2011 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Dancers' Group

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Arts & Culture, Dance

Mission: Founded in 1982, Dancers’ Group promotes the visibility and viability of dance. We serve San Francisco Bay Area artists, the dance community and audiences through programs and services that are as collaborative and innovative as the creative process itself. In response to the needs of its constituents, Dancers’ Group has evolved to fulfill a dual function as a service organization and as a presenter of performance opportunities that maximize the visibility of dance in the Bay Area. Our Audience • Over 650 members who rely on our benefits to keep them connected and informed; • 104 local choreographers, companies, and community dance projects supported by our fiscal sponsorship program, which provides them with much needed administrative and financial oversight, as well as mentorship and other services; • More than 2,000 readers of In Dance, who get in-depth information about specific artists and critical analysis of the field as a whole, as well as the calendar of upcoming events; • Over 40 choreographers/directors who take advantage of our performance opportunities each year to develop their craft and audience base; • More than 300,000 audience members in the ten-county Bay Area who attend performances by our member artists; • Over 2,500 artists and dance supporters who are networked and kept informed about current community happenings through our community Ebulletin; and, • The general public, who has access to dancersgroup.org and californiadancenetwork.org, and is able to take advantage of our online performance calendars, article archives, news and artist information.

Community Stories

22 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

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Rating: 5

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1

Mary Board Member

Rating: 5

02/01/2011

Dancers' Group is the kind of arts support organization I would wish for every artist - its run and staffed by artists in the field who have first-hand experience of the kinds of processes they are supporting - not just faceless administrators sitting in an office somewhere. Plus, these folks are dedicated to making my life as a dance artist easier and more productive, partly by taking the task of dance administration as a creative endeavor in itself - sparking really interesting new programs and ways of thinking about how we do the business of making dance art - which is an inspiration in itself.

1

Eboni S. Client Served

Rating: 4

01/31/2011

Dancers' Group has been a valuable resource as I move through the startup phase with my organization, see. think. dance.

I am always impressed with the availability of Executive Director, Wayne Hazzard - via email or in person, Wayne has been extremely open to my questions and need to have a sounding board when it comes to the sticky things: fundraising plans, prioritizing, residency.

1

Stephen Pelton Client Served

Rating: 5

01/31/2011

Without the support and guidance of Dancers' Group, I never would have got my company off the ground. In addition to all the superb administrative help they offer, they are also just always available for personal and artistic guidance through the very difficult terrain of running one's own dance company. They are consistently compassionate and generous. One could not ask for a more supportive and inspiring organization.

1

nina haft Client Served

Rating: 5

01/27/2011

Dancers' Group is an A-Team of super heroes for dance. I have received guidance, feedback, encouragement and technical assistance from just about every program they offer. Knowing that I can pick up the phone or contact anyone on staff for help or advice means that I know I can grow my company without isolation. This organization keeps dancers, and our needs in clear focus, often filling gaps like no other group. I read In Dance, their weekly enews blasts and updates religiously - they are inclusive, detailed and keep my finger on the pulse of our large and diverse dance community. In fact, I credit Dancers' Group with setting the cutting edge and inclusive tone of our community as a whole - they are so much of what makes this a great dance center in the country. I have seen other artist driven service organizations lose altitude, and yet I don't see this happening at DG. The dedication of the staff, past and present, have made such an impact on me, and many of my colleagues. My hat is off to Wayne, Kegan, Jorge, Shae, Maureen and Vangie for giving us this gift that keeps on giving!

1

raksafrica Client Served

Rating: 4

01/27/2011

I am a co-director of Raks Africa, a Bay Area bellydance duo. In 2010 we started Girls Raks, a summer program for girls 13-19, which focuses on body image and bellydance. The venture would have been impossible without the assistance of Dancers' Group. They provided the fundraising infrastructure, access to affordable insurance and moral support that we needed to make the program a great success. They also organized a tax workshop for artist that was extremely informative.

1

Shellee Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

01/27/2011

I am a professional dancer, director/choreographer and teaching artist in Chicago. I am in my second year of membership with Dancers' Group. I enthusiastically support this group for the wonderful work they do in the Bay area, but also for the awareness they bring dance and dancers across the country. I wish Chicago had a strong organization like this to support their artists. I receive the monthly publication, Indance, and always find useful information for myself and my work. I get consistent emails from Dancers' Group, relaying information regarding works that are occurring in the Bay area and grant updates. Often, there are national grants or items that I can put to use. I think the fact that this organization can assist an artist in the Midwest speaks volumes. Dancers' Group is reaching out not only to the artists in their area, but also touching others across the country.

