Dance Data Project Launches DDP Pro, a Searchable Database of Female Dance Creatives
The Dance Data Project (DDP), established by Elizabeth "Liza" Yntema, has introduced DDP Pro, a complimentary online platform aimed at improving the visibility of female and female-identifying dance artists. Supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, this database features profiles of artists from nearly every dance genre, which can be searched by location. Since 2019, DDP has been examining the representation of women among artistic directors and choreographers in U.S. dance companies, now extending its focus to global teams. DDP's findings reveal that 50% of creative teams for new productions are exclusively male, with less than 10% achieving gender parity. Job listings on DDP Pro are required to disclose salary details, and nationwide cost-of-living maps are being developed. Nancy Dobbs Owen oversees communications for DDP. An earlier report mistakenly indicated that salary information was not included.
Key facts
- Dance Data Project (DDP) launched DDP Pro, a searchable database of female and female-identifying dance creatives, in fall 2024.
- DDP Pro was funded by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and is free and mobile-friendly for users.
- The database covers nearly every dance discipline except performers and is searchable by geographic location down to a five-mile radius.
- DDP's latest data set shows half of creative teams for new dance works are entirely male, less than 10 percent are gender-balanced, and all-women teams are rare.
- DDP founder Elizabeth "Liza" Yntema says major companies like New York City Ballet may not use the platform, but festivals and regional companies might.
- Job posts on DDP Pro must include pay information, and DDP is working on nationwide cost-of-living maps.
- Nancy Dobbs Owen, a choreographer, director, and dance educator, leads communications for DDP and commented on informal networks excluding talent.
- An earlier version of the story incorrectly stated that DDP Pro does not include pay information; it has been updated.
Entities
Artists
- Nancy Dobbs Owen
- Elizabeth "Liza" Yntema
Institutions
- Dance Data Project
- DDP Pro
- Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation
- New York City Ballet
- Dance Magazine
Locations
- Portland
- Oregon
- Kansas City
- St. Louis
- Dubuque
- Peoria
- Illinois
- United States