Dance Service Organizations (DSO) can provide a variety of services. Some are membership-based and require a membership fee, while some are fee-for-service-based.
Why should I join a DSO? To be a part of the larger dance professional community, enabling the DSO to speak for the dance community on common issues. As well, as a member, you have a voice in determining the direction of the organization, and in requesting certain services and a greater voice within the larger arts community.
What do DSO’s provide?
- Career or business advice.
- Professional development workshops and seminars.
- Communication with other members and the larger cultural community.
- Mailing lists.
- Education of the public regarding the dance community.
- Representation through advocacy of the needs and issues of the dance community to the appropriate government bodies.
- Establishment of professional standards.
Who’s who?
Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists (CADA), whose goal is to improve the social status and working conditions of the professional dancer, has been involved in the development of a Basic Dance Agreement and a Teachers’ Agreement. CADA also addresses key issues facing the dance professional, such as copyright of creations. (Membership-based)
Canadian Dance Assembly (CDA) is a national dance service organization provides a voice for the dance community, in order to create a stronger and better informed community. The CDA leads initiatives dealing in advocacy and education; research & development; communications and information exchange; and professional development. (Membership-based)
Dancer Transition Research Centre (DTRC) is a national service organization mandated to assist dance professionals make the various transitions throughout their professional careers, including the transition to second careers. It also acts as a resource centre for the dance community and the general public by providing seminars and educational information. (Membership-based)
Dance Ontario serves Ontario’s individual dance professionals and dance companies. Dance Ontario provides a communication link to members from across the province through a quarterly newsletter, website, a 1-800 number for referrals, a directory of members, an annual award and promotional events such as Dance Weekend, held annually in Toronto. (Membership-based)
Dance Umbrella of Ontario (DUO), although not a membership organization, provides subsidized arts administration services, some for a fee and some for free.See – Home Page for more information.
Who else? The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) conducts important research and initiates advocacy efforts on behalf of the entire Canadian cultural community. The dance community has a representative on the Board of the CCA. The Actors Fund of Canada since 1958 has helped thousands of performance to get back on their feet after a major set back in their professional and/or personal lives.
TIP!
- Do hesitate to contact an arts service organization. If they can not assist your particular inquiry, they will be able to direct you to another resource that may be of assistance.
Article originally contributed by Marlene Stirrett Matson
LINKS:
The Actors’ Fund of Canada
Canadian Actors’ Equity Association
Canadian Conference of the Arts
See – Canadian Conference of the Arts Directory of the Arts 2000
- Available at DUO Library
