irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $65KLABANOTATION: THE DNB PRESERVES DANCE LEGACIES AND PROMOTES DANCE LITERACY THROUGH THE TEACHING AND USE OF LABANOTATION TO RECORD AND STAGE CHOREOGRAPHED THEATRICAL DANCES. OUR PRINCIPAL MISSION IS TO ENSURE THAT THEATRICAL DANCES WILL CONTINUE TO BE PERFORMED IN VERSIONS TRUE TO THE CHOREOGRAPHER'S ARTISTIC VISION. TO FULLY CAPTURE THE DETAILS OF THE ARTIST'S INTENTIONS, THE DNB USES LABANOTATION, A SYMBOL SYSTEM FOR RECORDING HUMAN MOVEMENT, TO DOCUMENT DANCES ON BOTH PAPER AND DIGITAL MEDIA. INTRODUCED IN 1928, LABANOTATION IS CONSIDERED THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM TO OBJECTIVELY ANALYZE AND DESCRIBE HUMAN MOVEMENT IN SPACE AND TIME. THE DNB TYPICALLY RECEIVES FUNDING FROM GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS TO RECORD THEATRICAL DANCES USING THE LABANOTATION SYSTEM. THE DNB IS ALSO HIRED BY CHOREOGRAPHERS TO COMPLETE A LABANOTATION SCORE OF A DANCE WORK, OR OF SELECTED DANCE MOVEMENTS FROM A WORK. ON OCCASION, NOTATORS WILL COMPLETE SCORES FOR THE DNB ON A VOLUNTEER NO FEE BASIS. THE FOLLOWING LABANOTATION PROJECTS WERE COMPLETED OR IN PROGRESS DURING THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025:"ROMEO AND JULIET" (KENNETH MACMILLAN, CHOREOGRAPHER, 1965). THE DNB HAS RECEIVED A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION FROM AN INDIVIDUAL TO NOTATE THIS EVENING-LENGTH WORK. DURING FY2025 THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF THE BALLET WERE RECORDED IN LABANOTATION:ACT 1, SCENE 4, MADRIGALACT 1, SCENE 4, GAVOTTE ACT 1, SCENE 6, JULIET'S BALCONY - ROMEO'S VARIATIONACT 1, SCENE 6, JULIET'S BALCONYACT 1, SCENE 4, TYBALT RECOGNIZES ROMEO ACT 1, SCENE 3, ARRIVAL AT THE CAPULETS ACT 1, SCENE 5, LEAVING CAPULETS ACT 2, SCENE 1, YOUNG JULIET ACT 2, SCENE 1, ROMEO AND MERCUTIO ACT 2, SCENE 1, FIVE COUPLES ACT 2, SCENE 1, NURSE ACT 2, SCENE 1, NURSE WITH ROMEO ACT 2, SCENE 1, FOLK DANCE ACT 2, SCENE 2, THE CHAPEL FKA/TWIGS, "EUSEXUA:" FKA/TWIGS HIRED THE DNB TO RECORD IN LABANOTATION A PERFORMANCE PIECETHAT SHE CREATED FOR AN EXHIBITION AT SOTHEBY'S LONDON. A SCORE WAS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED THE SCORE TO FKA/TWIGS AND AND CATALOGUED THE SCORE IN THE DNB'S ARCHIVE.DORIS HUMPHREY, "EF I HAD A RIBBON BOW": A LABANOTATION SCORE WAS COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER 2024 BASED ON ARCHIVAL VIDEO, REHEARSAL NOTES, AND OTHER MATERIALS USED FOR A STAGING THAT TOOK PLACE AT ADELPHI COLLEGE 40 YEARS AGO. "LAS DESENAMORADAS" (ELEO POMARE, CHOREOGRAPHER, 1967). A LABANOTATION SCORE OF THE DANCE WILL BE COMPLETED AS FUNDING IS RECEIVED. COMPLETION IS TBD."THE TABLE OF SILENCE" (JACQULYN BUGLISI, CHOREOGRAPHER, 2011). PROJECT IS PARTIALLY COMPLETE. THE LABANOTATION SCORE WILL BE COMPETED AS FUNDING IS SECURED. COMPLETION IS TBD."WIND VON WEST" (PINA BAUSCH, CHOREOGRAPHER, 1975). THE MOVEMENT CAPTURE PHASE OF THIS PROJECT WAS COMPLETED. A LABANOTATION SCORE WILL BE COMPLETED AS FUNDING IS SECURED. COMPLETION IS TBD.
