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.
