DANCE DATA PROJECT® STRENGTHENS AND EXPANDS TEAM WITH KEY LEADERSHIP ADDITIONS

Northfield, IL | June 19th, 2025 | Dance Data Project® (DDP) is excited to announce several key personnel changes as the organization continues to expand its mission of promoting gender equity in the global dance industry. Julianna Raimondo, previously the Outreach Coordinator at DDP, has been promoted to Communications Lead. Madison Mora joins DDP as the Social Media Coordinator, and Nicole Dickson comes on board as a Research Consultant and IT Specialist. DDP also welcomes Nancy Dobbs Owen as the new Special Projects Consultant. These changes come as Katherine Montgomery, our previous Senior Social Media Coordinator, departs after 17 months of dedicated service.

Montgomery began her tenure with DDP in January 2024 as Social Media Coordinator and was quickly promoted to Senior Social Media Coordinator. She has since aided in strengthening DDP’s digital presence. Her creativity and consistency have helped expand DDP’s reach, increase audience engagement, and support ongoing efforts to promote gender equity in the arts through strategic social media storytelling.

“During my time at Dance Data Project®, I had the privilege of working alongside a driven and passionate team and contributing to the mission of uplifting women in the arts,” said Montgomery. She continued, “I will continue to be a lifelong DDP supporter and can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.”

Julianna Raimondo, promoted from Outreach Coordinator to Communications Lead, brings a multifaceted background as a dancer, choreographer, educator, and arts administrator. She blends her creative practice with a strong commitment to equity and community engagement. Her deep involvement in the dance community and passion for storytelling make her well-positioned to lead Dance Data Project’s communications with insight and impact.

“Taking on the role of Communications Lead at Dance Data Project® is a true honor,” Raimondo said. “Through strategic storytelling and intentional outreach, I look forward to strengthening DDP’s voice, expanding its reach, and driving meaningful dialogue across the industry.”

Raimondo holds a BA in Dance with a minor in theater from James Madison University. She currently performs with DC-based contemporary and modern companies GRIDLOCK Dance and UpRooted Dance. Since 2020, she has built a communications career with organizations including Dance Metro DC and Dance Place, combining her passion for movement and storytelling to advocate for inclusive representation and deeper engagement in the arts.

In addition, DDP welcomes Madison Mora, Social Media Coordinator. Mora, a freelance performer and arts writer, brings a multidisciplinary background in dance, data, and nonprofit strategy. With experience spanning communications and dance, she is committed to advancing equity and transparency in the performing arts. Mora holds a dual degree, a BFA in Dance and a BA in Journalism, from Indiana University.

“I’m excited to join Dance Data Project and support an organization that merges my passions for dance, writing, and advocacy,” said Mora. “It’s inspiring to be part of a team committed to equity and transparency in the arts, and I look forward to contributing through both my creative and communications work.”

Nicole Dickson, Research Consultant and IT Specialist, joins DDP with a unique blend of artistic passion and analytical expertise. She holds a B.A. in Mathematics and Dance Pedagogy from Butler University, where she engaged in undergraduate research focused on statistical analysis and abstract algebra. Nicole is especially interested in using data to uncover patterns, expose disparities, and inform progress within the dance industry.

“As our expertise with and focus on AI and coding evolves, my role will be to accelerate DDP’s production of interactive, searchable tools to serve all in the dance world,” Dickson said. “This opportunity allows me to contribute to meaningful research that drives equity and transparency in the arts.”

Nancy Dobbs Owen, Special Projects Consultant, brings decades of multidisciplinary experience in dance, choreography, and arts education to DDP. She holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts with a concentration in Choreography and is currently completing her MA in Arts Administration, scheduled for completion this August. With a professional career that began at the Joffrey Ballet, Nancy has performed with numerous ballet and modern companies, toured nationally in The Phantom of the Opera, and appeared in acclaimed television series such as Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, VEEP, and Ratched. In addition to her creative achievements, she is currently an Assistant Professor of Dance at Southern Utah University. She actively contributes to the field through her writing for the LA Dance Chronicle and her service on national committees for Corps de Ballet International and Women in Dance.

“It’s a privilege to support DDP’s vital work advocating for equity in the arts,” Dobbs Owen said. “My passion for storytelling and movement aligns deeply with the mission to amplify data-driven change in the dance industry.”

DDP’s President & Founder, Elizabeth “Liza” Yntema, shared her enthusiasm about recent team changes: “Julianna’s work ethic and responsiveness has been outstanding. She is exactly the right person to oversee our Communications efforts. We’re also thrilled to welcome Madison, whose creativity and expertise will further strengthen our work, and Nicole, whose knowledge of computer programming makes her the right person to help drive cost-saving initiatives and provide support to our research team. Nancy also brings a wealth of experience that makes her well-suited for the role of Special Projects Consultant. I would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Katherine Montgomery for her outstanding contributions. Her dedication has been essential to DDP’s progress and success.”

For more information on Dance Data Project® and our ongoing initiatives, please visit dancedataproject.com.