Ten days ahead of schedule, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has opened the portal for unemployment assistance for self employed/freelance/gig 1099 workers. Even if you have never been eligible for unemployment, you are now. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), extends up to 39 weeks of eligibility for individuals who: -are self-employed, including gig workers, freelancers, and independent contractors; -are … Continued
Two weeks. $8,000. 32 stipends of $250 each. Boston Dance Alliance is so proud of having pivoted our operations to establish the BDA Dance Relief Fund to help Boston’s dancers, choreographers, and dance teachers cover urgent expenses during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The truth is, we were able to provide stipends to fewer than half of the applicants who requested … Continued
As we hit the one-month mark of our pandemic physical distancing, the days may be seeming to run together. But change is happening — outside the window, in our options, and in ourselves. First, the The Boston Dance Alliance Dance Relief Fund which is providing $250 emergency relief stipends to support basic needs on a first come, … Continued
The Boston Dance Alliance Dance Relief Fund has made its first disbursements to help the dance community meet emergency financial needs! The fund, which grants $250 relief funds on a first come, first served basis* opened on Wednesday April 1, 2020. In its first 48 hours we received more than 50 applications from dancers, choreographers, and dance teachers. With … Continued
Today, April 1, 2020 we are happy to announce the launch of the Boston Dance Alliance Dance Relief Fund to support dancers, choreographers, and dance teachers in any dance genre who have lost income from paid rehearsals, performances, and teaching assignments due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Boston Dance Alliance’s Dance Relief Fund will disburse stipends … Continued
As we adjust to the new normal of a stay at home advisory in Massachusetts that will last at least through April 7, 2020, new resources are coming through, and dance is taking new forms on virtual platforms. Make Way for Ducklings Make Way for the Coronavirus. Photo used with gracious permission of the photographer, gregcookland.com/wonderland … Continued
Dancers have always been known for their energy and resourcefulness and that has been on abundant display in the past 12 days (feels like longer, right?) Everyone is stepping up to bring the art form we love to virtual channels. All of these efforts are works in progress so be patient as they develop. Studio 550 has … Continued
**we’re not calling it social distancing anymore because really, we are all in this together and gathering in so many creative ways! Relief is coming for dance and dancers. Over 130 arts and culture professionals joined a Zoom call this afternoon hosted by Kara Elliott-Ortega of the (Boston) Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture … Continued
I hope you are taking deep breaths, trying to enjoy the sunshine, and practicing social distancing/staying at home. Experts understand that our situation in New England is likely to get worse before it gets better, with health care workers and facilities stressed to the max. Be kind. Do your part. If–and we pray this is … Continued
VIRTUAL DANCE EXPERIENCES AND RESOURCES FOR THIS TIME OF COVID-19 SOCIAL DISTANCING Dear Boston Dance Alliance community, We are all reeling. To safeguard our own health and the health of our neighbors, and to protect the capacity and resilience of the medical infrastructure, we are dealing with cancellations and postponement of performances, classes, auditions, and … Continued