Partners in Dance: DUO's Personalized Approach to

Business & Artistic Growth

At DUO, we're more than just a service provider; we're a dedicated and experienced group of arts administrators and dance enthusiasts dedicated to your success.

For 35 years, we've built enduring relationships and fostered collaboration within Ontario's dance landscape, understanding that every artist and organization has unique needs and aspirations.

Our personalized, holistic, invested partnership program, consultation services, and pay-as-you-go way of working provide the strategic guidance and resources you need to achieve your goals and build sustainable growth.

Discover how DUO can connect you with the expertise you need to flourish.

Administration + Production

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Partner with our experienced grant writers to create compelling and persuasive grant proposals that effectively communicate your project’s vision and objectives. We provide expert feedback to refine your proposals, research funding opportunities, articulate project narratives, develop budgets, and ensure your ideas are communicated clearly while adhering to submission guidelines, increasing your chances of successfully securing funding for your dance initiatives.

  • Gain valuable insights into your administrative processes with our outside perspective. We assist in creating structured business plans, establishing effective procedures, and optimizing your infrastructure, helping you identify strengths and areas for improvement while connecting you with potential networks and resources.

  • Develop comprehensive project budgets to accurately forecast costs, manage resources, and identify funding needs. Our team provides ongoing financial oversight to ensure your projects remain on track and within budget, allowing you to focus on creativity and production.  

  • Facilitate the smooth operation of your production with our scheduling services, ensuring that all elements—from rehearsals to performances—are organized and on time. We coordinate with various stakeholders to create a cohesive timeline that meets your creative and operational needs.

  • Provide strategic advice on the artistic and administrative aspects of your projects. Our team collaborates with you to explore creative concepts, refine ideas, and develop pathways for effective project execution.

  • Create comprehensive reports and documentation for your projects to ensure accountability and transparency. We assist in compiling outcomes, feedback, and recommendations that can serve as valuable resources for future endeavors and grant applications.

  • Take your dance work on tour with confidence! Our team specializes in the meticulous planning necessary for successful touring, from route logistics and venue contracts to accommodation arrangements and promotional strategies. We manage every detail, allowing you to focus on your performance and engage with audiences worldwide.

  • Assist organizations in navigating the process of incorporating as a nonprofit or charity. This service includes providing guidance on the necessary documentation, filing procedures, compliance with provincial and federal regulations, and applying for tax-exempt status. We aim to simplify the incorporation process, allowing you to focus on your mission and impact.  

  • Provide workshops and training sessions designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of your team. This service includes topics such as project management, grant writing, fundraising strategies, and operational best practices, empowering your organization to operate more effectively and expand its impact in the community.

  • Offer expert guidance on establishing effective board governance practices, including the development of bylaws, policies, and procedures. This service provides support in board member recruitment, training, and evaluation, ensuring that your organization’s governance structure supports strategic decision-making and accountability.

Marketing + Communications

  • Collaborate with you to develop a comprehensive marketing plan that outlines clear goals and actionable strategies. We’ll analyze market trends, audience behaviors, and competitor activities to create a tailored approach that guides your marketing efforts effectively.

  • Design and build engaging, user-friendly websites tailored to your dance business needs, whether starting from scratch or improving an existing platform. Our team ensures your website is optimized for search engines and mobile devices, providing a seamless experience for your audience.

  • Act as your dedicated social media strategist, managing your profiles and content across all channels. This includes developing campaign strategies, creating engaging posts, scheduling regular content, and analyzing performance metrics to enhance engagement and grow your audience.

  • Create effective email marketing campaigns that nurture your subscribers and convert them into loyal customers. We focus on list-building strategies, segmenting your audience, designing eye-catching newsletters, and tracking analytics to understand engagement and optimize future campaigns.

  • Develop visually captivating promotional materials, including flyers, posters, brochures, and digital graphics. Our creative team works to ensure consistent branding while producing materials that encourage action and engage your audience effectively.

  • Leverage the power of community influencers, local partnerships, and traditional marketing methods to broaden awareness of your brand. This service includes organizing outreach events, building relationships within the community, and creating impactful marketing campaigns aimed at local audiences.

  • Craft compelling content that resonates with your target audience, including blog posts, articles, videos, and graphics. Our content marketing strategies are designed to establish your expertise, enhance brand visibility, and drive engagement across various platforms.

  • Work with you to develop a strong brand identity that reflects your mission and values. This includes creating branding guidelines, logos, taglines, and messaging strategies that ensure your brand stands out in a crowded market.

