Dance Data Project® Strengthens and Expands Team With Key Leadership Additions and New Internship Role

Northfield, IL | September 30, 2024 | Dance Data Project® (DDP) is excited to announce several key personnel changes as the organization continues to expand its mission of promoting gender equity in the global dance industry. Tracey Bonner joins DDP as the Senior Communications Liaison, Yessica Herrera has been appointed to the DDP Advisory Council, and Angela Yuan comes on board as a Research Intern. These changes come as Isabelle Ramey, Chief External Affairs Officer, departs after three years of dedicated service.

Ramey began her tenure with DDP in May 2021 as a Research Intern, quickly rising to Communications Lead in June of the same year. Her outstanding work and leadership led to her promotion to Chief External Affairs Officer in January 2024. Throughout her time at DDP, Ramey played an integral role in elevating the organization’s communications strategy and advancing its advocacy efforts for gender equity in the arts.

“Since I joined the Dance Data Project® more than three years ago, I have had the honor of watching team members grow into their roles, embrace difficult challenges head-on, and become informed, data-armed advocates for the sector,” said Ramey. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, and I am eager to see the strides this team will make going forward.”

Tracey Bonner, Senior Communications Liaison, brings extensive experience as an arts advocate, artistic leader, and professional artist. Her background spans Broadway, teaching, and consulting for various arts organizations, making her uniquely positioned to guide DDP’s communication strategy.

“Joining Dance Data Project as the Senior Communications Liaison is an exciting opportunity to leverage my passion for empowering underrepresented voices and my expertise in data strategy,” Bonner said. “I look forward to supporting DDP’s impactful work by crafting compelling narratives and strategic campaigns that elevate awareness, foster engagement, and drive progress toward gender equity in the global dance community.”

Bonner holds a dual BFA in Musical Theatre and Dance from Shenandoah Conservatory and an MFA in Dance from the University of California, Irvine. She has been a leading voice in artistic communities, advocating for equity and access in the arts, and is also a certified front-line fundraiser.

In addition, DDP welcomes Yessica Herrera to its Advisory Council. Herrera, a network science researcher and former ballet and contemporary dancer originally from Mexico, brings her expertise in using data-driven methodologies to analyze social inequalities and success in art. She holds a PhD in Social Complexity from Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile, and is currently affiliated with Northeastern University’s Center for Complex Networks Research. Her research is currently highlighted on DDP’s website: Structural Gender Imbalances in Ballet Collaboration Networks.

“I am honored to join the DDP team because it gives visibility to my research and, more importantly, it gives value to my contributions within the dance community,” said Herrera. “At the same time it motivates me to continue my work, which also helps younger generations see that professions at the intersection of art and STEM careers are possible.”

Angela Yuan, Research Intern, joins DDP to further support its advocacy work while gaining hands-on experience in data-driven research and strategic communication. A current high school student from Massachusetts, Angela has trained in classical ballet for over nine years and began competing at the age of eleven. She discovered Dance Data Project during a research project analyzing the local networks of ballet masters.

“I am excited to contribute to DDP’s mission for gender equity in the dance industry and learn from the amazing mentors within the team,” Angela shared. “I hope this opportunity will help me spread research for the greater good now, and in the future.”

DDP’s President & Founder Elizabeth ‘Liza’ Yntema, expressed enthusiasm about these new appointments: “We are thrilled to have Tracey, Yessica, and Angela join our team. Their combined expertise will help DDP continue to innovate and lead the way in addressing gender equity through data and research. We are also incredibly grateful to Isabelle Ramey for her tireless work and contributions over the past three years. She has truly helped build the foundation for DDP’s future success.”

For more information on Dance Data Project® and our ongoing initiatives, please visit dancedataproject.com.