Regional Dance Development Initiative (RDDI)

The Regional Dance Development Initiative (RDDI) helps dance artists reach new markets by improving their ability to communicate with audiences and develop relationships with dance presenters. RDDI pairs as many as 12 regional dance artists with more experienced choreographers, managers, and presenters in a 10-day “lab” designed to refine new work, hone public presentation skills, and strengthen partnerships between artists and presenters.

To date NDP has produced 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 profiles, 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, extended engagements and partnerships with presenters, and invitations as panelists at regional and national conferences. NDP stays in touch with former RDDI participants who have become a network of regional informants and advocates for NDP. 

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. 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.

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.

View artist bios and contact info.
 

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.

View artist bios and contact info.

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.

View artist bios and contact info.

View more information on the Labs in Seattle, SFBA, and Portland.