Dance Local: The Debrief
A month ago, we announced this new initiative, Dance Local. Since that announcement, we have had many brilliant people join the conversation to share their perspective, experiences, questions, and concerns, about the state of dance, in the US and abroad.
Globally, the world is watching.
The US approach to corporatizing dance and dance education seems rather interesting.
And, to be quite honest, it is rather fascinating to watch it play out.
Many local markets are wondering when, and if, acquisition will shape their communities?
In the US, we are noticing that the impacted markets are primarily those encapsulated in peak development locations/periods OR dance studio adjacent, business to business brands (like dance competitions and conventions or curriculum/membership organizations).
The commonality?
Transparency continues to be lacking.
No press releases.
No announcements.
No education.
Just consumers wondering who and what are shaping the decisions that impact our businesses, families, and dancers.
We’ve recognized a deep need for conversation, community and education surrounding these topics.
The language in the larger industry suggests we should link arms in solidarity of the mainstream model that’s being presented.
“There’s room for everyone at the table.”
If there is room for everyone at the table, why has this angle of conversation been removed from most of the tables in the industry?
Dance Local is our response.
It’s our invitation to think critically, and with curiosity, beyond cliques, about the trajectory of dance and dance education.
We welcome you, and your questions, here with tolerance and respect.
Because at the end of the day, who are the people standing up and asking the questions about the shifts that directly impact not only our business and our livelihoods, but the lives of our families and our dancers, many of whom are children.
The Ownership Decoder
We are watching dance, dance education, and the industry surrounding it, change at a rapid pace.
Consolidation. Private Equity. Corporatization.
Mergers & Acquisitions.
Holding Companies.
It’s all happening.
Step by step, Dance Local is here to help you understand the shifts.
WHO OWNS IT?
Here are the most common types of ownership:
Local Owner: A person or family owns the dance business
Who owns the business?
Ex: Stage Door Dance Productions
Franchise: A local person owns/operates the location, but another company owns the brand and business system
Who owns the brand?
Ex: Tutu School
Acquired: An existing dance business is purchased by another company or investor
Who owns the company?
Ex: Discount Dance Supply, acquired by Capezio
Investor-Backed: An investment firm puts money into or buys a company because it expects financial return
Who owns the company?
Ex: Capezio under Argand Partners
Platform/ Parent Company: A company owns multiple businesses or brands
Who owns the owner?
Ex: DanceOne or Ensemble Performing Arts
The name at the front of the business doesn’t always tell you who owns it.
A business can fall into multiple categories.
Capezio: Family Owner- Acquired- Private Equity Owned
Tutu School: Locally Operated + Part of a Larger Brand
An Ensemble School: Locally Founded - Acquired- Owned by Larger Platform
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD YOU ASK?
5 Questions to Ask When Considering Dance Brands:
Who owns it?
Who makes the decisions?
Who ultimately benefits financially?
How will they make decisions to shape the direction of dance?
As consumers, how much choice do we want to have in where and how we spend our dollars?
If independent businesses disappear and more of the market is controlled by fewer owners, consumers will have fewer independent alternatives.
When you hear corporate language, ask:
WHO owns it?
WHAT changed?
HOW does it affect me?
IF YOU HEAR THIS, ASK THIS:
“We’re partnering with…”
Does this partner have any ownership stake in the company?
“We’re still founder-led.”
Does the founder still own the company?
“We’re now part of a large family of brands.”
Who owns the parent company?
“Nothing is changing.”
What remains locally controlled and what is now centralized?
Remember: Ownership doesn’t immediately tell you whether a dance business is necessarily good/bad or aligned/misaligned with your goals.
It tells you WHO has the power to shape it, which opens up thoughtful consideration and dialogue.
As consumers, WE also have the power to shift the direction of dance.
