FISCAL YEARS 2026 – 2029
STRATEGIC PLAN
PREPARED BY
RICHARD M. DEE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In January 2023, the Dance St. Louis board of directors identified the need to develop a new Strategic Plan and address certain dramatic changes that the organization experienced over the previous five years.
Despite progress made in many areas, the goal of financial sustainability has remained elusive, in large part because of unexpected external events including the COVID-19 pandemic and loss of critical major corporate philanthropic investments in the arts sector. These events changed certain fundamental assumptions and forced a rethinking of how sustainability can be attained.
A taskforce was created comprising of board members and staff in a process that culminated in a set of Strategic Goals set forth in this new Strategic Plan on how to achieve the goal of financial sustainability.
AS DANCE ST. LOUIS APPROACHES AN HISTORIC 60TH ANNIVERSARY
SEASON, THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 – 2029 PLAN IS FIRMLY ROOTED IN DANCE ST. LOUIS’ NEWLY ARTICULATED AND CLOSELY ALIGNED MISSION, VISION AND VALUES AS WELL AS PROVIDING AN OUTLINE OF NEW STRATEGIC GOALS AND A ROADMAP FOR OPERATIONS THROUGH 2029.
OUR MISSION
DANCE ST. LOUIS’ MISSION IS TO SERVE AS THE GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™ FOR THE ST. LOUIS REGION.
OUR VISION AS THE REGION’S GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™:
• Delight audiences as the Presenter of the best of dance from around the world.
• Expand our trailblazing role as Producer of SPRING TO DANCE, the Midwest region’s must-see dance festival.
• Broaden the appreciation of dance and its diverse genres throughout the region.
• Reach new audiences and increase accessibility for performances and education.
• Inspire young dancers through our mentoring and residency partnerships with local schools, studios and community centers.
• Protect our mission through on-going stability and organizational sustainability.
OUR VALUES AS THE REGION’S GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™:
Uncompromising integrity in pursuit of our mission. Our passion for dance is what drives us. The deep respect we hold for our artists and audiences, teachers and students, and the art of dance dictates that we hold ourselves, and those around us, to the highest standards in all that we do.
Placing the patron at the center of our universe.
Our purpose is to enrich the lives of our patrons, inspire them, broaden their horizons, and lift them higher. Our patrons in turn inspire us to reach new levels of excellence. Without them, we could not exist.
Understanding and embracing the critical intersection between artist and patron.
The synergy between artists and our patrons completes a virtuous circle that encompasses the very core of our success. The performer and the teacher are incomplete without the audience and the student.
Diversity, equity and inclusion.
We endeavor to create a space for everyone in our organization to feel respected, embraced, and celebrated for our differences, and to build a community that appreciates each person for their contributions regardless of race, gender, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, religion or sexual orientation.
Mutual respect and trust.
We embrace the basic human need for dignity that resides in us all. We respect our co-workers, and we trust each other to act in the best interest of our art, our organization, and our community.
Collaboration
and cooperation.
We place a premium on the value of working together. We believe that more can be accomplished when the creative power of inclusion is unleashed on challenges and opportunities, both large and small.
Constructive
disagreement.
The values we hold to be true will ultimately ring hollow without an environment that encourages individuals to respectively challenge ideas.
OUR DEI GOALS AS THE REGION’S GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™:
• For the composition of Dance St. Louis (including artists, audiences, board, students, faculty and staff) to more fully reflect the diversity of our community.
• For performances and programs to attract and resonate with the St. Louis region’s diverse communities.
• For everyone who works at Dance St. Louis to feel valued for their contributions; and
• For everyone in the St. Louis region, including students and families in our partnering schools and studios, to have a sense of belonging, regardless of race, gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic background, religion, or sexual orientation.
OUR STRATEGIC GOALS
In addition to our continuing goal of FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY, Dance St. Louis identified four other primary Strategic Goals as fundamental to future success:
RETAIN AND GROW NEW AUDIENCES
INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE
DIVERSE ARTISTS AND DANCE GENRES
POSITION, BRAND AND MARKET DANCE ST. LOUIS AS THE REGION’S GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™
THE SUCCESSFUL ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THESE FIVE STRATEGIC GOALS, AS MEASURED BY THE ACHIEVEMENT OF ASSOCIATED BENCHMARKS THAT FOLLOWS, WILL DRIVE THE SUCCESS OF THE ORGANIZATION.
