Dance Data Project®’s Leader Board is dedicated to longtime DDP ally, dance researcher, and author Lynn Garafola. Lynn’s book, La Nijinska: Choreographer of the Modern, covers one of the most innovative women choreographers of the twentieth century, Bronislava Nijinska.

The Leader Board is an index spotlighting women who are leading in dance and allied fields, despite their being historically underrepresented in both creative and administrative roles. It features female leaders such as founders, artistic directors, and executive directors and performing arts venue CEOs—those who hold commissioning and economic power within the field. Additionally, the Leader Board includes choreographers, directors, producers, authors, lighting and costume designers, composers, film producers/directors/editors, fight and intimacy coordinators, and other performance and creation-based roles. As of January, 2026, DDP has expanded this roster and archive to include women composers, conductors and orchestra leaders.

NOTE: While the contributions of educators and funders in the dance and performance sector are invaluable, this leaderboard specifically highlights women in leadership roles that have traditionally been reserved for men. For this reason, dancers are generally not included unless they have transitioned into creation or presenting roles. We do include scholars whose work—like that of Professor Garafola—illuminates or revives historically undervalued female innovators. 

Help us celebrate the HERstory of the art form by suggesting an addition via the Contact Us form at the bottom of the page.