Degree Dance Collective

I had the pleasure of meeting two savvy young New York dancer/administrator/choreographers last week. They have begun an organization called Degree Dance Collective that, according to their vision statement, is an ensemble of dance artists living in New York City united by their baccalaureate degrees in dance and who are artistically invested in creating in new dance works and committed to remaining engaged in the dance field by utilizing the contacts and knowledge garnered through their formal education.

Degree Dance Collective offers biweekly networking events, dance workshops with various teachers and choreographers, as well as group dance seeing events.

Although I don't have a degree in dance, I do see the need for this kind of organization in the New York dance scene. There is so much opportunity here that distilling your path, amidst it all and without distraction, is a constant struggle. Additionally, all the education or performing experience in the world do not prepare one for the challenges of finding a place in a new scene as vast as New York. Kudos to Degree Dance Collective for creating something vibrant, new and effective!

Just Give

I just found a great resource for fundraising and philanthropic efforts. JustGive.org is a website that links to over 1.5 million charities and makes it easy to give by category or location. You can set up single or recurring donations and gift donations. They run these transactions privately and securely; plus they will make tax time easier by setting up a complete list of all your donations.

Additionally non-profits can utilize JustGive to collect donations for their organization. This potentially cuts a large amount of administrative work at a nominal expense. You can add a button to your website for free and it will collect donations, take care of tax information and provide online donor reports.

In the non-profit sector we are so reliant upon donations, I recently wondered about the reciprocity of others' generosity. I am determined that part of my new adventures include more philanthropy- of money and self. Interestingly the JustGive website give the following guideline on giving:

How Much to Give

What's the Average?
The average American gives about 3.1% of their income (before taxes) to charity, an increase from previous years but still well below the traditional 10% "tithe" for charity recommended by religious institutions.

Who Gives the Most?
The people that give the most actually make the least. Households earning under $10,000 a year -- far below the poverty line -- gave 5.2% of their income to charity. That's a larger percentage of their money than any other income group.

What's the Bottom line?
The average household donates $1,620 each year. That's just three dollars a day. Learn more.

You Make the Difference:
Did you know that individuals give 75% of all the money that charities receive? If we all give our fair share, no one will go hungry and no child will grow up in poverty. Sound idealistic? Everything depends on how we spend our money.

Give 5!
While 3.1% is the average, there is a movement to give more. Independent Sector, a coalition of nearly 800 corporations, foundations, and private voluntary organizations, is encouraging us to "Give 5" -- donate 5% of our income and volunteer 5 hours of our time each week.

It All Adds Up:
The amount of money and time that we alone can give may seem small but together as part of a national -- even global -- giving movement we are able to make dramatic changes in the quality of life on this small planet.

Fun...Fundraising.

The first three letters of these two words are the same, but rarely do these two words share much in common. Fundraising is a necessary part of a dance project or companies existence. Ticket revenue, or earned revenue, rarely comes close to recouping the costs of labor, music rights, costume and marketing a show. Growing the audience base is one component to making a show financially successful, but equally, "making the ask" is part of the equation.

I am currently working with a summer company in the beautiful blue ridge mountains of North Carolina called Terpsicorps. Under the direction of former North Carolina Dance Theater member, Heather Maloy, Terpsicorps really does things a little different....and makes fundraising FUN!

First the company is set up as a summer only experience. It therefore employes dancers who are off contract from other companies around the country. Terpsicorps' budget is smaller than a typical ballet company by the abbreviated season as well. (The dancers are generously hosted by families and dance supporters in the Asheville area.) It serves to provide dance to the mid-sized community of Asheville, NC and also attracts the influx of summer tourists.

Some of the FUN we have had this summer included a pre-release screening of "Every Little Step" a documentary on the making and re-making of A Chorus Line. And next, including commercial to promote it, the BOWL-A-THON!

Yes, dancers and fun lovers bowling together for a cause. And to prove the fun that has already been had and what other fun will come is a commercial:

And if you feel so inclined, you can support this event- even from afar- and pledge here. Check out the slick custom designed website that accepts your pledges online- another wave of the future.

