FAQs about the DANCE WORKFORCE CENSUS

May 2, 2011.  From the team behind the census initiative, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Who is being counted in the census?  Our goal is to document how one critical segment of  the workforce in our field is surviving in NYC.  We want to count everyone 21-35 years of age who works in any capacity to support professional dance in New York City, including but not limited to:

• performers
• choreographers/creative artists
• educators
• representatives
• managers and administrators
• designers
• technicians
• consultants
• publicists
• writers
• critics

What kinds of questions are asked?  If you are such a worker, the census requests information about what type of work you did in the year 2010, and on what terms.  We don’t want your name or your employers’ names.  It will take 10-15 minutes to complete the census.

Why cut off at 35?   With limited resources and volunteer capacity, we have designed this research to focus intently on one demographic—the Committee’s relative peer group. Recognizing this demographic is one part of a greater whole, we will work to use research findings to make a case for, and craft effective methods for, future research that may encompass the entire New York City dance workforce, and looks forward to community conversations to this end.

How do I know my information will be safe?  How will it be used?  Reassuring fact #1: The research is being conducted pro bono by our partner, the Bloustein Center for Survey Research (BCSR) at Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.

[MEMBER BLOG] Irfana: Watching TBDC up close

Photo by Lois Greenfield

Tonight, I joined a number of my co-workers to see the Trisha Brown Dance Company at Dance Theater Workshop. The company performed Foray Forêt (1990), Watermotor (1978) and For M.G.: The Movie (1991). This performance was the DEBUT of the company at DTW…yes, I too was surprised to learn that they had never performed there previous to this run. What I enjoyed most about this performance was being able to watch the company in such an intimate space…and really up close.

A highlight: the revival of  the solo work Watermotor which was performed by Neal Beasley. This is the first time that this solo has been danced by anyone other than Brown. Watermotor is a wonderfully exciting and quick solo that travelled through the space like a spinning top. The solo captured a nonchalant execution of highly particular and detailed movement. During intermission I watched a video of Trisha performing this solo in 1978…I think her hair added a whole new body of movement to the piece.

You can see this video (and more!) for yourself by heading to DTW’s lobby over the next few days…they have archival TBDC videos that are playing most of the day. DTW is also live streaming the performance and post-show talk on Friday March 25th starting at 7:30: http://www.dancetheaterworkshop.org/blog/2011/03/23/live-streaming-trisha-brown-dance-company-performance-post-show-talk/

JComm’s DANCE WORKFORCE CENSUS: Earnings Among Individuals, Ages 21-35

OUR OBSERVATIONS. It has become apparent within our peer group there is a lack of public data on how individuals in the dance community financially support themselves.  This lack of understanding may further beliefs, myths and assumptions that harm the dance economy.  We are acutely aware of the need for an informed and strong workforce and we aim to enable our peers to continue in the dance field, armed with factual information.

THE GOAL. In May 2011 we will conduct a census of workers in dance, ages 21 to 35, to aggregate data on compensation—in dollars or other benefits—for work and contributions to the dance field. While we certainly recognize that individuals aged 21-35 are one part of a much greater workforce, the primary goal of this survey is to quantify the role this demographic—our peer group—plays in the New York dance economy, and the wider economy, by making transparent the wide variety of ways in which these individuals earn a living.

SOUND RESEARCH, PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY. We are very grateful for the partnership of the Bloustein Center for Survey Researchat Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, which is providing the necessary research services pro bono.  The BCSR provides high quality, non-partisan, objective research services to government, academia, the private sector, and non-profit organizations.

Participants’ privacy is our first priority. All census data, collected electronically by the BCSR, will be held on secure, HIPAA-certified servers at Rutgers University.  The BCSR will also preliminarily submit this survey and its methodology for review with the Rutgers Institutional Review Board (IRB), which monitors ethical research, to ensure that protections are in place for security and confidentiality.

READY? All of you out there, ages 21-35: YOU are this study. Please stay tuned in May when the BCSR will be sending out the census via email.  It will be short and sweet and is planned follow tax day, so answering our questions about the year 2010 will be relatively quick and easy.  Your participation is 100% anonymous.

[MEMBER BLOG] Irfana: Red Hook is full of treasures

This gallery contains 5 photos.

On Saturday morning I took a stroll through Red Hook and found so many treasures! Can’t wait to return for a longer day.

[MEMBER BLOG] Irfana: Julian Barnett Project @ DNA

 

Attended Julian Barnett's "Super Natural" at DNA

 

Just got back from Julian Barnett’s show at Dance New Amsterdam.

From the program, “For me, Super Natural is a type of meditation, reliant on reality, but curious about the potential for a life less ordinary.”

More on the show: Culturebot interview with Julian.