History

UNITY, Inc.  -  Uniting America’s Dance Organizations

In August 1995, representatives of dance teacher organizations from around the country began to meet informally to discuss mutual concerns.  Historically, the organizations had tended to view each other more as competitors than allies, but as leaders of the individual organizations became acquainted, they recognized that they shared many goals and that working together would benefit the dance community.

The first UNITY meeting was initiated and hosted by Dance Masters of America’s National Executive Committee in New York City in August 1995.  Subsequent meetings have been in Memphis, in August 1996, hosted by Southern Association of Dance Masters; Boston, in August 1997, hosted by Dance Teachers Club of Boston A/S; and Raleigh, in August 1998, hosted by Carolina Dance Masters.  In addition, each January since 1997, a meeting has been held in New York City.  Total membership in the organizations participating in UNITY meetings over the years numbers in the tens of thousands.

In January 1998, representatives from 19 organizations met to form a permanent coalition.  Some of the member organizations have been influencing dance education in the US for more than 100 years, few have been in existence for less than 20 years.  UNITY, Inc. includes large national organizations as well as mid-size organizations and smaller, local associations.  Each is valued for its individual identity and retains autonomy, while working cooperatively within UNITY.

Issues identified to be addressed include, in no particular order:

  • Standards and processes for dance teacher certification
  • Teacher training and continuing education
  • IRS classification of dance instruction in Amusement & Recreation Services
  • Effects of competitions on dance education/training
  • Unethical practices in our profession
  • Music licensing for dance classes
  • Group health and other insurance
  • Advertising costs in dance publications and general population publications
  • Mechanisms for sharing ideas and experience among organizations
  • Developing a list “bank” of master teachers and adjudicators
  • Educating the public about quality dance education/training

Subsequent to the August meeting hosted by Carolina DM in 1998, August meetings were hosted by:

1999 – CNADM in Chicago, IL

2000 – DMA National in NYC

2001 – NDA in Reston, VA

2002 – Dance Alliance of RI in Warwick, RI

2003, 2004 & 2005 were conference calls

2006 - UDMA in Secaucus, NJ , held in October in conjunction with the Costume Preview Show

2007, 2008 Conference calls