Fun Fundraising really does exist!

Son Lux- a must hear

SON LUX: 2 NEW SHOWS - NYC & MINNEAPOLIS

I just performed with this artist in Minneapolis.  Ryan Lott is the artist and an incredible one.  

My next post will be more musings on this experience.  

A day late and a peso short....

I have been in Cali, Columbia performing with an international dance festival. Being in a foreign land and still dancing I feel connected to National Dance Week.

The official National Dance Week website offers advocacy tools as well as links to proclamations and guides to youth activities. Here is a state-by-state listing of National Dance Week events.

A message for 2009 about National Dance Week:

The future of dance lies where there are persons who do not dance.

These belong to two categories: those who simply did not learn, and those who think that they are not able to dance. They represent the greatest challenge for the dance teacher's profession.

In line with UNESCO's struggle against prejudice and discrimination, we are trying to expand the boundaries of dance and to change the current perception of what a dancer is.

Dance performances are not necessarily exhibitions of extreme physicality, accurate precision, or bursting emotion - they can be celebrations of interaction between performers. We can enrich dance concerts with dancers, singers, actors, narrators, mimes, acrobats etc., of all ages and all degrees of ability.

Bringing the 'excluded' into dance is a moral duty, but also opens a great door in times of economic crisis and unemployment. In every country there are millions of persons with physical or mental disabilities. We believe they are ready to dance.

They will create jobs to thousands of dance teachers. They can be assisted by the Ministry of Health, whose budget is many times bigger than that of the Ministry of Culture.

Integrating marginalized persons into the practice of dance is as important as integrating them into the workforce.

CID holds to the philosophy that everyone can dance.

Dance Day 2009 is dedicated to inclusive dance. Let us include all members of society into our classes and our performances.

Prof. Alkis Raftis

President of the International Dance Council CID

UNESCO, Paris

***************************************************************

1. The official Dance Day message is mailed to over 150,000 dance professionals in 200 countries. It is translated to dozens of languages. Please ask for a translation, or translate the message to the language of your country; send it to dance organizations and the media. You can find guidelines and previous messages at the CID web site.

2. Dance Day has been established in view of attracting attention to the art of dance, every year on the 29th of April. On that day, dance companies, dance schools, organizations and individuals, professionals as well as amateurs, are asked to organize an activity addressing an audience larger than their usual one.

3. The International Dance Council (Conseil International de la Danse - CID) is the official umbrella organization for all forms of dance in all countries of the world.

- CID is recognized by UNESCO, national and local governments, international organizations and institutions.

- Its members are the most prominent federations, associations, schools, companies and individuals in more than 150 countries.

- It is the supreme forum bringing together international, national and local organizations, as well as prominent individuals active in dance.

- It was founded in 1973 within the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where it is based.

- UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Sponsorship

Yes we know that the economy is struggling. I need to update the struggling company list on this blog which makes me very sad. However it is now time to think outside the box and bring fresh life to those endeavors which make art.

A friend recently emailed me about a trip to South Africa that her company is taking. To help facilitate this they have created a sponsorship package. It is a brilliant means to individually fund a project. I have posted her package here. Please feel free to help if you can, and also see the courageous model that has been made for another way to raise funds.


Sponsor the 2009 International EduDance Program
Bridging the Opportunities Gap Through the Arts

About The International Dance In Education (EduDance) Program:


Endorsed by the Embassy of South Africa and the National Association of People With AIDS, the
International EduDance Program teaches leadership, self-esteem, and civic responsibility to youth in
economically challenged communities across the globe. Utilizing our unique brand of EduDance to integrate
research-based human development curricula with rigorous dance training, the International Dance in
Education Program will launch a pilot project in the township of Sebokeng, South Africa in August of 2009.
In addition to delivering a month-long, culturally sensitive youth empowerment program, the 2009
International EduDance program will promote increased use of the arts in schools to enhance teaching and
learning, and to create employment for local performing artists. A percentage of funds contributed by
program sponsors will provide much needed financial relief to participating schools in the form of classroom
supplies and textbooks.