OUR BENCHMARKS
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
BENCHMARKS
• Sustainably increase revenue streams as well as effectively manage incremental expenditures for strategic programming and initiatives to balance the annual operating budget.
• Build replenishable operating reserves (self-funded line of credit).
• Establish financial management decision-making discipline as well as policies and procedures to prioritize long term sustainability.
RETAIN AND GROW NEW AUDIENCES
BENCHMARKS
• Dance St. Louis aligns as a top tier arts and culture institution.
• Dance St. Louis achieves a level of excellence in performances on and off stage that excites audiences.
• Achieve sold-out audiences for all shows and festivals.
INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE
BENCHMARKS
• Dance St. Louis broadly promotes performances, dance education and access to the artform across the St. Louis region.
• Set specific, measurable goals around increasing representation of diverse groups within the St. Louis region.
• Establish targets for promoting equitable access opportunities for the season.
DIVERSE ARTISTS AND DANCE GENRES
BENCHMARKS
• Curate a season and SPRING TO DANCE® FESTIVAL that is artistic excellence in dance, with diverse artists from legendary, established dance companies and artists to rising, experimental and cutting-edge.
• Engage artists and dance genres from coast to coast as well as internationally that elevate the region’s dance landscape experience.
• A season that uplifts, unites, enriches audiences of all ages, races and ethnicities that celebrates everyone.
POSITION, BRAND AND MARKET DANCE ST. LOUIS AS THE REGION’S GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™
BENCHMARKS
• Leverage Dance St. Louis’ 60-year history, reputation, vast network and uniqueness and prestige in the region and dance world.
• Broaden Dance St. Louis’ recognition as the leading dance presenter, producer and educator for artistic quality and diversity of dance genres in the region.
• Promote and grow awareness of Dance St. Louis as the region’s Gateway to World Dance™.
OUR PRIORITY INITIATIVES AND PLANNED OUTCOMES
STRATEGIC GOAL #1
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY — REVENUE INITIATIVES
MAJOR GIFT FUNDRAISING –INDIVIDUAL AND BUSINESS SECTOR
DESCRIPTION
Focus on strategy, cultivation and solicitation of new and increased gifts of $2,500 – $10,000 and greater. Align gift opportunities around shows, the festival, education and general operating support.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Increase gifts from individuals and small/mid-size businesses by 50% annually. Grow multi-year pledges when applicable to support future fiscal budgets and forecasting.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director, Board President, Treasurer
GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™ COLLABORATIVE
DESCRIPTION
Establish a collaborative of volunteers (non-board and DSL board) focus on fundraising, marketing and audience engagement.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Grow the network of engaged and active DSL volunteers (non-board) by a minimum of 20 annually while expanding the donor base, prospective donors and audience.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director, Board President, Gateway to World Dance™ Collaborative Chair
BOARD DEVELOPMENT
DESCRIPTION
Reestablish a Board Nominating Committee. Identify board prospects with passion, time, strategic ideas and financial capacity.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Utilize a “board skills matrix” to map out skills, expertise and experience of current board. Identify potential gaps in board composition and recruit a minimum of 4 new board members during the 60th anniversary season.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director, Board President, Board President-Elect
PRIORITY INITIATIVES AND PLANNED OUTCOMES CRITICAL TO OUR FUTURE SUCCESS
ESTABLISH OPERATING RESERVE
DESCRIPTION
Establish an Operating Reserve of unrestricted cash balance to ensure Dance St. Louis operations are stable during unexpected cash flow shortages.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Secure a minimum of $400,000 to cover 12 months of operational expenses. Create guidelines and procedures to administer the reserve.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director, Finance Committee
TICKET BUYERS INTO DONORS
DESCRIPTION
Convert season subscribers and single ticket buyers into donors.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Devise a comprehensive written plan to grow the number of ticket buyers who make donations to Dance St. Louis by 25% annually.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director, Marketing Department
ESTABLISH PLANNING GIVING PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION
Create resources for donors to consider bequests and other planned gifts.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Additional revenue source, increase financial stability, deepen connection with donors, provide diverse way to contribute assets.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director, Estate Planning Professionals
STRATEGIC GOAL #1
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY — INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES
CAPACITY BUILDING –MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
DESCRIPTION
Hire a full-time marketing and development manager.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Dedicated hours in marketing efforts year-round increase from 14 hours on average weekly with a contractor to 40 plus hours with a full-time position. Ultimate outcome, grow audiences for shows and awareness of Dance St. Louis as well as contributed revenue.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director
CAPACITY BUILDINGSOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN MARKETER
DESCRIPTION
Hire a contracted social media campaign marketer that leads social media efforts across all channels.
