Dance Films Association

Dance Films Association is the catalyst for the production, presentation, and preservation of dance on camera. We are dedicated to furthering the art of dance film by connecting artists and organizations, fostering new works for new audiences and sharing essential resources.

History:
Dance Films Association was founded by Susan Braun in 1956 and incorporated in 1959 as a clearinghouse for the distribution of films on dance, from experimental work to instructional films and documentaries. Modern dance pioneer Jose Limon was a charter members, as was Ted Shawn, founder of Jacob’s Pillow, and prima ballerina Alicia Markarova.

A tireless advocate, Ms. Braun devoted her life to finding, showcasing and preserving dance films and videos until her death in 1995. With generous foresight, she left a Trust of $500,000 to continue Dance Films Association's mission with Melvin Spain as Executor until the year 2016. Today, the Association carries on Susan Braun’s spirit of creativity and collaboration in a time of extraordinary transformation.

As of 1998, offering of Post-Production Grants and Fiscal Sponsorship began. Alongside an archive film library of more than 500 dance film works, it maintains a database of distributors and dance film/videos. In 2007, the Susan Braun Award: The Young Choreographers Initiative was initiated to encourage young dance filmmakers.

In 2011, the Capturing Motion New York City started. It is an annual high school student film competition with workshops aimed at teaching the art of capturing dance on film. Selected by a jury, the high school student’s films are presented at the Dance on Camera Festival, and the winning film screens alongside one of the main features at Lincoln Center. it was in July 2011 when a Rockefeller Foundation New York City Cultural Innovation Fund grant was awarded, in the amount of $250,000 to produce, market and distribute 3D/HD films of New York City dance companies.

The project is the touchstone project of DFA’s Dance Film Productions initiative. The overarching goal of the initiative is to create funded opportunities for mid-level and established choreographers to collaborate with filmmakers on high quality film projects using HD and 3D technology.

Dance Films Association has worked with Alexander Street Press to create the Dance in Video database, culminating in an expansive library of dance on film for students worldwide. DFA hosts a Kickstarter curated page for dance films seeking funding.