1

Ellen B. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

01/20/2011

I lived and worked in the Bay Area in the '80's as a choreographer and artistic director of a dance company. At this time, Dancers’ Group was just getting started and it was poised to replace the Bay Area Dance Coalition/Dance Bay Area organization, which was starting to lose steam as the leading advocacy/service organization for dance. Thirty years later, having just returned for an extended visit here, I am amazed at what Dancers’ Group has accomplished. It has far exceeded its predecessor in the range and depth of support it provides. Through the visionary leadership of its Executive Director, Wayne Hazzard, who knows the field of dance from years of personal experience as a performer, this organization truly meets the needs of the Bay Area dance community. It is apparent to me that Mr. Hazzard’s understanding of collaboration in service of a larger goal, gleaned from many years in the studio, has informed his methods of leadership. Understanding at a deep level how to process, include, listen and guide, as one does through the creative process, has been instrumental in creating a strong community, both within the organization and within the Bay Area dance scene. These strategies, which are probably more intuitive than strategic, have engendered commitment to the organization and a strong vision for its future of service to dance. Bravo! How exciting to see that this organization has weathered the economic roller coasters of the dotcom crash and the recent recession, to continue in its support of Bay Area dance in all of its richness and diversity.

sara shelton mann Client Served

Rating: 5

01/19/2011

I am updated on events, opportunities, jobs, grants, performances through both online and their newspaper.
The staff is excellent, friendly and always available to have a conversation about what i am interested in.
They create community service of many kinds.

1

Christy F. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

01/19/2011

Since moving to San Francisco 15 years ago as an independent dance artist, Dancers' Group has provided me with a tremendous amount of support and guidance in the role of fiscal sponsor. This support has come not simply through its presence (which is considerably reassuring), but in concrete practices in navigating the dance community, including grant writing tips, fund raising advice, and performing opportunities (through presenting programs such as the Bread and Butter Series, 2nd Sundays, and, most recently, New Stages). Dancers' Group monthly periodical In Dance serves as San Francisco's only printed forum for discussion and inquiry. Dancers' Group is the cornerstone of and greatest advocate for Bay Area dance of all genres--no exaggeration.

1

myosho Client Served

Rating: 5

01/18/2011

As a professional dancer/choreographer returning to my field, I feel very fortunate that such a competent, knowledgable advocacy organization as Dancer's Group exists and thrives. The director, Wayne Hazzard was tremendously supportive and helpful in guiding the choreographer's collective, which I am a member of, through the fiscal agent process. The monthly newsletter and weekly e-mail bulletins keep our group informed about grant deadlines, performance and rehearsal spaces available, etc. But most of all, Dancer's Group enables us to feel connected as a community, offering support and shared knowledge. This is an extremely valuable organization which enhances the art of dance in the Bay Area.

number9 Client Served

Rating: 5

01/17/2011

Wayne, Kegan, Jorge, Shae & Maureen have made some pretty serious efforts over the last few years to turn Dancers' Group around. It is far more organized than it used to be, and now actually serves the Bay Area dance community in so many wonderful ways! The staff is always available to answer questions. If they don't know the answer, they find someone who does! Even with everything on his plate, Wayne still makes time to meet with me over grantwriting, producing, organizing financials, and so on whenever I need it. If he plans to be out of the office, he or his staff tell me ahead of time! They all seem to work around the clock as needed

DSDT Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 4

01/17/2011

Dancers Group is the only non-profit in the Bay Area that is strictly devoted to dance. They provide an essential clearing house, a great meeting place and various educational and professional programs that both serve the community and create a sense of community. At a recent gathering in their space, I was thrilled to see several generations of dancers all talking and inter-mingling as they caught up, talked about new work, compared notes on shows seen and generally enjoyed being in a social situation. In a field where we rarely get to gather as an entire family, Dancers Group is one of the most important entities devoted specifically to the well-being and development of all the divergent organizations.

Joanna H. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 4

01/17/2011

Dancer's group has provided excellent service to the dance community for the many years I have been a member in the SF Bay Area. Its newsletter, 'in Dance" provides the valuable service of listing all programs that can be seen, every month. Its articles provide dancers, teachers, writers and the community with information and responses to the concerns that the dance community shares. Dancer's Group has provided leadership and services to an arts field that is usually under served, under funded and only recently becoming fully visible to local audiences. DG has provided awards and recognition to dancers for many years and deserves attention at every level.

jokreiter Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

01/17/2011

I wouldn't want to live in San Francisco without Dancer's Group. They are like a good old friend... someone who you can always call; who will always call you back and say just the right thing. As I choreographer I have leaned into their expertise many times. I devour the weekly announcements over email. They keep me plugged into the community. I enjoy sitting back with the Dancers Group monthly, In Dance. I love the editorial on the front page and appreciate the thoughtfulness of the articles. At times I have worked with Wayne and the staff more deeply. We co-produced a site piece and I have never experienced a more perfect collaboration with an arts partner. I think the beauty of the organization is the staff. They are all dancers, and dancers in the best sense... they are intellectual, thoughtful, efficient, tech savvy, and they are also deeply embodied.





