Mission and History

Dance Films Association, Inc. (DFA) is dedicated to furthering the art of dance film.  Connecting artists and organizations, fostering new works for new audiences, and sharing essential resources, DFA seeks to be a catalyst for innovation in and preservation of dance on camera.

Dance Films Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit membership corporation which accomplishes this mission by:

• Promoting and facilitating the production, distribution, and use of dance films and videos;
• Educating the public about the history and development of dance films and videos;
• Supporting the efforts of educators, institutions and community groups to present dance films, including its Dance on Camera Touring Program;
• Producing programs to expose and educate the public to the art of dance film, including the annual Dance on Camera Festival;
• Providing an informational clearinghouse and meeting ground for producers, distributors, artists, and other users of dance films and videos.

Currently, DFA is actively seeking to broaden its audience via new media initiatives and membership drives, to support cutting edge approaches to dance documentation, and to expand partnerships with schools, arts partners, media sites, and other institutions.

DFA was founded by Susan Braun in 1956, and included Ted Shawn, the founder of Jacob's Pillow, as its charter member, as well as modern dance pioneer Jose Limon and ballerina Alicia Markova as members of its first Board of Directors.  A tireless advocate, Ms. Braun devoted her life to finding, showcasing, preserving dance films and videos until her death in 1995.  Today, DFA seeks to carry on her spirit of creativity and collaboration in a time of extraordinary transformation.

"Duende y Misterio del Flamenco," film by Edgar Neville

DFA History continued

Initiated in 1971 to foster creativity and encourage collaborations between dancers and film makers, DFA's annual Dance On Camera Festival presents exciting new dance films as well as offering a retrospective. It is a mecca for artists, curators, and scholars to share ideas. The Film Society of Lincoln Center joined as its co-producer in 1997. Starting in 1999, Dance On Camera Festival started to tour nationally and, in 2000, internationally, acquiring 99 touring partners to date.

In 1998, DFA started offering post-production grants and expanded its fiscal sponsorship program. It has a database of distributors and their various dance film/video titles that has been updated and published seven times over the decades. In 2007, DFA initiated the Susan Braun Award; The Young Choreographers Initiative to encourage young dance filmmakers. DFA is a founding member of MAD, Media and Dance network of over thirty dance film festivals around the world.

In 2008, DFA expanded its internet presence through a number of collaborators, including Dance-Tech.net, Tendu.TV and Macfadden Publications which included a dance on camera channel in its web site - dancemedia.com.