Logo for InfluenceWatch InfluenceWatch

Donate
Non-profit

Dorrance Dance

Website:

www.dorrancedance.com/
Location:

New York, NY
Tax ID:

81-4741774
Tax-Exempt Status:

501(c)(3)

Budget (2021):

Revenue: $1,550,336
Expenses: $1,153,192
Assets: $1,822,281
Type:

Racial Activist Group
Formation:

2011
Executive Director:

Andrea Nellis
Budget (2022):

Revenue: $1,281,582
Expenses: $1,216,985
Assets: $1,421,463 1

References

  1. “Dorrance Dance Incorporated.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2022. Part I. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/814741774/202342579349301724/full.

Contact InfluenceWatch with suggested edits or tips for additional profiles.

Dorrance Dance is a left-wing tap dance performance nonprofit located in New York City. The group attained notice among political watchers for having appeared in a December 2023 holiday-themed musical video filmed at the White House during the Biden administration. 1

Dorrance Dance supports several far-left policies including the abolition of prisons, defunding the police, 2 and the Black Lives Matter movement. 3 The group has also suggested that its followers read works by radical-left activist Angela Davis, 4 convicted murderer Mumia Abu-Jamal, and controversial race-relations commentator Robin DiAngelo, as well as far-left author Ibram X. Kendi’s “antiracist” reading list 5 and the New York Times Magazine’s 1619 Project. 6

Dorrance Dance founder Michelle Dorrance 7 supports the critical race theory-influenced concept of anti-racism 8 and sits on the board of the left-of-center Ford Foundation. 9 Dorrance has stated that it is important for the organization to fight against what she considers “racist norms” that define American culture. 10

History and Leadership

Dorrance Dance was founded in 2011 by Michelle Dorrance. 11 The organization received tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service in 2017 12 and has performed tap dance at more than 100 venues since its founding. 13

Dorrance supports critical race theory-influenced concept of anti-racism, 14 is on the board of the left-of-center Ford Foundation, 15 and was a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellow in 2015. 16 Dorrance has said that she has “white privilege,” has said that she believes the concepts of white supremacy, racism, and colonialism are within American culture, and thinks it is the role of white Americans to dismantle these systems. 17

As of January 2024, Andrea Nellis is the executive director of Dorrance Dance. Prior to joining Dorrance Dance in July 2021, she was the managing director of the New York City Opera. 18 19

Activities and Funding

Dorrance Dance is a left-wing tap dance performance nonprofit located in New York City. The group drew controversy for appearing in a December 2023 holiday-themed musical video filmed at the White House that featured First Lady Jill Biden’s White House holiday decorations. 20

Dorrance Dance supports several far-left policies including the abolition of prisons, defunding the police, 21 and the Black Lives Matter movement. 22 The group has also suggested that its followers read works by radical-left activist Angela Davis, 23 convicted murderer Mumia Abu-Jamal, and controversial race-relations commentator Robin DiAngelo, as well as far-left author Ibram X. Kendi’s “antiracist” reading list 24 and the New York Times Magazine’s 1619 Project. 25

Dorrance Dance states that it is “rooted in protest and transcendence” 26 and its founder Michelle Dorrance has said that to learn the concept of tap dance is to celebrate African American culture and acknowledge the history of racial inequality in the United States. 27 Dorrance has said she believes it is important for the organization to fight against what she considers “racist norms” that have defined American culture since its origins. 28

Political Activism

Dorrance Dance is active in left-wing and activist politics in addition to its tap productions. On its website, Dorrance Dance urges its members to support the far-left Black Lives Matter movement and join the far-left agitation group Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), which runs campaigns targeting white Americans to undermine their alleged support of “white supremacy” across American society. 29 30

Dorrance Dance encourages its supporters to get involved in “prison abolition” and defunding the police and to support various left-of-center and far-left groups including Workers Organizing Committee, National Lawyers Guild, Movement for Black Lives (M4BL), and Change the NYPD. 31 The organization also pushes its website users towards the far-left group Critical Resistance, which calls for an end to criminal justice policies it calls the “prison industrial complex” and INCITE!, a “network of radical feminists of color organizing to end state violence and violence in our homes and communities.” 32

