Did you know that the internationale tanzmesse nrw hosts the largest professional gathering dedicated exclusively to contemporary dance? It takes place every two years in Düsseldorf, Germany, with the next edition falling on August 26-30, 2020. The exhibition halls, talks and information sessions are great places for networking. American Dance Abroad will host a booth at Tanzmesse and there are two great opportunities for U.S.-based dance professionals to get involved:

• Submit a proposal for the artistic program. Artists/companies may submit a proposal(s) for fully produced performances or open studio showings. You must be invited to submit a proposal by an organization that will be hosting a booth (like American Dance Abroad). If you’d like us to issue an invitation, first create an account through the Tanzmesse website. Email Andrea Snyder and let her know which email you used to register your account and she will issue your invitation. Please note, while American Dance Abroad must issue your invitation to submit a proposal, the Tanzmesse staff makes all curatorial decisions. The Tanzmesse does not provide financial support, but here are some ideas for general funding resources you can explore.
• Attend as an American Corner delegate. U.S.-based choreographers, dancers, agents, and presenters are encouraged to attend the Tanzmesse as part of American Dance Abroad's delegation, even if you will not be performing. You will be a booth attendant and will be assigned to "man" the booth at certain times. This is an excellent opportunity to network and practice your "elevator pitch" with international colleagues. American Dance Abroad covers the cost of the booth; you are responsible for travel costs and the Tanzmesse registration fee (€125,- incl. 7% VAT). Complete this FORM to register your interest in becoming a booth attendant.

ADA Co-directors Carolelinda Dickey and Andrea Snyder led 10 participants from the Seattle dance community, with varying levels of international experience, in a weekend-long edition of Beyond Our Borders. Some of their take-aways include:

• "[Beyond Our Borders] made me realize that no matter how difficult it may be, and may increasingly get, touring outside the US is extremely important for cross-cultural exchange and my own personal sense of growth and fulfillment." –Erica Badgeley, independent dance artist
• "I have a clearer understanding of some of the steps involved in bringing our work to an international audience." –Christin Call, Coriolis Dance
• "I have considered looking into applying to festivals and international opportunities in the past, and now I have a better idea of what is available to me as an artist." –Alexandra Roumanis, independent dance artist

• At Paul Taylor Dance, a Generation Departs, by Gia Kourlas, from The New York Times.

Mr. Taylor named the dancer Michael Novak as his successor. Six veteran leading dancers have decided that it’s time to retire. 

• Kate Wallich's Dance Church Classes Are Bringing Joy to Non-Dancers—and New Audiences to Dance, by Abigail Rasminsky, from Dance Magazine.

• Dates of the CINARS Biennale 2020, from the CINARS newsletter.

• Born From the Battle Over the NEA, Four Foundations Made a Model for Nonpartisan Arts Funding, by Lucia Love, from Observer.

• Meet Sean Dorsey, One Of The Nation's First Transgender Modern Dance Choreographers, by Jeryl Brunner, from Forbes.