DANCE DATA PROJECT® EXPANDS RESEARCH CAPACITY WITH KEY TEAM UPDATES

Northfield, IL | August 4th, 2025 | Dance Data Project® (DDP) announces several key transitions as the organization continues to evolve and expand its research capabilities.

Maya Canestaro, Senior Research Consultant, will be departing the organization this month. Maya has been an essential contributor to DDP’s research efforts, bringing deep analytical skill and strategic insight to our work. We thank her for her many contributions and wish her the very best as she joins the main company of Ballet Hispánico.

In turn, DDP is pleased to announce the promotion of Nicole Dickson from Research & IT Consultant to Senior Data Analyst. In this expanded role, Nicole will oversee the development and refinement of DDP’s internal data algorithms while also taking on leadership of upcoming reports. Her work will help scale DDP’s impact through thoughtful use of technology and a deeper focus on synthesizing, analyzing, and conveying our research findings in accessible and meaningful ways.

“I am very thankful for this opportunity and accelerated growth here at DDP,” said Dickson. “As we continue to grow our research breadth, I plan to continue leveraging new technology to enhance data findings and to convey understanding through written analyses and visualizations.”

DDP’s Founder and President, Elizabeth ‘Liza’ Yntema, commented,  “Nicole has quickly become an indispensable member of the team.” She continued, “Her responsiveness, sharp attention to detail, and rigorous work ethic have made a major impression. As DDP continues to evolve, Nicole’s leadership in data systems will ensure that our research remains both cutting-edge and deeply reliable.”

Additionally, Nancy Dobbs Owen, Special Projects Consultant, is expanding her role in research oversight—supporting the strategic direction and execution of DDP’s data initiatives. In addition to her analytical contributions, Nancy continues to serve as an advocate and speaker at both professional and academic conferences, helping to expand the reach and visibility of DDP’s work.

These changes reflect DDP’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender equity in dance through research that is agile, transparent, and built for long-term impact.

To learn more about our team and current research initiatives, visit dancedataproject.com.