This study uses newly available data to examine trends in the nonprofit dance field. Spanning the decade of the late 1980s through the late 1990s, the report looks at factors such as growth in the number of dance companies, geographic concentration, and financial aspects such as the importance of ticket sales and the effects of the 1990-1991 recession. The analysis also investigates the role the National Endowment for the Arts plays in leveraging funding for dance companies.

Economic census data show 9,303 performing arts companies in 2002, up by 104 from 1997. The data also reveal that many states with large numbers of companies, such as New York and California, lost organizations, while small states such as North Dakota and Mississippi added companies.

A comparison based on total revenues for nonprofit and taxable performing arts organizations (theater, dance, music). State and regional estimates are also provided.