The Regional Dance Development Initiative (RDDI) helps dance artists to reach new markets by improving their ability to communicate with audiences about the meaning of and context for their work, and by developing relationships with dance presenters. The ten-day "lab," for up to 12 artists, emphasizes mentoring by more experienced choreographers, managers, and presenters. An artist/presenter exchange component is part of each lab.

To date NDP has produced labs in Seattle, WA (August 2004), San Francisco, CA (February 2006), Portland, OR (May 2006), and New England (July 2007), directly serving 44 artists and companies, raising profiles and sparking engagements both regionally and nationally. Specific impacts for lab artists have included national funding, commissioning of new and collaborative projects, national festival residencies, extended engagements and partnerships with presenters, and invitations as panelists at regional and national conferences. 

RDDI Labs

New England
New England’s RDDI (also called the New England Dance Lab) took place at Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut, from July 27 to August 4, 2007. Twelve artists selected from throughout New England and seven mentors worked over the course of the ten-day lab on the articulation of their work and how to build relationships with presenters. Thirty-two presenters attended the final two days for an artist/presenter exchange. A series of regional artist/presenter exchanges will follow in each state in New England in 2008.

View a Summary for Participants of NDP's New England RDDI.

Seattle – Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest pilot project was the first 10-day dance lab for regional artists. Directed by San San Wong with additional coordination by Michele Steinwald, the planning involved an advisory committee of regional presenters, artists and managers. The Seattle lab was held in December 2004 and involved 11 selected artists from the region.

View artist bios and contact info.

San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA)
The SFBA pilot project 10-day dance lab focused on culturally specific dance artists in the SFBA. The project was led by coordinator San San Wong and advisor Rob Bailis of ODC Theatre with an advisory committee of regional presenters, artists and managers. The SFBA lab was held in February 2006 and involved 11 selected artists.

View artist bios and contact info.

Portland – Pacific Northwest
The Portland pilot project was launched in September 2005 with a meeting of alumni from the Seattle Lab as an introduction to Portland area artists, presenters and managers. Under the coordination of Erin Boberg Doughton with advisor Eloise Damrosch from Regional Arts Advisory Council (RAAC) an advisory panel was formed of regional artists, presenters and managers. The Portland lab was held in June 2006 and involved 10 selected artists from Seattle, Portland, Ashland, Idaho, and Montana.

View artist bios and contact info.

View more information on the Labs in Seattle, SFBA, and Portland.