  • Plan and execute marketing strategies for events, including workshops, performances, and webinars. Our team will assist with promotional campaigns, ticket sales, and post-event follow-up to ensure maximum attendance and engagement.

  • Optimize your website and content to enhance visibility on search engines and attract organic traffic. Our SEO strategies include keyword research, on-page optimization, and link-building techniques, all designed to improve your website’s ranking and increase audience reach.

  • Design and execute targeted campaigns to increase awareness of your brand within the dance community and beyond. This service includes defining key messages, selecting appropriate channels, and measuring campaign effectiveness to ensure optimal reach and engagement.

Finance + Bookkeeping

  • Maintain accurate financial records and organize transactions effectively, ensuring oversight of detailed expense reporting and performing regular reconciliations. Collaborate with a knowledgeable team to ensure efficient financial management.

  • Manage accounts payable processes to improve procedures and ensure timely payment. This includes issuing T4As and maintaining positive vendor relationships.

  • Oversee payroll processing, including tax filings and issuance of T4s and ROEs, to ensure timely and accurate employee compensation. This service alleviates the administrative burden associated with payroll tasks.

  • Provide expert support in budgeting, forecasting, and other financial leadership activities to help organizations achieve their financial goals. This service ensures strategic oversight of financial matters.

  • Deliver expert guidance for accurate and complete tax returns, minimizing the risk of penalties or interest during tax season. This service reduces the stress associated with tax obligations.

  • Leverage over three decades of experience to offer strategic financial guidance tailored to organizational needs. This includes insights that can lead to better decision-making and financial resilience.


  • Assist in developing robust finance and administrative procedures and policies that enhance operational efficiency and governance.

  • Prepare high-level financial reports and presentations for executive leadership and stakeholders, providing insights for informed decision-making.

  • Ensure adherence to financial regulations and manage risks related to financial operations, safeguarding the organization’s assets.

  • Prepare for audits by organizing necessary documentation and providing support to auditors, ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial reporting.

WAYS TO WORK WITH US

PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

1.

Feeling overwhelmed juggling your creative vision with the business side of dance?

DUO's quote-based partnership program provides the personalized support you need to thrive. We take a holistic approach, collaboratively defining your goals and objectives before tailoring our services to meet your unique needs.

This isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. We offer expert support across a range of areas, including strategic planning, marketing and communications, grant writing, financial management, and administrative tasks. Whether you need help with a specific project or ongoing support, we'll work with you to create a customized plan to achieve your goals. Our flexible, responsive approach ensures you receive exactly the right level of assistance – nothing more, nothing less.

This means we focus on measurable results. We'll work side-by-side with you, helping build a strong and sustainable dance practice. You'll gain access to expert knowledge and guidance, freeing you to focus on your creative work, while we handle the business details.

Ready to experience the difference?

Schedule a free 30-minute introductory call to discuss your challenges and explore how a DUO partnership can transform your dance career or company.

Let's build a plan for your success.

BUSINESS CONSULTATION

2.

DUO's quote-based Business Consultation service provides expert guidance to help your dance business thrive.

We provide tailored insights to help you tackle your specific challenges, whether it’s developing a strategic plan, reccomendations to enhance your marketing efforts, exploring funding options, or improving operational efficiency. Partnering with our experienced consultants means you gain access to extensive knowledge and expertise, guiding you to make informed decisions for sustainable growth.

Our process includes:

In-depth Assessment: We facilitate a thorough analysis of your current business positionality and identify goals.

Collaborative Strategy Development: Together, we define your goals and work to develop a customized plan that aligns with your vision.

Actionable Recommendations: We provide clear, practical steps for you to take in order to achieve your objectives.

Ongoing Support: We offer continued guidance to help you successfully implement your strategies.

Contact us today to discuss your needs and learn how DUO's Business Consultation service can help you succeed.

3.

PAY AS YOU GO

Need flexible, affordable support for your dance business?

DUO's pay-as-you-go services are designed for entry-level support, offering expert assistance on an hourly basis. Whether you need help with a specific project or one-time support, our team provides accessible, budget-friendly guidance. This flexible service is an affordable way to tap into DUO's expertise without long-term commitments.

Starting at just $35 plus HST per hour, our pay-as-you-go option offers a convenient and cost-effective way to access the expertise you need, when you need it. Selected services, from the wide array of marketing, administration, production, or finance, provide tailored support for your specific project or ongoing needs.

Contact us today to discuss your needs and obtain a personalized quote.

To support the broader sector, we offer our services to not-for-profit companies/artists outside the dance sector for $50/hour + HST.

Book a free 30-minute consultation to see if we are the right fit for your project(s).