Dance Writer Competitors

American Ballet Theatre (ABT) is recognized as one of the great dance companies in the world. Few ballet companies equal ABT for its combination of size, scope, and outreach. Recognized as a living national treasure since its founding in 1940, ABT is the only major cultural institution that annually tours the United States, performing for more than 450,000 people. Over its 83-year history, the Company has also performed in a total of 139 cities around the world. As a result of this vast domestic and international reach anchored in its American roots, in 2006, by an act of Congress, American Ballet Theatre became America's National Ballet Company.® When American Ballet Theatre was founded, the aim was to develop a repertoire of the best ballets from the past, and to encourage the creation of new works by gifted young choreographers, wherever they might be found. In January 2022, former American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer, Susan Jaffe, was appointed Artistic Director. Jaffe is committed to maintaining the Company's vast repertoire, engaging the leading choreographers of our time to create exciting new work, and bringing the art of dance theater to the great stages of the world. With a repertory of the great full-length classical ballets and contemporary one-act ballets, ABT’s performance season includes a Summer season at the Metropolitan Opera House and a Fall season at the Koch Theater in New York City. ABT also tours in the US and abroad and has a robust Education program which includes the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (JKO) School, ABT Summer Intensive programs across the US, and the ABT National Training Curriculum, a training program for dance educators.

Dance/USA is the national service organization for dance, serving a broad cross-section of the dance field. Established in 1982, Dance/USA champions an inclusive and equitable dance field by leading, convening, advocating, and supporting individuals and organizations.

The Dance Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1975. Our programs celebrate the creative spirit and potential in all of us. The Dance Foundation is grounded in the belief that dance is for everybody. This drives our mission: To make dance education accessible to everybody–igniting curiosity, inspiring creativity, and building confidence in an inclusive community. We build skills, creativity, confidence, and community through three interconnected programs: Dance PARTNERS Bringing dance into schools and community organizations, engaging and impacting students who are very young, have disabilities or learning differences, or need academic support. Studio CLASSES Dance classes for all ages and abilities, from playful beginnings with live music to advanced study. We nurture a creative community, build strong technique, and encourage lifelong exploration. Tuition assistance is available. Space RENTAL Our state-of-the-art studios in downtown Homewood serve as a creative hub for artists to teach, rehearse, perform and gather. The Dance Foundation reaches 15,000 individuals each year through these programs, which are based on a nurturing, inclusive and skill-building philosophy. We have a volunteer board of directors and a volunteer support organization, the Children’s Arts Guild. We own our facility and earn an average of 70% of our annual budget through fees for services. Remaining funds are secured through a diverse collection of sources – local, state and federal government, foundations, corporations and individuals. We have a rich history in collaborating with area school systems and community service organizations.