Since 1975, Pentacle (Dance Works, Inc.) has served the performing arts community by providing artists with the infrastructure support they need to fulfill their artistic visions and develop wider audiences. Pentacle’s main area of focus is on dancers and dance companies whose work has been described variously as emerging, experimental, non-mainstream, “downtown,” progressive, and/or culturally specific. Dance companies formally apply to work with us and are selected based on their breadth of artistic vision and the overall quality of their work. Many of the dance-makers we’ve served are now internationally renowned: Mark Morris Dance Troupe, Doug Varone and Dancers, Eiko & Koma, Urban Bush Women, and Shen Wei, to name but a few.
In addition to our booking/representation, fiscal, design and consulting services, Pentacle has initiated projects and programs that have, over the last three-and-a-half decades, been fundamental to the international dance community’s evolution and growth. Our current projects:
- Help Desk® supports the professional infrastructure of dance companies and independent choreographers; and works with participants to develop a strong sense of community and empowerment. Through a mentor relationship Pentacle provides participants with personalized strategic planning, guidance and infrastructure support over a sustained period of time. Back Office addresses head on the critical lack of direct administrative and executive support in small and mid-sized dance organizations by supplying direct affordable support from a Managing Director on an on-going basis.
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- Educational Programming for students and faculty at the grade school and college levels elucidates the full range of skills and expertise required for effective dance performances and encourages young people to pursue careers in arts administration, presentation, and production.
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- Movement Media provides screenings, workshops, web-initiatives, on-line festivals, and consulting services that inspire and inform dancers’ utilization of digital technology and media in all aspects of their work.
As a not-for-profit organization, Pentacle has been the recipient of generous government foundation, and corporate support which has allowed us to provide quality services at subsidized fees and offer unique, innovative programs.
For news and first-hand reports on Pentacle’s programs, we recommend reading our Educational Programming blog or Move the Frame blog and following us on Facebook.
