DANCE DATA PROJECT®  ANNOUNCES ISAAC A. GARCIA AS RESEARCH LEAD

Northfield, IL | July 10, 2026 | Dance Data Project® (DDP), the national research and advocacy organization informing gender equity in dance (and allied professions) through data analysis, resources and programming, today announced the promotion of Isaac A. Garcia to Research Lead. In this role, Garcia will help guide DDP’s expanding portfolio of metrics-based research on leadership, compensation, and programming across the dance field.

Garcia brings a strong combination of quantitative research expertise and experience as a multidisciplinary professional performing artist to the position. He completed an M.A. in Economics at the University of New Mexico, with a concentration in quantitative analysis and water resources, and holds a B.A. in Economics and Spanish, graduating summa cum laude. His academic work emphasizes data-driven research, applied economic modeling, and policy analysis. Garcia has extensive experience as a professional performing artist. His training spans ballet, music, and composition, and he has performed internationally as a pianist and dances professionally with New York Theatre Ballet.

“Isaac’s background as both an economist and performing artist makes him exceptionally well suited to lead research that is not only analytically rigorous, but also deeply informed by the realities of the field,” said Elizabeth “Liza” B. Yntema, Founder and President of Dance Data Project®. “His multidisciplinary perspective will help DDP continue to expand both the scope and depth of our research.”

“Dance Data Project® has shown that disciplined research can prompt conversation and augment accountability in the arts,” Garcia said. “I am honored to help build on that work and contribute analysis that supports a more equitable, transparent, and sustainable dance ecosystem.”