PLANNED OUTCOME
In partnership with the full-time marketing and development manager, create a robust calendar for social media with variety of stories told on upcoming shows, organizational impact/relevance on the region and artform as well as funder recognition.
OVERSIGHT
Marketing and Development Manager
CAPACITY BUILDING –DATA PIPELINE MANAGEMENT
DESCRIPTION
Establish organization-wide key data metrics for marketing, fundraising and program evaluation.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Create dashboards for deeper understanding of current business trends and results against goals (e.g. ticket sales campaigns, strategies, ROI, results). Analysis to improve effectiveness and data-based decision making for future strategies and implementation.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director, Marketing Department
PRIORITY INITIATIVES AND PLANNED OUTCOMES CRITICAL TO OUR FUTURE SUCCESS
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY — BUSINESS PLANNING INITIATIVES
MULTI-YEAR SEASON CURATION
AND BUDGET PLANNING
DESCRIPTION
Launch multi-year season curation and budget planning to increase the time to evaluate program expenditures against practical revenue potentials.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Cost containment through advanced planning and cost/potential revenue evaluation.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director, Board President, Treasurer
ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE VENUE
DESCRIPTION
Develop a list of potential small performance spaces to consider for low cost-basis programming that maintains artistic standards and serves as an entry point for new revenue as well as minimize financial risk.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Opportunity to expand season performance offerings to possibly be positioned as a Fall Season, Winter Season, Spring Season.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director, Board President
RETAIN AND GROW NEW AUDIENCE INITIATIVES STRATEGIC GOAL #2
AUDIENCE RETENTION PLAN
DESCRIPTION
Create an Audience Retention Plan that includes a loyalty program with exclusive perks and discounts that fosters a sense of belonging and value.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Retain season subscribers and convert mainstage show (non-festival) single ticket buyers to two or more shows within the season or future season.
OVERSIGHT
Marketing Department
CONNECT WITH INFLUENCERS
DESCRIPTION
Partner with social media influencers to promote shows.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Grow followers and new audiences for shows, expand the brand of Dance St. Louis and grow earned ticket revenue.
OVERSIGHT
Marketing Department
EMAIL AND SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS
DESCRIPTION
Increase email reach and social media campaigns during the season.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Grow prospects for shows by purchasing email lists based on demographics that are aligned with identified targets. Increase digital marketing and social media ads aligned with demographics to gain greater reach and exposure for shows.
OVERSIGHT
Marketing Department
PRIORITY INITIATIVES AND PLANNED OUTCOMES CRITICAL TO OUR FUTURE SUCCESS
CONVERT SPRING TO DANCE PATRONS
DESCRIPTION
Expand relationship with SPRING TO DANCE patrons whose only engagement in a Dance St. Louis season is the festival.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Create strategies aimed at SPRING TO DANCE patrons, resulting in purchasing beyond the festival by becoming ticket buyers of mainstage performances.
OVERSIGHT
Marketing Department
MULTI-ARTS SUBSCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
Explore a season subscription that includes other performing arts organizations.
PLANNED OUTCOME
In addition to a Dance St. Louis show, a special price subscription would include a show from each collaborative partner possibly in theater, music, opera and visual. Each arts organization gains new audience members through this cross-pollination effort.
OVERSIGHT
Marketing Department
GRASSROOTS MARKETING
DESCRIPTION
Expand grassroots marketing efforts inside theater and in the community while using unconventional and low-budget methods.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Dance St. Louis increases presence at targeted community events, broad distribution of promotional show posters, and other awareness building initiatives.
OVERSIGHT
Marketing Department
STRATEGIC GOAL #3
INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE INITIATIVES
SPRING TO DANCE® ACCESS
DESCRIPTION
SPRING TO DANCE® FESTIVAL remains accessible to the region.
