ADVOCACY

TAD represents the interests of dance as an art form, as education, and as a profession to individuals and organizations as appropriate, informing members of governmental issues that may impact dance in Tennessee. Members of the Association actively participate in statewide arts organizations, local and national dance-related organizations, often holding leadership positions.

EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP

TAD provides training to Tennessee’s diverse and expanding dance community.

  • TAD produces an annual statewide festival hosting renowned international and regional teaching artists, in multi disciplines and genres of artistic excellence. In addition, periodic regional workshops further enhance student training and professional development.

  • The Tennessee Dance Summit is offered annually as a professional development opportunity. Dance professionals participate in master classes, seminars, and networking unavailable anywhere else in the state.

  • Competitive scholarships for student dancers are available through an audition process at the annual Statewide Festival. These scholarships enable three aspiring student dancers to advance their training through summer study.

  • TAD annually offers a Professional Development Grant to eligible dance professionals for continuing education, research or career transition.

COMMUNICATION

TAD serves as a central source of information for Tennessee’s dance constituencies. Through the TAD website, social media and online publications, we report dance activities, employment opportunities, auditions, master classes and workshops, as well as issues of local and national importance in the field. Members’ activities, events, and accomplishments are highlighted. TAD can provide access to master teachers, choreographers and guest artists.

LEADERSHIP

TAD developed the K-12 dance curriculum, approved by the State Board of Education for use in Tennessee’s public school system, and took an active role in the development of the current standards for dance licensure.

TAD worked closely with the State Department of Education to develop the first dance major in the state in order to establish a dance certification for public schools. As a result of those efforts, Tennessee now has a fully operational teacher certification program in dance.

RECOGNITION

TAD recognizes exceptional contributions to the field through my offering awards to individual and organizations that strive to bolster dance across the state.

The Margaret Martin Award recognizes individuals or corporations who make long term, consistently outstanding contributions that further the public image and accessibility of dance in Tennessee.

The Outstanding Dance Educator Award, a peer award, honors excellence in teaching dance.

The Dance Advocate Award recognizes individuals or corporations that noted for generating interest in the art of dance at the local or state level.

The Judith Woodruff Professional Development Award gives a monetary grant for professional development in dance.

All TAD voting members have the opportunity to nominate candidates for each of the above awards.