- #2 $34KEDUCATION: THE DNB OFFERS CORRESPONDENCE COURSES IN BOTH ELEMENTARY AND INTERMEDIATE LABANOTATION, AND ONLINE COURSES IN MOVEMENT OBSERVATION AND MOTIF NOTATION. INTENSIVE ONE TO TWO-WEEK WORKSHOPS IN ELEMENTARY LABANOTATION, INTERMEDIATE LABANOTATION, AND MOTIF NOTATION HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED IN CHINESE AND HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED BOTH IN CHINA AND VIA ZOOM BY A DNB STAFF MEMBER WHO IS FLUENT IN MANDARIN. WE HAVE ALSO OFFERED IN THE US AND IN CHINA A ONE-WEEK INTENSIVE TEACHER CERTIFICATION COURSE (TCC) IN ELEMENTARY LABANOTATION. AS THERE IS SUFFICIENT DEMAND AND ENROLLMENT, INTENSIVE WORKSHOPS IN ELEMENTARY, INTERMEDIATE, AND ADVANCED LABANOTATION ARE NOW OFFERED VIA ZOOM BASED INSTRUCTION. DURING FY 2025 THE DNB CONDUCTED TWO PARTS OF A THREE-PART ADVANCED LABANOTATION COURSE THAT WAS ATTENDED BY 8 STUDENTS. ALL LABANOTATION AND MOTIF WORKSHOPS ARE COMPARABLE TO A 3-CREDIT COLLEGE OFFERING IN THE SUBJECT. STUDENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD, INCLUDING THE US, EUROPE, CHINA, LATIN AMERICA, AND THAILAND HAVE ENROLLED IN THE DNB'S ZOOM-BASED, ELEMENTARY, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED LABANOTATION COURSES. THE DNB CONDUCTED VIA ZOOM AND IN PERSON THE FOLLOWING COURSE OFFERINGS DURING THE FISCAL 2025 YEAR. STUDENTS CONTINUE TO ENROLL IN THE DNB'S CORRESPONDENCE COURSES IN ELEMENTARY AND INTERMEDIATE LABANOTATION. DURING FY 2025, XXX STUDENTS PASSED THE DNB'S ELEMENTARY LABANOTATION EXAMINATION AND EARNED CERTIFICATES. HIGHLIGHTS: DIANA BYER, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STAGING OF FANDANGO AT THE HARTT SCHOOL IN SPRING 2025, FACILITATED A TWO-HOUR INTRODUCTORY LABANOTATION READING FROM SCORE WORKSHOP FOR THE STUDENTS THAT WAS TAUGHT BY MEI-CHEN LU. APPROXIMATELY 30-40 STUDENTS AND FIVE FACULTY MEMBERS AT HARTT ATTENDED THE WORKSHOP. THE DNB, IN COLLABORATION WITH LABANOTATION STUDENTS IN CHINA COMPLETED THE TRANSLATION FROM ENGLISH OF A CHINESE EDITION OF THE ELEMENTARY LABANOTATION STUDY GUIDE, A DNB COPYRIGHTED BOOK. THE TEXT WAS PUBLISHED IN CHINA IN 2025.TEN STUDENTS HAVE PASSED THE ELEM LN EXAM. THREE OF THE STUDENTS WHO PASSED THE EXAM ARE FROM KENYON COLLEGE, THREE ARE FROM OSU AND ONE FROM DNB / ESPACIO LABAN IN MEXICO. ONE STUDENT PASSED THE INTERMEDIATE LABANOTATION EXAM, AND ONE STUDENT PASSED THE ADVANCED LABANOTATION EXAM. TEACHER CERTIFICATION COURSE: PREPARATION AND ENROLLMENT COMPLETED FOR A TCC TO BE HELD IN JULY 2025 IN COLUMBUS, OHIO ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE BIENNIAL ICKL CONFERENCE. EIGHT STUDENTS HAVE ENROLLED. THE DNB JOINED THE WORLD DANCE EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE WITH THE BEIJING DANCE ACADEMY. NEARLY 40 DANCE EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AROUND THE WORLD HAVE BECOME MEMBERS OF THIS ALLIANCE. SUMMER 2024 MEXICO ELEMENTARY LABANOTATION WORKSHOP TAUGHT BY THE DNB, IN COLLABORATION MIRIAM HUBERMAN OF ESPACIO LABAN, TOOK PLACE FROM JULY 15TH TO AUGUST 16TH, 2024 VIA ZOOM. ADVANCED LABANOTATION COURSE (SESSION 1 OF 3) RAN FROM JULY 1ST TO 26, 2024 VIA ZOOM. STUDENTS FROM THE US, CHINA, EUROPE, MEXICO AND THAILAND COMPLETED THE COURSE. I. ADVANCED LABANOTATION COURSE (SESSION 2 OF 3), VIA ZOOM, RAN FROM JANUARY 11, 2025, TO MARCH 2, 2025, ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS TO ACCOMMODATE STUDENT SCHEDULES. THE SAME STUDENTS AS SESSION 1 ENROLLED.