Dorrance Dance also suggests its supporters donate money to several organizations engaged in left-of-center and left-wing political activism. These organizations include Stop AAPI Hate, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote, Center for Asian Pacific Women, Hate Is A Virus, African American Policy Forum, Movement for Black Lives, BlackOUT Collective, Organization for Black Struggle, UndocuBlack Network, Black Alliance for Just Immigration, Until We are All Free, Dignity and Power Now, Advancement Project, Center for Racial Justice in Education, Black Lives Matter, NAACP, Color of Change, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Black Visions Collective, Black Mamas Matter, INCITE!, the Loveland Foundation, Marsha P. Johnson Institute, the Okra Project, Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project, National Bail Out, Equal Justice Initiative, No New Jails, Innocence Project, Amplify RJ Restorative Justice, National Bail Fund Network, Color of Change, Center for Policing Equity, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, American Civil Liberties Union, and others. 33

In January 2021, the organization’s Instagram page featured a video with a Dorrance Dance dancer wearing a Biden-Harris campaign t-shirt. 34

Funding

Dorrance Dance receives its fundings from individual donations and grants. 35 In 2023, Dorrance Dance reported revenue of $1,281,582 and expenses of $1,216,985. In 2022, the organization reported revenue of $1,550,336 and expenses of $1,153,192. 36

From 2022 to 2023, Dorrance Dance received direct support from the National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Howard Gilman Foundation, Shubert Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Harkness Foundation for Dance, MacMillan Family Foundation, the Evelyn Sharp Foundation, Hyde and Watson Foundation, and First Republic Foundation. 37

