ABOUT


THE HISTORY OF DEA 

During the Depression years dance schools reached an unprecedented low in notoriety. False claims by "dance charlatans", more interested in business results than in teaching dance, proliferated the world of dance. No one knew who qualified as a competent dance teaching professional. In response to an obvious need for reform, thirty - eight dance educators met at the studio of Sammy Burns at 1841 Broadway at 2:30 pm on Sunday, October 23, 1932 and formulated a set of ethical rules and regulations regarding teaching and advertising in the field of dance. This was originally known as "Dancing Teachers Business Association of New York City" (DTBA).

Miss Dorothy Cropper was nominated and elected chairman of the first meeting. By the second meeting a week later, the DTBA stated that those who taught or conducted schools within the five Boroughs of New York City were eligible for membership.

The committee drafted a Constitution and By-Laws and a motion was made to accept the Constitution and By-Laws.  The motion was unanimous, and those members whom so desired paid all or part of their first year dues.  Eventually, the name was changed to Dance Educators of America, Inc.  More and more dance teachers became interested in belonging to an organization dedicated to enhancing their ability to teach; and which insisted on a code of ethics in conduct and in advertising.  As they were anxious to take advantage of its unique teacher's program designed to further and promote the education of their students in the performing and stage arts, and of dance in all its forms. 

DEA has grown from its original 38 members to over 3,000 Members hailing from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Canada, Latin America &       South America.  The Executive infrastructure has remained consistent throughout our 78 years with minor changes.                                        

Current officers are as follows: 

An Executive Board of advisors and collaborators, is consulted on the various business and programming efforts facing the organization. It is comprised of professional artists representing all aspects of the performing arts, music, costuming, and lighting, as well as business and corporate representation. 
 

THE ARTISTIC STRUCTURE OF DEA

The Performing Arts Branch

Consisting of  Qualified Members with dance expertise to teach one or more of the following disciplines: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Character, and Acrobatics/Gymnastics. 

The Educational Branch

The DEA Teacher Training and Certification program, an institution for 68 years, is sanctioned by the University of Nevada at Las Vegas with college credit eligibility.