About Lesole’s Dance Project:


Lesole’s Dance Project (LDP) is a Maryland-based 501c(3) nonprofit dance company that teaches and
performs traditional and urban South African-, and afro-fusion dance. LDP has performed alongside artists
of international acclaim at such prestigious venues as Wolfe Trap and the Kennedy Center. LDP also
provides cultural enrichment and educational programs to elementary-, middle-, and high school students
across the United States.


Be among proud sponsors of the 2009 International EduDance Program and receive national
recognition for your support of positive youth development in developing nations. To initiate your
sponsorship, please select one of the sponsorship packages below, and submit the attached sponsorship commitment form.


____________________________________________________________________________

Sponsorship Packages

Underwriter Level $7,500 (Limited to three Sponsors)
Highest recognition at LDP’s 2009 Annual Show (June 30th)!
• Prominent logo display on event signage at LDP Annual Show
• Opportunity to make remarks from the podium
• Two-page spread advertisement in the Annual Show event program
• Logo display on front cover of the Annual Show program
• Ten (15) complimentary event passes
• Logo display and acknowledgement in print ‘save the date’ mailing
Highest recognition at South African Embassy Co-Sponsored Events!
• Invitation and opportunity to make remarks at a post-program showcase VIP reception hosted by the
South African Embassy in Washington DC.
• Opportunity to make remarks from the podium at the South African Freedom Day picnic.
• Tent and exhibit table at the South African Freedom Day picnic.
• Prominent logo display on event signage at the South African Freedom Day picnic.
In Country Recognition
• Prominent logo display on event signage at youth performances at Vereenigeng Civic Theatre in South
Africa
Plus!
• Company logo and description on LDP’s website through the close of the 2009 calendar year.
• Logo and acknowledgement in LDP’s electronic newsletter.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Angel Level $5,000 (Limited to Six Sponsors)
Recognition at LDP’s 2009 Annual Show!
• Logo display on event signage at LDP Annual Show
• Full-page ad in Annual Show event program
• Logo inside Annual show program
• Ten (10) passes to LDP Annual Show
• Logo display and acknowledgement in print ‘save the date’
Recognition at South African Embassy Co-Sponsored Events!
• Invitation to attend, and verbal recognition from the podium at post-program showcase VIP
reception hosted by the South African Embassy.
• Verbal acknowledgement from the microphone at the South African Embassy’s Freedom Day
picnic.
• Tent and exhibit table at the South African Embassy’s Freedom Day picnic.
• Prominent event signage at the South African Embassy’s Freedom Day picnic.
In Country Recognition
• Prominent logo display on event signage at youth performances at Vereenigeng Civic Theatre
in South Africa
Plus!
• Company logo and description on LDP’s website through the close of the 2009 calendar year.
• Logo and acknowledgement in LDP’s electronic newsletter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Champion Level $2,500
Recognition at LDP’s 2009 Annual Show (June 30th)!
• Company name display on event signage at LDP Annual Show
• Half-page ad in Annual Show program
• Logo display inside Annual show program
• Total of five (5) passes to attend LDP Annual Show events
• Logo display and acknowledgement in print ‘save the date’
Recognition at South African Embassy Co-Sponsored Events!
• Invitation to post-program showcase VIP reception hosted by the South African Embassy in
Washington DC.
• Company name listed on event signage at the South African Embassy’s Freedom Day picnic.
In Country Recognition
• Company name display on event signage at youth performances at Vereenigeng Civic Theatre
in South Africa
Plus!
• Company logo and description on LDP’s website through the close of the 2009 calendar year.
• Logo and acknowledgement in LDP’s electronic newsletter.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Benefactor Level $1,000
Recognition at LDP’s 2009 Annual Show (June 30th)!
• Quarter-page ad in Annual Show program
• Company name listed inside event program
• Four (4) passes to Annual Show
• Company name and acknowledgement in print ‘save the date’
Recognition at South African Embassy Co-Sponsored Events!
• Invitation to post-program showcase VIP reception hosted by the South African Embassy in
Washington DC.
• Recognition on event signage at the South African Embassy’s Freedom Day picnic.
In Country Recognition
• Company name display on event signage at youth performances at Vereenigeng Civic Theatre in South
Africa
Plus!
• Company logo and description on LDP’s website through the close of the 2009 calendar year.
• Logo and acknowledgement in LDP’s electronic newsletter during three consecutive months.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Supporter Level $500
Recognition at LDP’s 2009 Annual Show (June 30th)!
• Company name listed inside each Annual Show event program
• Company name and acknowledgement in print ‘save the date’
• Three (3) passes to attend LDP Annual Show events
Recognition at South African Embassy Co-Sponsored Events!
• Invitation to post-program showcase VIP reception hosted by the South African Embassy in
Washington DC.
• Company name listed on event signage at the South African Embassy’s Freedom Day picnic.
Plus!
• Company logo and description on LDP’s website through the close of the 2009 calendar year.
• Logo and acknowledgement in LDP’s electronic newsletter
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friend Level $250
Recognition at LDP’s 2009 Annual Show (June 30th)!
• Company name and acknowledgement in print ‘save the date’ mailing
• Company name listed inside Annual Show program
• Two (2) passes to attend the LDP Annual Show during 2009 calendar year
Recognition at South African Embassy Co-Sponsored Events!
• Invitation to post-program showcase VIP reception hosted by the South African Embassy in
Washington DC.
• Company name displayed on event signage at the South African Embassy’s Freedom Day picnic.
Plus!
• Company logo and description on LDP’s website through the close of the 2009 calendar year.
2009 International EduDance Program


