Dance Data Project® has an amazing new feature on their website to help both established and aspiring choreographers, particularly particularly those who identify as female, navigate the world of fellowships, scholarships and grants.
Elizabeth Yntema
President & Founder of the Dance Data Project®, Elizabeth (Liza) Yntema says that the study and subsequent addition to the website was “done in response to talking to female choreographers.” Navigating the world of funding is, according to those she interviewed (and in this writer’s opinion, everyone else) “overwhelming.” “Dance Data Project® promotes equity in all aspects of classical ballet by providing a metrics based analysis through our data base while showcasing women led companies, festivals, competitions, venues, special programs and initiatives.” Yntema emphasized the importance of helping these particular artists, especially in this incredibly challenging time, where entire seasons as well as countless festivals and intensives have been canceled. Choreographers, especially those who identify as female, are going to struggle. “You have to look at where the resources are going. Big companies will get bailed out. Smaller companies and individual artists will struggle. Some consideration must be paid to who will go without.” The feature is not limited to female identifying artists, but Yntema emphasizes that these will help them in particular. In addition to the listings, a downloadable report and updates on changing deadlines, a ticker tape now runs at the top of the website to alert visitors to upcoming deadlines. For example, as of this writing, the top of the website flashes deadlines of May 4 for the New York Choreographic Institute Commission Initiative and of May 16 for A&A Ballet: DIVE Award Competition.
The entire feature is meant to be easy to navigate and to return to. The spreadsheet on the site lists name, opportunity type, compensation, due date, and number of recipients, as well as a description of the opportunities and any relevant restrictions. You can also download the entire guide. The website has the most up-to-date information.
Yntema hopes that this information will help all choreographers find as much support as possible. If she is able to help those who have the odds stacked against them due to gender, all the better. For more information, visit the Dance Data Project® website.
