Chicago dance and music advocacy organization.

The Chicago Dance and Music Alliance (CDAMA or CDMA) started in 2001 when the Chicago Dance Coalition and Chicago Music Alliance merged. Chicago Music Alliance Executive Director Matthew Brockmeier oversaw the transition, and continued on as CDAMA’s first leader. CDAMA served over 150 organizational members, providing direct services to members engaged in all genres of dance and music in the Chicago area, acted as an advocate on their behalf, and disseminated information about their activities to the general public through program initiatives. Member organizations ranged in size from those with budgets over $50 million annually, to community-based organizations operating on a few thousand dollars a year and individual members. Services included professional development and networking opportunities, nonprofit governance, and directories of member performances and community resources. The organization was active until 2008.

The Chicago Dance Coalition (CDC), first incorporated in 1981 as Chicago Dance, Inc. and then in 1984 as the Chicago Dance Arts Coalition, a 501 ( c ) 3 broad-based membership organization, advocated for, enhanced interest in, and provided accessibility to dance and dance related issues in the Chicago area. To coincide with that mission, the CDC represented all genres of dance and all types of dance activities, such as training programs, audiences for dance performance, performing artists and organizations, and recreational dance. The CDC advocated for dance in public and private sectors, often collaborating or partnering with other Chicago area organizations in the process. Additionally, the CDC offered direct services to dance producers (fee and non-fee based) to assist in their unique needs and enhance accessibility to dance arts. Through it all, the CDC saw itself as a cultural resource, a leader and catalyst for new and important developments in Chicago and Illinois dance.

In 1986, CDC started the Ruth Page Awards, an annual event recognizing individuals and organizations for their contributions in the dance field. The awards included categories such as Artistic Achievement of the Year, Outstanding Contribution of the Year, and Lifetime Service to the Field. This event continued through 2001, and after a year hiatus returned as the Chicago Dance Awards.

Founded in 1984 by 38 not-for-profit music organizations including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Chicago Music Alliance (CMA) served the music community with programs and services in advocacy, education, marketing, and management skills training. Additionally, like the CDC, CMA educated public and private sectors about live musical performances in the Chicago area and collaborated with other organizations. CMA’s membership included performing musicians, music educators, music organizations, and people interested music.