The Actors Fund: The Dancers Resource
Actors Fund Vice Chair Bebe Neuwirth founded The Dancers’ Resource after having hip replacement surgery, several years of physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery, excruciating pain, the emotional stress of not being able to dance and not wanting people to know about her condition. The Dancers’ Resource was Ms. Neuwirth’s response to the unique situation dancers face as a consequence of the physically demanding nature of their work, coupled with the significant financial challenges of earning a living in dance.
The Dancers’ Resource provides:
Emotional support for dancers dealing with injuries by providing individual and group counseling*
Referrals for healthcare and health insurance
Information and advocacy with workers' compensation and disability insurance
Educational seminars on injury prevention, nutrition and wellness, financial planning and more
Emergency financial assistance
Connection to other dancers to share experiences, resources and advice
*Groups are offered on a rolling basis throughout the year. Please contact us (see below) for more information.
ELIGIBILITY
Any professional dancer is welcome to call The Dancers’ Resource for support, information and referrals to community agencies. Eligibility for financial assistance requires an application, documentation of your professional earnings and an interview and in general is based on:
For active dancers an applicant must have earned in the performing arts and/or entertainment industry a minimum of $2,000 per year for the past three years, or
For former dancers an applicant must have a minimum of seven years paid employment in the performing arts and/or entertainment industry with five years of earnings of at least $5,000 per year, or
An applicant over 65 must be able to document that his/her primary life earnings were derived from the performing arts and/or entertainment industry
FOR ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT:
We provide assistance nationally. Please contact our regional office closest to you.
New York City
212.221.7300, ext. 119
intakeny@actorsfund.org
Chicago
312.372.0989
intakechicago@actorsfund.org
Los Angeles
323.933.9244, ext. 455
intakela@actorsfund.org