PLANNED OUTCOME
All ticket prices to the festival are affordable and as low as $15, offering access and engagement with diverse dance genres from national touring and regional companies. The festival continues to serve as an entry point to world-class dance for thousands of patrons each season.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director
MAINSTAGE SHOW ACCESS
DESCRIPTION
Mainstage shows remain accessible to the region.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Grand Tier seating is offered at an affordable ticket price and as low as $25 with special price campaigns. Grand Tier seating is 29% of “house” at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director
EDUCATION RESIDENCY EXPANSION SITES
DESCRIPTION
Explore expanding beyond the current six partnering schools for the Bayer Fund Dance Education Residency and Mentoring Program.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Identify new prospective schools to partner with in St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County. Secure partnerships with at least two new schools, grow access to world renowned teaching artists, cross-curriculum learning in dance and career mentoring.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director
PRIORITY INITIATIVES AND PLANNED OUTCOMES CRITICAL TO OUR FUTURE SUCCESS
BEYOND DANCE –VISUAL ART AND MUSIC
DESCRIPTION
Create engagement opportunities at residency schools that extend beyond the dance program and into visual art and music.
PLANNED OUTCOME
In addition to engaging students in the dance program, more students are reached in the visual arts and music programs at partnering residency schools. Engagements include creating original art with natural connections to dance, inspiration drawn from repertoire performed by a presented dance company, the life and legacy of a dance icon or music used in a repertory piece that is learned and performed by students.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director, Partnering Schools
EXPLORE SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVE
DESCRIPTION
Explore a two or three-week Summer Dance Intensive with partnering SPRING TO DANCE companies that would take place after the conclusion of the festival.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Secure funding and dance studio, teaching artists from two diverse companies from the festival, curriculum and marketing plan. An expansion of dance genres that diversifies education outreach and engages more youth beyond residency schools.
OVERSIGHT
SPRING TO DANCE Artistic Curator, Summer Dance Intensive Coordinator
NONPROFIT TICKET ACCESS PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION
Gateway to World Dance™ Ticket Access Program provides tickets to partnering nonprofit organizations in health and human services in St. Louis.
PLANNED OUTCOME
The program offers access to worldclass dance for the clients of partnering nonprofits reaching people of all social backgrounds, ages and interests. Distribute up to 200 tickets during the season.
OVERSIGHT
Marketing Department, Gateway to World Dance™ Collaborative
STRATEGIC GOAL #4
DIVERSE ARTISTS AND DANCE GENRE INITIATIVES
CURATED SEASON
DESCRIPTION
Curate a season of mainstage performances that draws upon Dance St. Louis’ vast network of artists and dance companies from across the globe.
PLANNED OUTCOME
As the region’s Gateway to World Dance™, each curated season represents a mix of diverse dance genres, iconic legendary companies and rising stars of the dance world.
OVERSIGHT
Gateway to World Dance™ Season Planning Team
CURATED SPRING TO DANCE® FESTIVAL
DESCRIPTION
Curate and produce the SPRING TO DANCE® FESTIVAL that draws upon Dance St. Louis’ vast network of artists and dance companies from across the globe.
PLANNED OUTCOME
As the region’s Gateway to World Dance™, the SPRING TO DANCE® FESTIVAL continues to be recognized by dance artists, choreographers, booking agents and patrons as the region’s most celebrated dance festival engaging diverse artists and audiences in Missouri, Illinois and more than 20 other states.
OVERSIGHT
SPRING TO DANCE Artistic Curator
EXPLORE A DANCE FESTIVAL IN THE FALL
DESCRIPTION
In addition to SPRING TO DANCE, explore producing a second Dance Festival.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Produce a second Dance Festival, possibly for the month of November, and explore a partnership with Dance Magazine to position, brand and present artists recognized in their top 25 to watch in the professional dance world. Utilize Dance St. Louis’ vast network and reputation with SPRING TO DANCE while also leveraging sponsorships, collaborations and patron ticket buying.
OVERSIGHT
Gateway to World Dance™ Season Planning Team
PRIORITY INITIATIVES AND PLANNED OUTCOMES CRITICAL TO OUR FUTURE SUCCESS
COMMISSIONS AND PREMIERES
DESCRIPTION
Commission world premieres and exclusive premieres as part of Dance St. Louis’ season and festivals.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Partner with dance companies who have been selected during the curated season process to commission a world premiere that would be performed in St. Louis. World premieres could include celebrating historical figures of the St. Louis region and their impact in our world.
OVERSIGHT
Gateway to World Dance™ Season Planning Team
STRATEGIC GOAL #5
POSITION, BRAND AND MARKET DANCE ST. LOUIS AS THE REGION’S GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™
GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™
DESCRIPTION
Position and brand Dance St. Louis as the region’s Gateway to World Dance™.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Dance St. Louis continues to be recognized as the leader in professional dance for our region. Through a new branding of the organization, Dance St. Louis is known in the metropolitan area as well as to visitors throughout the United States as the region’s Gateway to World Dance™.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director
TRADEMARK GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™
DESCRIPTION
Trademark Gateway to World Dance™ by hiring TM Law & Associates.