dana lawton Board Member

Rating: 5

01/15/2011

DG offers a wide range of dance information to the greater community. Through it's monthly paper and weekly e-mail blasts i learn about all the performances I can attend, artistic opportunities available and insight into the mind of choreographers, writers and performers. i appreciate the wide range of opinions expressed and the on-going inquiry of how dance fits in the Bay Area scene and beyond.

prr Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/01/2010

I've been involved with Dancers' Group since they opened their doors. This organization continues to evolve to serve new, emerging and veteran choreographers in and around San Francisco and is an important resource for dancers new to the area. I read their periodical, InDance, from cover-to-cover each month and their website & elist offers up-to-the-minute news about what resources, classes, space, professional development, jobs and performing opportunities may be available. DG is staffed by loving, committed people, each an artist in his/her own right. There is a great deal of experience and expertise at the end of any phone call or email exchange and the delivery is always with a loving and compassionate heart.

7

annah Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

02/18/2010

Dancers’ Group serves a real need in our community. Most importantly they transform a large body of individual dancers, companies, teachers, students and dance audiences into a cohesive community. Dancers’ Groups gives us a sense of belonging and of being supported. They offer us a chance to expand and grow and they are a valuable source of connecting us with other dancers in the dance community. And they do so with generosity, dedication, and imagination. Without them we would be on our own struggling to keep going alone in the face of economic despair and isolation. The Dancers’ Group organization of dedicated workers knows about dance and dancers because they have all been there. I have first hand experience. They sponsored a performance I gave called “Spirit of Place” at Stern Grove last year. It was a performance dedicated to my late husband Lawrence Halprin and was performed in the site he designed—the amphitheatre at Stern Grove. It was our last collaboration, he lived to see it and loved it, and he sat in the rain thoroughly delighted. Their support had no boundaries. For example, between the two performances we had an hour break at which time Wayne and Kegan hunted down a laundrymat dried our soaking costumes and breathlessly returned them to the performers at the nick of time for the next performance. Their dedication, support, and good humor came in a steady flow through out our collaboration. Thank you Wayne and Kegan and all at Dancers’ Group for giving me the opportunity to share our final collaboration with my husband. You arranged for the funding, took care of all the administrative logistics, provided us with the steady presence of Kegan at all our rehearsals, arranged publicity and gave us loving encouragement all along the way. We couldn’t have pulled it off without your sponsorship.

6

celine-schein Client Served

Rating: 5

02/17/2010

Dancers Group is great. The organization is visionary in supporting the dance community and constantly evolving to serve the needs of the dance community. I am especially appreciative of Dancers' Groups efforts to support the diverse members of the dance community. The Parachute Fund is such an important and heartfelt program, IN DANCE is a voice for the dance community and Wayne and the staff's efforts to support and promote the dance community in numerous ways are tireless and truly open minded.

4

anthropology Donor

Rating: 5

02/15/2010

We wanted to give money to support a small Bay Area dance company and Dancer's Group made it very easy. The website works well and in addition our donation was confirmed directly by email. I really appreciate that they provide fiscal sponsorship and regranting for innovative small companies as this enables their donors to claim the tax advantage. It makes it very easy to sit at home and make your donation online, proving we should all be giving more! Many thanks for your help, it's great to work with grassroots arts organizations.

1

jill-randall Client Served

Rating: 5

02/06/2010

I love Dancers' Group. Their publication, IN DANCE, includes great articles each issue. Their weekly emails are the main way to find out about jobs, upcoming events, and performances. I used to co-direct the Dance IS Festival, which was a fiscally sponsored project of Dancers' Group. Their fiscal sponsorship program helps many small dance companies and choreographers take the leap with writing grants, producing shows, and more. The yearly membership fee is modest and well-worth the fee. I recommend Dancers' Group a few times every month to dancers new to the Bay Area. Jill Randall Program Director Shawl-Anderson Dance Center

1

joe-goode Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

02/05/2010

Dancers' Group is the soul of Bay Area Dance. Not only is it a service organization, it is a regranting organization and a curatorial body and a clearing house for information and place of advocacy for dancers and all that they do. I am not usually a big fan of organizations that pretend to serve huge and diverse populations- I find they do a little bit of nothing for a lot of people. But Dancers' Group manages to keep up with what is really happening in the trenches. Part of director, Wayne Hazzard's wisdom has been to surround himself with young choreographers/dancers on his staff. they keep him in the know and have an irreplaceable peer relationship with members of the community. I hope to see Dancers' Group flourish in the many years to come. When something works so well it needs to be nurtured and even imitated. Joe Goode

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