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September 18, 2003
The lean get leaner...
A new report by the NEA shows a grim recent and future view of dance organizations in a down economy (also covered on backstage.com).Arts Endowment Chairman Dana Gioia puts on as positive a spin as he can on the findings, which predict as much as a 30% drop in earned income for nonprofit dance organizations in the next few years (at a time when contribution, grants, and other support will be tight, as well):
"Contrary to its artistically ephemeral nature, American dance has proven resilient to shifting economic conditions. Dance companies' ability to adapt to changing environments speaks to their creativity and persistence."
In other words, dancers and dance organizations survive and continue despite their environment. For a wonderful discussion of why, take a look at my weblog neighbor Tobi Tobias' interchange with dancers about why they continue to do what they do.