PLANNED OUTCOME
With the assistance from a trademark attorney, Gateway to World Dance™ becomes an intellectual property of Dance St. Louis. Completed in November 2024.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director
REDESIGN DANCE ST. LOUIS LOGO
DESCRIPTION
Redesign the Dance St. Louis logo while incorporating Gateway to World Dance™.
PLANNED OUTCOME
Collaborate with award-winning Cuban American designer and illustrator, Carlos Zamora, Chief Creative Officer and Founder of CARTEL Strategies LLC, whose designs have been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine and many other prestigious publications. New design logo completed in January 2025 and unveiled in Spring 2025 as Dance St. Louis announces 60th anniversary season.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director
PRIORITY INITIATIVES AND PLANNED OUTCOMES CRITICAL TO OUR FUTURE SUCCESS
UNIQUENESS AND PRESTIGE
DESCRIPTION
Dance St. Louis is one of only four nonprofit dance-only presenters in the United States bestowing uniqueness and prestige to their region.
PLANNED OUTCOME
With a celebrated history of presenting more than 500 professional dance companies and over 30,000 dancers and artists from across the globe, the Dance St. Louis season uplifts the region’s image as the Gateway to World Dance™ and as a great place to live, work and visit.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director, Marketing Department
ST. LOUIS AS A DANCE DESTINATION
DESCRIPTION
A history of bringing dance to life for the city and region.
PLANNED OUTCOME
For 60 years, Dance St. Louis has put our city and region on the map as a dance destination in America through worldclass presentations and since 2008 with the SPRING TO DANCE® FESTIVAL. Ultimate outcome is to increase visitors to the city and tourism impact through Dance St. Louis presentations and festivals.
OVERSIGHT
Executive Director, Marketing Department
DANCE ST. LOUIS HISTORY
DANCE LEGENDS WHO CHANGED THE WORLD
For 60 years, Dance St. Louis’ history has captivated our region by the brilliance and artistry of many legends who have left an indelible mark on the world of dance. Some are household names, while others are less wellknown but no less influential.
Their passion, perseverance and genius have shaped history and continue to fuel the imagination of new generations of dancers, choreographers and dance companies across the globe.
Dance legends like Mikhail Baryshnikov, Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham, Rudolf Nureyev, Katherine Dunham, Arthur Mitchell, Isadora Duncan, and many other iconic figures, are forever woven into the fabric of Dance St. Louis’ history of world-renowned performances.
GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™
As Dance St. Louis launches into an historic 60th anniversary season and beyond with a new Strategic Plan, we celebrate our history and legacy of those artists who have graced our stage and those who will follow by rebranding Dance St. Louis as the region’s GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™.
Recognized as the GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™ by artists and patrons from around the world will be synonymous with Dance St. Louis’ future aimed at elevating our city as a dance destination and strengthening the region’s vibrancy as a place to live, work and visit.
A Thousand Years of Jazz
Aerial Dance Chicago
Aerial Dance Company
Afriky Lolo
Alexander Godunov
Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Ailey II
Alwin Nikolais Dance Company
Aman Folk Ensemble
Amanda DeVenuta and Cameron Thomas
Amanda Assucena and Alberto Velazquez
ABT Studio Company
American Ballet Theatre
American Ballroom Theater
American Dance Machine
Amy Marshall Dance Company
Amy Seiwert’s Imagery
American Indian Dance Theatre
An Evening of Ballet Stars I, II, III: starring principal dancers and international superstars from American Ballet Theatre, Kansas City Ballet, Miami City Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, National Ballet of Cuba, New York City Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet, The Washington Ballet
An Evening of Ballet Stars 1: featuring Katherine Barkman, Jeffrey Cirio, Rory Hohenstein, Sarah Lane, Alexandros Pappajohn, Christine Rocas, Cory Stearns, Devon Teuscher
An Evening of Ballet Stars 2: featuring Adiarys Almeida, Sterling Baca, Katherine Barkman,Taras Domitro, Dylan Gutierrez, Nayara Lopes, Carlos Perez
An Evening of Ballet Stars 3: featuring Adiarys Almeida, Fabrice Calmels, Taras Domitro, Thomas Forster, Liang Fu, Emily Mistretta, Hee So, Yuan Yuan Tan
Annabelle Gamson Dance Solos
Anything Goes
ARENA Dances by Matthew Janczewski
Armitage Gone! Dance
Arthur Hall Afro-American Dance Company
500+ PROFESSIONAL DANCE COMPANIES GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™
Ate9 Dance Company
Atlanta Ballet
Attack Theatre
Ballet Arkansas
Ballet Folklórico de México
Ballet Hispánico
Ballet Memphis
Ballet Rambert
Ballet West
BalletMet
BalletX
Barkin/Selissen Project
Batsheva Dance Company
Battleworks Dance Company
Bejart Twentieth Century Dance
Bella Lewitzky Dance Company
BennyRoyce Dance
Betty Jones and Fritz Ludin
Bill Evans Dance Company
Bill Frank
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company
Billy Elliot the Musical
BLAST!
