In the future, DDP intends to extend the Index to include additional ballet and classically inspired companies. Beyond adding more companies in future iterations, DDP plans to expand the Leadership section of the Index to include other roles, such as rehearsal directors, heads of schools, conductors, and composers in residence. Additionally, DDP is examining the viability of including “back of house” jobs (i.e., set and lighting designers, engineers, electricians, carpenters) within dance organizations in future versions of the GEI. Current and announced season programming may also be included in future iterations.
DDP understands that our current information is limited to websites, publicly available records through the IRS, press releases, social media, and other news and media sources. To ensure accurate information is reported, DDP relies on company information verification (i.e., season programming, 990s, etc.). DDP extends our gratitude to the companies who respond to our verification and survey requests.
There is much more to investigate, such as dancer pay and salaries. DDP is interested in partnering with other organizations (e.g., universities, AGMA) to examine compensation differentials, if any, between male and female artists of the company, length of dancer contracts, insurance costs, benefits, and leave policies around child and elder care. We realize the importance and call by the dance community for this information to be shared and researched – DDP will work to serve the community in this matter when the appropriate infrastructure to support this study is in place.