named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Educational Performance Collection Series
Comprehensive resource sets for contemporary choreographies including performance videos, Labanotation scores, and critical analyses available for purchase
Elementary and Intermediate Labanotation Courses
Distance-learning courses teaching Labanotation theory with email tutorial support and certification upon completion
Labanotation Projects
Records theatrical dances using Labanotation to preserve choreographers' artistic visions, including works by Kenneth MacMillan and Jaquel Knight
Staging from Score Services
Provides access to Labanotation scores and facilitates staging of notated works for universities, educational institutions, and dance companies
Teacher Certification Course (TCC)
One-week intensive workshop certifying educators to teach Elementary Labanotation, offered in collaboration with The Ohio State University
activities · 3 groups
What they do
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Performing Arts Archival Preservation 2 activities
- Operation of a specialized dance notation library and archiveMaintains the world's largest collection of original dance scores and choreographic works, including those by Doris Humphrey, and provides access to Labanotation scores, music scores, recordings, production information, and historical documents. Archives materials necessary for staging dances and rents music scores and rehearsal CDs for a fee.
- Preservation and documentation of choreographic works through LabanotationMaintains and produces comprehensive Labanotation scores that serve as blueprints for future stagings of choreographic works, preserving masterpieces and capturing choreography during rehearsals with detailed documentation of steps, imagery, motivation, and characterization. Includes video recordings from multiple angles, tempos, and distances to ensure accuracy.
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Ballet and Dance Education Programs 1 activity
- Provision of educational programs and courses in Labanotation and Motif NotationOffers a range of educational offerings including distance-learning courses, in-person classes, and intensive workshops in elementary, intermediate, and advanced Labanotation theory and practice, as well as courses in Motif Notation. Programs include lectures, reading sessions, practical exercises, and certification exams, with flexible start times and tutorial support via email.
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Uncategorized 4 activities
- Facilitation of workshops, events, and international collaborationsOrganizes and teaches workshops, advanced reading sessions, and collaborative events locally and internationally, including in-person and Zoom-based programs in China, Mexico, South Korea, and the UK. Activities include Elementary and Intermediate Labanotation workshops, participation in ICKL conferences, and cross-institutional partnerships.
- Instructional support and dissemination of Labanotation methodologyProvides instructional materials explaining the structure and use of Labanotation, including symbol systems on a staff-like grid to record movement, and offers tutorial services with homework submission, tutor feedback, and corrections. Maintains access to course materials for one year after enrollment.
- Production and dissemination of educational performance resourcesProduces the Educational Performance Collection Series, a set of five comprehensive resource collections for contemporary choreographies, each including performance and rehearsal videos, critical analysis, Labanotation scores, performance rights, and rental options. Collections are offered for $750, which includes a one-time royalty and shipping fee.
