Dance consortium – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Dance Companies & Organizations Glossary

I. What is a Dance Consortium?

A dance consortium is a group of dance companies or organizations that come together to collaborate, share resources, and support each other in various ways. These consortiums can be regional, national, or even international in scope, and they often work towards promoting dance as an art form and supporting the growth and development of the dance community as a whole.

Dance consortiums can take many different forms, from informal networks of dance companies to more structured organizations with a board of directors and a formal membership process. Regardless of their structure, the primary goal of a dance consortium is to foster collaboration and cooperation among its members in order to strengthen the dance community and promote the art form to a wider audience.

II. What is the Purpose of a Dance Consortium?

The purpose of a dance consortium is multifaceted. One of the main goals of a dance consortium is to provide support and resources to its members. This can include sharing information about funding opportunities, marketing strategies, and best practices for running a successful dance company or organization. By pooling their resources and expertise, members of a dance consortium can help each other navigate the challenges of the dance industry and achieve their artistic and organizational goals.

Another important purpose of a dance consortium is to promote dance as an art form and increase its visibility in the community. By working together on collaborative projects, performances, and events, members of a dance consortium can reach a larger audience and showcase the diversity and creativity of the dance community. This can help raise awareness about the importance of dance as a cultural and artistic form of expression, and inspire more people to engage with and support the dance community.

III. How Does a Dance Consortium Operate?

The operation of a dance consortium can vary depending on its size, structure, and goals. Some dance consortiums are informal networks of dance companies that meet regularly to share information and resources, while others are more formal organizations with a board of directors, staff members, and a formal membership process.

In general, a dance consortium operates by bringing together its members to collaborate on projects, performances, and events. This can include co-producing dance productions, organizing dance festivals or showcases, and hosting workshops or masterclasses for dancers and choreographers. By working together in this way, members of a dance consortium can leverage their collective resources and expertise to create opportunities for themselves and promote the growth and development of the dance community as a whole.

IV. What are the Benefits of Joining a Dance Consortium?

There are many benefits to joining a dance consortium. One of the main benefits is the opportunity to collaborate and network with other dance companies and organizations. By working together on projects and events, members of a dance consortium can expand their reach, build new relationships, and learn from each other’s experiences. This can help them grow as artists and professionals, and open up new opportunities for artistic and organizational development.

Another benefit of joining a dance consortium is access to resources and support. Members of a dance consortium can share information about funding opportunities, marketing strategies, and best practices for running a successful dance company or organization. They can also benefit from collective bargaining power when negotiating with funders, venues, and other stakeholders in the dance industry. This can help them secure better deals, reach a larger audience, and achieve their artistic and organizational goals more effectively.

V. How Can Dance Companies and Organizations Get Involved with a Dance Consortium?

There are several ways that dance companies and organizations can get involved with a dance consortium. One option is to become a member of an existing consortium. This typically involves paying a membership fee and agreeing to abide by the consortium’s rules and guidelines. In return, members gain access to the consortium’s resources, support, and networking opportunities, as well as the chance to collaborate on projects and events with other members.

Another option is to form a new dance consortium. This can be done by reaching out to other dance companies and organizations in the community and inviting them to join forces. By working together to establish a new consortium, members can define their own goals, structure, and activities, and create a supportive and collaborative environment for themselves and others in the dance community.

VI. What are Some Notable Dance Consortiums in the Industry?

There are many notable dance consortiums in the industry that are making a significant impact on the dance community. One example is the Dance/USA Consortium, which is a national network of dance companies, presenters, and service organizations that work together to promote and support dance as an art form. The Dance/USA Consortium provides its members with access to resources, funding opportunities, and networking events, as well as the chance to collaborate on projects and initiatives that benefit the dance community as a whole.

Another notable dance consortium is the European Dancehouse Network, which is an international network of dance houses and centers that collaborate on projects, exchanges, and initiatives to promote dance in Europe and beyond. The European Dancehouse Network provides its members with access to funding, training, and networking opportunities, as well as the chance to participate in international collaborations and residencies that help them expand their reach and impact as dance organizations.

In conclusion, dance consortiums play a vital role in supporting and promoting the dance community. By bringing together dance companies and organizations to collaborate, share resources, and support each other, dance consortiums help strengthen the dance industry and raise awareness about the importance of dance as an art form. Whether through formal organizations or informal networks, dance consortiums provide a valuable platform for artists and professionals to connect, learn, and grow, and create opportunities for themselves and others in the dance community.