Congress on Research in Dance
The year 1964 marked the birth of a new group dedicated to dance history. This entity began as the Committee on Research in Dance at New York University. It operated without formal corporate status for five years before becoming an official non-profit. The organization secured its 501(c)(3) designation in 1969. During these early years, the committee focused on establishing basic structures for academic inquiry into movement. Members gathered to discuss methods and share resources across different institutions.
A name change occurred in 1977 when the group became known as Congress on Research in Dance. The administrative home shifted again in 1991 to the State University of New York College at Brockport. By 2007, operational duties moved to Prime Management Services located in Birmingham, Alabama. These physical relocations reflected changing needs within the field of dance studies. Official records from this era now reside at the University of Maryland Special Collections in Performing Arts.
Scholarly publication began in 1969 under the title CORD News. Cambridge University Press published the journal on behalf of the organization until 2017. The periodical evolved into a triannual peer-reviewed academic journal called Dance Research Journal. This publication focuses primarily on historical and critical theory regarding dance. It appears in databases such as Academic Search Elite and Index to Dance Periodicals. The journal continues its work today under the auspices of the Dance Studies Association.
Recognition for outstanding contributions started appearing in 1995 with Carl Wolz receiving an honor. Joann Kealiinohomoku received the first Outstanding Contribution award in 1996. Ann Hutchinson Guest followed in 1997 while Kapila Vatsyayan won in 1998. The list includes names like Deborah Jowitt in 2001 and Sally Banes in 2003. Leadership awards also emerged, with Selma Jeanne Cohen honored in 1997. These accolades highlighted specific individuals who shaped the discipline through their work.
The Congress on Research in Dance ceased independent operations in 2017. That year it merged with the Society of Dance History Scholars to create the Dance Studies Association. All previous journals and awards transferred to this new entity. The merger combined two distinct groups into a single professional organization. This consolidation marked the end of CORD as a separate legal body. Its history remains preserved within the records held at the University of Maryland Special Collections.
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Common questions
When was the Congress on Research in Dance founded?
The organization began as the Committee on Research in Dance at New York University in 1964. It secured its official non-profit status and 501(c)(3) designation in 1969 after operating without formal corporate status for five years.
What is the current name of the former Congress on Research in Dance?
The group merged with the Society of Dance History Scholars in 2017 to create the Dance Studies Association. This merger ended independent operations for the original entity while transferring all journals and awards to the new organization.
Where are the historical records of the Congress on Research in Dance located?
Official records from the era now reside at the University of Maryland Special Collections in Performing Arts. These archives preserve the history of the organization following its consolidation into a single professional body.
Who received the first Outstanding Contribution award from the Congress on Research in Dance?
Joann Kealiinohomoku received the first Outstanding Contribution award in 1996. Carl Wolz had previously received an honor in 1995, but this specific award title was awarded to Joann Kealiinohomoku the following year.
Which university published the journal Dance Research Journal for the Congress on Research in Dance?
Cambridge University Press published the journal on behalf of the organization until 2017. The periodical evolved into a triannual peer-reviewed academic journal called Dance Research Journal that focuses primarily on historical and critical theory regarding dance.