city as dynamic and diverse as New York, having a dedicated service organization like Dance/NYC is a profound asset. By supporting or simply engaging with its resources, you are contributing to a future where dance is not just an art form, but a powerful force for social good, making it a point of interest that is as essential as it is unique.

Dance/NYC

218 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003, USA