__________________________________________________________________________
Sponsorship Commitment Form
Please complete this form to confirm your sponsorship of the 2009 International EduDance Program.

Primary Contact:
(Contact with authority to commit funds.)
Name:______________________________________
Title:______________________________________
Organization:_______________________________
Address:____________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Telephone:_________________________________
Fax:______________________________________
Email:______________________________________
Secondary Contact:
(Contact for benefits delivery, if different. i.e.: Marketing Manager,
Communications Director)
Name:_________________________________________ _
Title:____________________________________________
Organization:_____________________________________
Address:_________________________________________
_______________________________________
________________________________________
Telephone:________________________________________
Fax:______________________________________________
Email:____________________________________________

SPONSORSHIP LEVEL:
Underwriter $7,500 Angel $5,000 Champion $2,500
Benefactor $1,000 Supporter $500 Friend $250

PAYMENT INFORMATION:
Check enclosed (Make checks payable to Lesole’s Dance Project.)
Please charge my credit card:
Visa MasterCard American Express
Card Number: ______________________________________ Expiration Date: ____________
Name as Displayed on Card: _____________________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________________________

Please invoice me for Installment Payment(s) at a future date:
One (1) Installment on ________________________________________________________
Two (2) Installments of 50% each on ______________________ and ___________________
(Deadline to submit all installment payments is June 12th, 2009)

ACCEPTANCE & AGREEMENT:
We agree to the payment terms as listed above on this form.

SPONSOR: LESOLE’S DANCE PROJECT:
Signature: _______________________ Date: _______ ________________________
Name (please print): ___________________________
Lesole Z. Maine
Title (please print): ____________________________ Artistic Director


Please Return Form to:
Lesole Z. Maine
Artistic Director
Lesole’s Dance Project
P.O. Box 10132
Silver Spring, MD 20914
Phone: (240) 744-6693

Forsythe watch.

I consider this subject as a resource to the always cutting edge/ always inspiring projects of William Forsythe. I have worked briefly with dancers that collaborated with Forysthe; all will attest to the evolution of Forysthe's process and his consideration of what art means to a greater world.

