What makes any dance worth saving? How does the Institute choose specific dances for its preservation initiatives?
A. A dance is worth saving if it provides insight into a choreographer’s vision and/or style. A dance is also worth saving if it provides insight into a specific historical period, socio-political issue or cultural phenomenon. A dance that is a clear example of the dances of cultural group is also worth saving. At the Institute, dances are considered worth saving if they fill in gaps in the history of American dance and American culture. The Institute also endeavors to save dances that are in danger of being lost but are retrievable. These are often dances that have never been documented, but the choreographer and/or original dancers are available to direct the reconstruction and to provide insight into the inspiration for and style of the dance.