BODYART
BODYTRAFFIC
Boom Crack! Dance Company
Boston Ballet
Boston Ballet with Edward Villella
Branislav Tomich
Brian Brooks Moving Company
Bruce Wood Dance
Buckets and Tap Shoes
Buglisi Dance Theatre
The Butterfly Lovers starring Shanghi Ballet
Camille A. Brown & Dancers
Carmina Burana starring Nashville Ballet and featuring University of Missouri St. Louis orchestra and singers, Bach Society of Saint Louis, St. Louis Children’s Choirs
casebolt and smith
Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet
Chelonia Dance
Chicago
Chicago Dance Crash
Chicago Human Rhythm Project
Chicago Tap Theatre
Christopher K. Morgan & Artists
Cincinnati Ballet
Chuck Davis Dance Company
Cincinnati Ballet
Clinard Dance
Collage Dance Collective
Compagnie Käfig
Compañía de Baile Flamenco de Marién Luévano
Compañía Nacional de DanzaCompany
Company Wayne McGregor
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Contemporary Moves 2004
The Copasetics
DAMAGEDANCE
30,000+ DANCERS AND ARTISTS GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™
Dan Wagonner and Dancers
DanceBrazil
DanceWorks Chicago
Dance Kaleidoscope
Dance Now! Miami
Dance St. Louis Dance Ensemble featuring Alicia Graf Mack, Antonio Douthit-Boyd, Kirven Douthit-Boyd
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Dance Theatre of Tennessee
Dancers
Dancing Wheels Company
Daniel Ezralow & Friends
Daniel Martin
The DASH Ensemble
David Dorman Dance
David Gordon/Pick-Up Company dawsondancesf
Dayton Ballet
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater
DIAVOLO |Architecture in Motion
Dinosaur
Dirty Dancing
Don Redlich Dance Company
Doug Elkins Dance Company
Doug Varone and Dancers
Dorrance Dance
Earthen Image Movement
Eddie Madril – Hoop Dancer
Edward Scissorhands
Eiko and Koma
Eisenhower Dance Detroit
Elements Contemporary Ballet
Elisa Monte Dance
Elizabeth Streb/Ringside
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
Erick Hawkins Dance Company
EVITA
Feld Ballet
Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana
Flying Foot Forum
Fukudance
Garth Fagan Dance
George Piper Dances/Ballet Boyz
Georgia Stephens and Company
Georgian State Dance Company
Giorando Dance Chicago
Glen Tetley
Grand Rapids Ballet
GroundWorks Dance Theater
Grupo Corpo
Hedwig Dances
Helen Simoneau Dance
Helios Dance Theater
Houston Ballet
Houston Contemporary Dance Company
Houston Metropolitan Dance Company
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Hubbard Street 2
Hungarian State Folk Ensemble
Idaho Regional Ballet
Irene Rodriguez Flamenco Dance
Jacqueline Green & Antonio Douthit-Boyd
James Morrow/The Movement
James Sewell Ballet
JAZZDANCE by Danny Buraczeski
Jazz/Tap Ensemble
Jennifer Lauren and Rainer Krenstetter
Jennifer Muller/The Works
Jennifer Olivas and Omar Olivas
Joel Hall Dancers
The Joffrey Ballet
Joffrey Concert Group
6,000+ PERFORMANCES GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™
Joffrey II Dancers
Limón Dance Company
Joselyn Simms
Joseph Holmes Dance Theater
Joyce Trisler Danscompany
Kambre Contemporary Dance Company
Kansas City Ballet
Kate Weare Company
Katherine Dunham
Katlyn Addison and Adrian Fry
Keith Terry
Kirov Ballet
Koresh Dance Company
The Koslovs
Kristi Faulkner Dance
LaneCoArts
Lar Lubovitch Dance Co.
