National Dance Project Regional Dance Development Initiative

The Regional Dance Development Initiative (RDDI) provides professional growth for dance artists in regions across the U.S. through a 10-day “dance lab” designed to refine work, hone public presentation skills, and strengthen partnerships between artists and presenters.

More about NDP’s RDDI

RDDI labs pair as many as 12 dance artists in a region with more experienced choreographers, managers, and presenters with the goal of helping the  artists reach new markets in the U.S. 

NDP produces RDDI labs approximately every three to five years in partnership with local dance funders and a local presenter partner. To date, NDP has produced RDDI labs in Seattle, WA (2004), San Francisco, CA (2006), Portland, OR (2006), New England (2007), and Minnesota (2011), directly serving 56 artists and companies, raising artists’ visibility and sparking engagements both regionally and nationally. Specific impacts for lab artists have included national funding, commissioning of new and collaborative projects, national festival residencies, and extended engagements and partnerships with presenters.  

Past RDDI "Dance Labs" 

Minnesota

The Minnesota Dance Lab took place in June 2011 at the College of St. Benedict, with support from the Minnesota State Arts Board, NEFA’s National Dance Project, and the McKnight Foundation. Twelve dance artists from the region and six faculty participated in a ten-day residency, which included a multi-day Artist/Presenter Exchange, where lab artists, faculty, and presenters from around the country shared work samples and feedback. Connections made at the lab are sparking conversations about future residency and performing opportunities. Thanks to the Cowles Center in Minneapolis for administration, especially Mary Phelps and Chris Tschida, and to Michele Steinwald of the Walker Art Center who served as curriculum and faculty coordinator, as well as the local advisory committee for their work on the lab.  Minnesota RDDI activities were supported by the Minnesota State Arts Board, the McKnight Foundation, and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. View photos of the lab on Facebook.

New England 

New England’s RDDI (also called the New England Dance Lab) took place at Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut, from July 27 to August 4, 2007. Twelve artists selected from throughout New England and seven mentors worked over the course of the ten-day lab on the articulation of their work and how to build relationships with presenters. Thirty-two presenters attended the final two days for an artist/presenter exchange. A series of regional artist/presenter exchanges followed in each state in New England in 2008. New England RDDI activities were supported by the Aliad Fund at The Boston Foundation and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

View artist bios and contact info. 

View a Summary for Participants of NDP's New England RDDI.

Seattle – Pacific Northwest 

The Pacific Northwest pilot project was the first 10-day dance lab for regional artists. Directed by San San Wong with additional coordination by Michele Steinwald, the planning involved an advisory committee of regional presenters, artists and managers. The Seattle lab was held in December 2004 and involved 11 selected artists from the region. Pacific Northwest RDDI activities were supported by the Paul G. Allen Foundation and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA)

The SFBA pilot project 10-day dance lab focused on culturally specific dance artists in the SFBA. The project was led by coordinator San San Wong and advisor Rob Bailis of ODC Theatre with an advisory committee of regional presenters, artists and managers. The SFBA lab was held in February 2006 and involved 11 selected artists.  SFBA RDDI activities were supported by the San Francisco Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF), and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Portland – Pacific Northwest

The Portland pilot project was launched in September 2005 with a meeting of alumni from the Seattle Lab as an introduction to Portland area artists, presenters and managers. Under the coordination of Erin Boberg Doughton with advisor Eloise Damrosch from Regional Arts Advisory Council (RAAC) an advisory panel was formed of regional artists, presenters and managers. The Portland lab was held in June 2006 and involved 10 selected artists from Seattle, Portland, Ashland, Idaho, and Montana. Pacific Northwest RDDI activities were supported by the Paul G. Allen Foundation and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Contact

Sara C. Nash | Program Manager, National Dance Project
snash@nefa.org | 617.951.0010 x512