The 2023+ Leadership Transitions Data Byte is the fourth annual study of leadership changes at influential organizations within the international dance industry.
The report details changes among artistic directors, executive directors, resident choreographers, associate artistic directors, and school directors at international and U.S. based dance venues, dance festivals, ballet companies, contemporary/modern companies, and prominent schools/conservatories which occurred in 2023 or have been announced for 2024 and later.
“This year’s Data Byte includes school directors for the first time, aligning with DDP’s continuous effort to expand our analysis of the dance landscape,” said DDP Senior Research Consultant Junyla Silmon. “This year’s report also highlights directors who began as interim/acting directors and are now or will be promoted into a permanent leadership role between 2023 and 2025, acknowledging the importance of tracking leadership changes even on a temporary or interim level, as they can lead to permanent appointments.”
Between the 2022+ and 2023+ Data Bytes, artistic director transitions have increased from 53 to 66 across companies, schools, and venues. In 2022, there were a total of 28 male artistic director appointments and 20 female artistic director appointments. In 2023, there were 41 male artistic directors and 22 female artistic directors announced. Altogether, male artistic director appointments have increased by 46% and female artistic director appointments have increased by 10%.