Laura Careless /Alchemy for Nomads
Laura Dean Dancers & Musicians
Lehrer Dance
Leslie Friedman
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo
Lucas Hoving
Lucinda Childs
Lucky Plush Productions
Lula Washington Dance Theatre
Luna Negra Dance Theater
Marcel Marceau
Margaret Jenkins Dance Company
Margie Gillis
Margie Gillis and Peggy Baker
Maria Benitez Spanish Dance Company
Mark Morris Dance Group
Martha Graham Dance Company
Mary Anthony Dance Theater
Matteo’s EthnoAmerican Dance Theater
Mazowsze
Merce Cunningham Dance Company
Meredith Monk
Metropolitan Opera Ballet
Miami City Ballet
Mid-Columbia Ballet
Milwaukee Ballet
Mimi Garrard Dance Theatre
Minnesota Dance Theatre
Missouri Ballet Theatre
Missouri Contemporary Ballet
Michael Moschen
Mikhail Baryshnikov and Company
Molissa Fenley
MOMENTA Dance Company
MOMIX Alchemia
MOMIX Botanica
MOMIX Alice
Mordine & Company Dance Theater
Megan Fairchild, Robbie Fairchild, Joseph Gordon
Moscow Festival Ballet
Moulin Rouge The Ballet by Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet
MOVE Live on Tour
Movin’ Out
Murray Louis Dance Company
Murray Louis Dance Company and the Dave Brubeck Quartet
Mutual Dance Theatre
Myrna Packer and Art Bridgman
Nashville Ballet
National Ballet of Canada
National Ballet of Cuba
National Ballet of Senegal
Natya Dance Theatre
Nederlands Dans Theater
Nejla Y. Yatkin/NY2 Dance
Neos Dance Theatre
150+ WORLD PREMIERES GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™
New Dance Horizons I: featuring new works commissioned by Dance St. Louis with choreographers
Jessica Lang, Victoria Marks, Gina Patterson, Pam Tanowitz
New Dance Horizons II: featuring new works commissioned by Dance St. Louis with choreographers
Robby Barnett, Alison Chase, Jonathon Wolken, Emery LeCrone, Uri Sands, Nejla Yatkin
New Dance Horizons III: featuring new works commissioned by Dance St. Louis with choreographers
Brian Enos, Roni Koresch, Kate Skarpetowska
New Dance Horizons IV: featuring new works commissioned by Dance St. Louis with choreographers
Dianne McIntyre, Bebe Miller, Robert Moses
New Dance Horizons V: featuring new works commissioned by Dance St. Louis with choreographers
Stephanie Martinez, Wendy Rein, Amy Seiwert, Ryan T. Smith
New Dance Horizons VI: featuring new works commissioned by Dance St. Louis with choreographers
Gregory Dolbashian, James Gregg, Robin Mineko Williams
New York City Ballet
Newark Dance Theatre
Nikolais Dance Theatre and Murray Louis Dance Company
Noche Flamenca
Northwest Dance Project
Nutcracker at The Fox with The Joffrey Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and State Ballet of Missouri
O Vertigo
ODC/Dance
Oklahoma City Ballet
Owen/Cox Dance Group
Paloma Gomez
Paper Bag Players
PARADIGM: Carmen deLavallade & Gus Solomons, Jr.
