UDMA HISTORY

The United Dance Merchants of America was founded in July, 1959, by respected members of the dance apparel industry. UDMA was formed as a trade association concerned with the common needs of the member companies and the dance community-at-large. Throughout the years, UDMA and its members have been influential in creating the highest business standards in their fields of endeavor.

In 1991, the UDMA Board of Directors embarked on a campaign that would encourage the growth of dance in America. A committee was formed to investigate and recommend a strategy for that campaign. The result was a commitment to the already formed National Dance Week movement.

Since that time, UDMA has given the annual National Dance Week celebration a strong rebirth. A new logo was designed, hundreds of T-shirts and Success Kits have been distributed and delegates from across the United States have grown in number to represent the dance community to the public. A board of nationally recognized dance luminaries has been formed to plan strategic growth for NDW, National Celebrity Spokespersons have lent their support and a Business Manager/National Coordinator has been installed.

The National Dance Week Mission Statement has been determined to heighten the awareness of Dance and its contributions to our culture. Dance is good for the mind, body and spirit.

Since the NDW movement has been rekindled in the American scene, NDW Spokespersons have included: Chita Rivera (1994), Gregory Hines (1995), Paula Abdul (1996), Gus Giordano (1997), Ann Reinking (1998), Shirley MacLaine (1999), Debbie Allen as Celebrity Spokesperson and Joe Tremaine as the Education Spokesperson (2000), Sandy Duncan as Celebrity Spokesperson and Luigi as Education Spokesperson (2001) and Ben Vereen as Celebrity Spokesperson and Jo Rowan as Education Spokesperson (2002). They join the American dancers in honoring the 2002 Spokespersons, Fayard Nicholas as Celebrity and, once again, Jo Rowan as Education. UDMA is dedicated to honoring all dancers, choreographers, teachers, students and their art. They invite all supporters to join in their efforts to celebrate their appreciation for the dance arts as they continue on the quest for raising the public consciousness to the inherent benefits of dance.