In San Diego, popular annual dance productions like “The Nutcracker,” Trolley Dances, and the “Ghost Light Masquerade” represent vital components of the city’s vibrant arts scene.
However, looming budget cuts and increasing operational costs pose significant threats to this ecosystem.
Despite the inherent value of these dance productions—contributing to economic growth and enriching the local culture—San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is proposing a 10% cut to arts funding.
Additionally, the National Endowment for the Arts has decided to bar applicants who include any DEI-related programs in their proposals, which could have ripple effects across the sector.
With fewer professional dance productions and potential losses in technically skilled dancers, the future appears uncertain.
In a recent discussion, four local dance company leaders shared their insights on the multifaceted challenges facing organizations that not only present shows but also operate schools and engage in community outreach.
Cat Corral, the co-founder of TranscenDance, highlighted the ongoing concerns related to funding.
As TranscenDance celebrates its 20th year as a creative development nonprofit serving underserved youth, Corral noted that executive orders at the federal level have sparked widespread worries about forthcoming funding cuts from various government sources, including federal, state, and city levels.
She emphasized the importance of local foundations and individual philanthropists to help bridge funding gaps.
Terry Wilson, the executive artistic director of San Diego Dance Theater (SDDT), expressed frustration over the competitiveness for available grants.
“There are a lot of hands in the pie right now,” Wilson said, referring to the intense competition for funding in California, especially among organizations aiming to uplift marginalized voices.
She pointed out that few operating support grants are undesignated, which complicates financial planning.
Organizations must design their funding requests a year in advance to have sufficient financial backing for their initiatives.
Molly Puryear, CEO of Malashock Dance, echoed Wilson’s sentiments, explaining how difficult it is to secure unrestricted funding for essential operations, which includes paying rent and salaries.
Most grants they obtain are project-based, leaving significant portions of their financial needs unmet.
Puryear mentioned that ticket sales typically cover only about 30% of production costs, underscoring the reliance on public support to sustain their business operations.
Matt Carney, executive director of San Diego Ballet, shared insights about the staffing challenges their company faces due to economic pressures.
Although all their dancers earn more than minimum wage, many still look for opportunities in other cities where the cost of living is lower, even if it means accepting contracts for less pay.
Wilson illuminated how perceptions impact funding and workforce availability by noting the public’s misunderstanding of the costs associated with productions.
“Some people think Trolley Dances should be free, but it’s not practical,” she noted.
Hiring up to 35 dancers for events like Trolley Dances incurs hourly wages and administrative work, which adds significant costs.
Puryear added that dancers often prioritize jobs that offer better salaries or health benefits, forcing them into a ‘gig lifestyle’ that is unsustainable in an expensive city.
The high monthly rents for studio space at venues such as Dance Place, which can range from $5,000 to $10,000, combined with the staggering theater rental costs of $20,000 to $35,000 for performances, pose additional financial burdens on dance companies and impact their decision-making.
Carney pointed out that the nature of dance requires a considerable amount of rehearsal space to accommodate larger casts, with numbers typically around 25 dancers for any given performance.
To adapt, San Diego Ballet has had to make logistical adjustments, such as performing multiple shows in one day instead of spreading them across the weekend.
However, this strategy has its own set of physical demands on the dancers involved.
Puryear further illustrated the complexities by highlighting how theater rental prices have surged, forcing organizations to accept less than ideal dates and arrangements, creating logistical challenges that can encumber smaller nonprofits.
Efforts by organizations to secure sponsorships or additional funding are critical to offset the costs of theater rentals and production expenses, as Corral discussed.
Her organization relies on various fundraising mechanisms, including soliciting support from local foundations and individual donors, alongside ticket sales.
Looking ahead, the leaders expressed their hopes and aspirations for nurturing San Diego’s dance ecosystem.
Corral reiterated the transformative potential of the arts for youth in San Diego, advocating for more communal support of dance initiatives.
“You don’t just have to care about dance; you have to care about the voices of youth and how the arts can transform their lives,” Corral emphasized.
Puryear highlighted the significance of intimate performances and their role in fostering community connection, while critiquing the need for financial backing for venues that support quality productions.
A plea for flexible, general operating support echoed throughout the conversation, as it would allow organizations to allocate funds where they are most needed without project-specific requirements.
Carney expressed a commitment to sustaining live dance, emphasizing the communal experience that performances offer amidst worldly chaos.
He believes that encouraging people to engage with dance—by witnessing it live—can foster broader community support.
Wilson concluded with a strong commitment to uphold San Diego Dance Theater’s legacy.
Having been a pillar of modern dance for over 50 years, SDDT plans to reframe key events like the Emerging Choreographer Showcase and revive the Live Arts Fest, with an intent to continue supporting local artists.
With the combined efforts of these passionate leaders, the San Diego dance community remains resolute in navigating the challenges ahead.
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