PARA.MAR Dance Theatre
Parsons Dance
Parsons Dance Company with The Ahn Trio
Parsons Dance Company with The Billy Taylor Trio
Paul Sanasardo Dance Company
Paul Taylor Dance Company
Peking Acrobats
Pennsylvania Ballet
Phyllis Lamhut
Pilobolus
Pilobolus re:CREATION
Pilobolus Shadowland 2: The New Adventure
Pilobolus Too
Peridance Contemporary Dance Company
pH eXchange Dance Theatre
The Pipes, Drums and Highland Dancers of The Black Watch and The Band of the Welsh Guards
Prakriti Dance
Project 44
PUSH Dance Company
Q Dance
Rachel Lampert and Dancers
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Starring The Rockettes
Ragamala Dance Company
RAWdance
Rennie Harris PureMovement
Repertory Dance Theatre
Rhythm in Shoes and the Red Clay Ramblers
Richmond Ballet
Rick Merrill and Eva Carozza
Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company
River North Dance Chicago
Riverdance
Robert Moses Kin
Robert Small Dance Company
Robert Moses’ Kin
ROCK MOVES Contemporary Dance
Romeo & Juliet starring Grand Rapids Ballet
Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE
The Rosin Box Project
3 MILLION+ AUDIENCES GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™
Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Rudolf Nureyev and Stars of the Paris Opera Ballet
Sally Hess
Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre
San Francisco Ballet
Sankai Juku
Sara and Jerry Pearson
Savion Glover
The Seldoms
Sewam American Indian Dance
Shanghai Ballet
Shapiro and Smith Dance
Shen Wei Dance Arts
The Slaughter Project
Sossy Mechanics
South Chicago Dance Theatre
Soviet Acrobats
2008 through 2025
Stars of the Bolshoi Ballet
Stars of the Paris Opera Ballet
State Ballet of Missouri
Stephen Petronio Company
Steve Krieckhaus
St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre STOMP
Störling Dance Theater
Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater
Stuttgart Ballet
Susan Marshall and Company
Suzanne Grace and Peter Sparling
Svastha Indian Dance Company
SWING!
Swingtime! Jivin’ Lindy Hoppers and
Warren Vaché & New York City All Stars Band
Sydney Dance Company
Taj Express: The Bollywood Musical Revue TAKE Dance
Tamburitzans
Tap Dynamics with Live Jazz starring Jason Samuels Smith, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Derick K. Grant
Tania Pérez-Salas Compañía de Danza
Tango Argentina
Tango Buenos Aires
Tango for All
Tango X 2
Tap Dogs
Teo Morca Flamenco
Tharp!
TheMASSIVE
Thodos Dance Chicago
Thomas/Ortiz Dance
TL Collective/Micaela Taylor
Trisha Brown Dance Company
Twyla Tharp Dance Company
Tharp and Baryshnikov
Toronto Dance Theatre
Trinity Irish Dance Company
Tulsa Ballet
Urban Bush Women
Urban Bush Women and the Dave Murray Octet
Utah Regional Ballet
VADCO/Valerie Alpert Dance Company
Verb Ballet
Viola Farber Dance Company
Virsky Ukraianian National Dance Company
Visceral Dance Chicago
Vitacca Ballet
Washington Ballet
Water Street Dance Milwaukee
West Side Story
WEWOLF
White Oak Dance Project
Wizard of Oz starring Ballet Memphis
Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company
DANCE ST. LOUIS IS THE REGION’S GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™
A CULTURAL GEM & DANCE DESTINATION
For six decades, Dance St. Louis has transformed our region into a dance mecca and destination by way of our presenting seasons and the SPRING TO DANCE® FESTIVAL. The festival is famous within the dance world, and is considered a cultural gem, drawing thousands of dance aficionados and new patrons to the artform each year across Missouri, Illinois and throughout America.
Strategically as one of the country’s most prominent dance festivals, SPRING TO DANCE will continue to be a driving force as the region’s cultural ambassador for world dance while also supporting economic impact and tourism for the city and region.
DANCE ST. LOUIS IS THE REGION’S
GATEWAY TO WORLD DANCE™
CONCLUSION
This Strategic Plan is designed to leverage Dance St. Louis’ extraordinary strengths in its artistic and educational offerings and, through purposeful attention to business strategy and execution, drive Dance St. Louis to continue to deliver on its mission to enrich the region by sharing the power and joy of dance for many years to come.
ABOUT THE LOGO: The newly designed Dance St. Louis Gateway to World Dance™ logo created by CARTEL Strategies LLC embodies and celebrates Dance St. Louis’ leading role in the region as presenter, producer and educator of world-renowned dance from across the globe. The iconic Gateway Arch at the center symbolizes the entry way into our city and region while the beautiful lines that travel through represent the 30,000+ dancers and artists and 500+ world-class dance companies presented during the last 60 seasons and into the future. Dance St. Louis is the region’s Gateway to World Dance™.
Photos courtesy of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ballet Folklórico de México, Clifton Brown and Bboy Machine, Dance Theatre of Harlem, DIAVOLO, Dorrance Dance, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater International guest artists, The Joffrey Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens Nutcracker, Martha Graham Dance Company, MOMIX in Botanica Nashville Ballet’s Carmina Burana, New York City Ballet, Pilobolus, Riverdance, San Francisco Ballet, Shanghai Ballet, Taj Express: The Bollywood Musical Revue