References

  1. O’Kane, Caitlin. “Jill Biden releases White House Christmas video featuring tap dancers performing “The Nutcracker”.” CBS News. December 14, 2023. Accessed January 13, 2024. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jill-biden-video-white-house-christmas-tap-dance-the-nutcracker/.
  2. Keene, Houston. “Dance company featured in Jill Biden’s Christmas video promotes ‘prison abolition,’ ‘defund the police’ groups.” Fox News. December 14, 2023. Accessed January 14, 2023. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dance-company-featured-jill-bidens-christmas-video-promotes-prison-abolition-defund-police-groups.
  3.  “Instagram Post.” Dorrance Dance Instagram. Posted June 1, 2020. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.instagram.com/p/CA6DSxYHM-x/?igsh=MWZkdmMzYzhiMGdueA==.
  4. Horzempa, Maggie. “Biden’s nutty Nutcrakcer display brings division, not Christmas Unity.” The Carolina Journal. December 21, 2023. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.carolinajournal.com/opinion/jill-bidens-nutty-nutcracker-display-brings-division-not-christmas-unity/
  5. “Educate Yourself: Books.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/anti-racism-education-landing.
  6. “Educate Yourself: Speeches, Podcasts, & Radio.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/anti-racism-audio.
  7. “About.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/about.
  8. Dorrance, Michelle. “Why antiracism work is important to me.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/about.
  9. “Michelle Dorrance.” Ford Foundation. Accessed January 13, 2024. https://www.fordfoundation.org/about/the-art-of-change-meet-our-fellows/michelle-dorrance/.
  10. Dorrance, Michelle. “Why antiracism work is important to me.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/about.
  11. “About.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/about.
  12. “Notice of Determination.” Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service. October 16, 2017. Accessed January 13, 2024. https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/dl/FinalLetter_81-4741774_DORRANCEDANCEINCORPORATED_07182017_02.tif.
  13. [1] “Past Performances.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/past-shows.
  14. Dorrance, Michelle. “Why antiracism work is important to me.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/about.
  15. “Michelle Dorrance.” Ford Foundation. Accessed January 13, 2024. https://www.fordfoundation.org/about/the-art-of-change-meet-our-fellows/michelle-dorrance/.
  16. “About.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/about.
  17. Dorrance, Michelle. “Why antiracism work is important to me.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/about.
  18. “Our Staff.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/staff.
  19. “Andrea Nellis.” LinkedIn Profile. Accessed January 15, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreanellis/.
  20. O’Kane, Caitlin. “Jill Biden releases White House Christmas video featuring tap dancers performing “The Nutcracker”.” CBS News. December 14, 2023. Accessed January 13, 2024. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jill-biden-video-white-house-christmas-tap-dance-the-nutcracker/.
  21. Keene, Houston. “Dance company featured in Jill Biden’s Christmas video promotes ‘prison abolition,’ ‘defund the police’ groups.” Fox News. December 14, 2023. Accessed January 14, 2023. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dance-company-featured-jill-bidens-christmas-video-promotes-prison-abolition-defund-police-groups.
  22. “Instagram Post.” Dorrance Dance Instagram. Posted June 1, 2020. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.instagram.com/p/CA6DSxYHM-x/?igsh=MWZkdmMzYzhiMGdueA==.
  23. Horzempa, Maggie. “Biden’s nutty Nutcrakcer display brings division, not Christmas Unity.” The Carolina Journal. December 21, 2023. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.carolinajournal.com/opinion/jill-bidens-nutty-nutcracker-display-brings-division-not-christmas-unity/.
  24. “Educate Yourself: Books.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/anti-racism-education-landing.
  25. “Educate Yourself: Speeches, Podcasts, & Radio.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/anti-racism-audio.
  26. “About.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/about.
  27. “Education.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/education.
  28. Dorrance, Michelle. “Why antiracism work is important to me.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/about.
  29. [1] “Take Action for Justice & Change.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed via Web Archive. January 14, 2024. https://archive.ph/gSk5a.
  30. “Showing up for Racial Justice Action Inc.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2017. Part I. https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/812081153_201712_990O_2019021416097790.pdf.
  31. “Take action for justice & change.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/anti-racism-action-for-justice-change.
  32. [1] Keene, Houston. “Dance company featured in Jill Biden’s Christmas video promotes ‘prison abolition,’ ‘defund the police’ groups.” Fox News. December 14, 2023. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dance-company-featured-jill-bidens-christmas-video-promotes-prison-abolition-defund-police-groups.
  33. “Where to Donate Money.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/antiracism-donate.
  34. “Instagram Post.” Dorrance Dance Instagram. Posted January 13, 2021. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.instagram.com/p/CKAWtpKnwjJ/?igsh=MW1oM201MnI3d3p3Yg==.
  35. “Donate.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/about.
  36. “Dorrance Dance Incorporated.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2022. Part I. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/814741774/202342579349301724/full.
  37. “Donate.” Dorrance Dance. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://www.dorrancedance.com/about.
  See an error? Let us know!

Nonprofit Information

  • Accounting Period: December - November
  • Tax Exemption Received: October 1, 2017

    • Available Filings

    Period Form Type Total revenue Total functional expenses Total assets (EOY) Total liabilities (EOY) Unrelated business income? Total contributions Program service revenue Investment income Comp. of current officers, directors, etc. Form 990
    2021 Dec Form 990 $1,550,336 $1,153,192 $1,822,281 $498,778 N $1,153,626 $396,360 $928 $98,901
    2020 Dec Form 990 $1,492,689 $1,198,211 $983,838 $57,479 N $1,113,969 $370,020 $465 $149,179
    2019 Dec Form 990 $1,780,421 $1,674,462 $734,459 $72,333 N $522,898 $1,256,749 $975 $162,662 PDF
    2018 Dec Form 990 $1,585,150 $1,362,147 $628,242 $72,185 N $649,954 $935,475 $0 $188,809 PDF
    2017 Dec Form 990 $1,497,171 $1,164,117 $398,576 $65,522 N $661,153 $833,908 $3 $142,093 PDF

    Dorrance Dance

    520 8th Avenue, Box 363
    New York, NY