Today OSU and the Forsythe company released a beta version of a new project which links choreography to science.

http://synchronousobjects.osu.edu


The press release states:
The Ohio State University and choreographer William Forsythe announce the April 1, 2009 launch of the interactive web project, "Synchronous Objects for One Flat Thing, reproduced". Focusing on Forsythe’s complex ensemble dance "One Flat Thing, reproduced", the project presents an original collection of screen-based visualizations (video, digital artwork, animation, and interactive graphics) that reveal interlocking systems of organization in the choreography. The project aims to appeal to a broad public from diverse fields including but not limited to dance. Forsythe explains, “The project starts from the recognition that choreography is an organizational practice that employs fundamental creative strategies relevant to other domains.”


Synchronous Objects will be available online to the public on April 1, 2009 at:
http://synchronousobjects.osu.edu


A symposium to celebrate the launch of the project will be held at the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus, OH at 3 pm on April 1 (concurrent with the opening of the Wexner Center exhibition William Forsythe: Transfigurations). For international audiences, the symposium participants will contribute to an e-symposium online April 1.


The project is the result of a collaboration between The Forsythe Company, based in Germany, and researchers at The Ohio State University from design, dance, computer science, geography, statistics and architecture who work together at OSU’s Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD). Creative Directors William Forsythe, Maria Palazzi (ACCAD/Department of Design), and Norah Zuniga Shaw (ACCAD/Department of Dance) describe the research as a process in which choreographic ideas are the source of information for the composition of unique visual objects. These objects enable the ideas in the choreography to be quickly grasped in their entirety and suggest new interpretations.
“This process of transformation from a dance to a choreographic object requires cross-disciplinary collaboration, and in our community at ACCAD we have found that thinking in this way makes space for new connections between art and science, practice and theory,” explains Zuniga Shaw. Adds Palazzi: “People will access the information in the site in many ways. We want this to be a space of discovery.”


Forsythe, formerly the director of the Frankfurt Ballet (Germany) and now The Forsythe Company is recognized for his innovation in classical ballet. He continues to explore innovation in dance, often extending his choreographic process into new manifestations including installations and the expressive digital media tools at the center of this new collaborative project. The collaboration with the ACCAD/Dance team emerged out of Forsythe’s interest in working in an interdisciplinary research environment. He explains, “I was drawn to Ohio State because of the intense focus on interrelation between artists and scientists at ACCAD and the unique significance of dance in that community.”


The Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD) at Ohio State is a leading academic center for interdisciplinary teaching and research in computer graphics and visualization. The Department of Dance is recognized nationally and internationally for its leadership in choreography, performance, dance documentation, and dance and technology.


„Tanzplan Deutschland supports Synchronous Objects for One Flat Thing, reproduced in its role as an innovative, multimedia learning tool for dance students. Teachers and students from Germany’s dance-education institutions got a first impression of the project during lecture demonstrations and workshops at Tanzplan Deutschland’s first Dance Education Biennale, held in early 2008 at the HAU in Berlin.“ (Ingo Diehl, Educational Programme Coordinator, Tanzplan Deutschland)


"Rotterdamse Dansacademie/Codarts is very happy to have been one of the European supporting partners of Synchronous Objects for One Flat Thing, reproduced, and for our students to have had the opportunity to be involved in the early-stage development of this groundbreaking project. We look forward to incorporating the finished work into our dance teaching and learning programmes." (Samuel Wuersten, Director Rotterdamse Danceacademie/Codarts)


Synchronous Objects is the first phase of Motion Bank, an initiative that Forsythe envisions will become accessible repository of ideas developed through choreographic investigation.


For more information about Synchronous Objects go to http://synchronousobjects.osu.edu



Funding is provided by The Forsythe Company, The Forsythe Foundation, The Ohio State University Office of Research, Rotterdamse Dansacademie/Codarts, and Tanzplan Deutschland, an initiative created by the German Federal Cultural Foundation. The Forsythe Company is supported by the city of Dresden and the state of Saxony as well as the city of Frankfurt am Main and the state of Hesse. The Forsythe Company is also supported by Mrs. Susanne Klatten.