- Teacher certification and advanced training in dance notationOffers a week-long intensive Teacher Certification Course in Labanotation for educators, certifies Elementary-level instructors upon completion, and administers open-book exams with a minimum 85% passing score and backup exam opportunities. Also provides an Advanced Labanotation Course and requires submission of a certifying dance score evaluated by a Board of Examiners.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$121K
Contributions & grants$65K53%
Program service revenue$23K19%
Investment income$29K24%
Other revenue$4K
expenses
Total expenses$237K
Program expenses83%
Admin / overhead16%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$100K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$2.16M
Cash$526K
Investments$1.44M
Liabilities$23K
Net assets$2.13M
Liquid reserves99.5 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue -67.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 4
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LYNNE WEBER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - VICE PRESIDENT | 20 | $33K |
| DIANA BYER | DIRECTOR/DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION | 16 | $12K |
| WILLIAM KILEY | DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMIN | 6 | $9K |
| JULIE BRODIE | DIRECTOR | 1 | $750 |
board members · 12
- ALICE MOORHEAD — DIRECTOR
- BETH MEGILL — DIRECTOR
- BILLIE LEPCZYK EDD — CHAIR
- CARLA GUGGENHEIM DO — TREASURER
- CHRISTOPH BREGLER PHD — DIRECTOR
- DAVID HOPKINSON PHD — DIRECTOR
- DAWN LILLE PHD — DIRECTOR
- JOYCE GREENBERG — DIRECTOR
- OONA HAARANEN — SECRETARY
- TERESA HEILAND PHD — DIRECTOR
- URSULA PAYNE — DIRECTOR
- VALARIE WILLIAMS PHD — DIRECTOR
relationships · 14
Who they work with
- Ann Hutchinson Guest Partner — Author of the required textbook Labanotation 4th edition.
- Ann Hutchinson Guest Partner — Co-founded the Dance Notation Bureau in 1940
- Centro Mexicano de Estudios Coreológicos A.C. Partner — Sponsored an Elementary Labanotation workshop conducted by DNB via Zoom for Mexican college dance students in 2022.
- ESPACIO LABAN Partner — Cooperated with DNB to offer a Zoom-based Elementary Labanotation workshop for students in Mexico in 2024.
- Fund for Improvement of Post-Secondary Education Funder — Provided a grant that made the Educational Performance Collection Series possible.
- International Council Kinetography Laban (ICKL) Network — DNB organized and taught an Advanced Reading Session at ICKL's conference in Seoul, South Korea in 2024.
- Mobil Foundation, Inc. Funder — Provided additional support for the Educational Performance Collection Series.
- Muriel Topaz Partner — Author of required course materials including Elementary Labanotation: A Study Guide and Study Guide for Intermediate Labanotation.
- Nanjing Dancers Association Partner — Facilitated and hosted a six-day Intermediate Labanotation workshop in Beijing in July 2019.
- Nanjing ShiJianYun Culture Media Co., Ltd Partner — Hosted a seven-day Elementary Labanotation workshop in Nanjing, China in July 2019.
- National Endowment for the Humanities Funder — Provided additional support for the Educational Performance Collection Series.
- Shanghai Normal University Partner — Hosted a ten-day intensive Labanotation workshop for college students and instructors in July 2019.
- Sotheby's London Partner — Hosted a performance piece by FKA/Twigs for which DNB created a Labanotation score.
- The Ohio State University Partner — Hosts the DNB Extension Center for Education and Research, which collaborates with DNB to deliver the Teacher Certification Course.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Dance Literacy Through Accessible Educationmethodology: dance_literacy_and_accessibilityBy delivering Labanotation training through flexible, virtual, and blended learning models, the organization increases global access to dance literacy, because removing geographic and scheduling barriers enables broader participation in movement analysis and notation education.
- Embodied and Experiential Learning in Notationmethodology: embodied_learningBy teaching Labanotation through hands-on practice, immersive training, and physical participation, the organization deepens student mastery of movement notation, because kinesthetic engagement enhances cognitive retention and practical application more than theoretical instruction alone.
- Labanotation-Based Preservationmethodology: labanotation_based_preservationBy using Labanotation as a precise symbol system to record choreography, the organization ensures dance works can be accurately reconstructed and restaged true to the artist's intent, because objective notation prevents loss or distortion over time and across performers.