From 1965 to 2011, Dance Theater Workshop, in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, was a
performance space and a service organization for dance companies. DTW, as it was more
commonly known, was first formed as a choreographers’ collective dedicated to the sponsorship
and practical support of the work of colleagues and artists early in their careers. From 1975
through 2003, DTW was led by David White, the first full-time employee, as its executive director
and producer. Under his leadership, DTW became one of the most influential contemporary
performing arts centers in the United States, responsible for identifying and nurturing some of the
most important dancers, choreographers, and other performing artists of that time, including Mark
Morris, Whoopi Goldberg, and Bill Irwin. White significantly expanded performance opportunities
for a wide range of artists and created such programs as the National Performance Network, The
New York Dance and Performance “Bessie” Awards, The Suitcase Fund, and the New York
DanceForce. His first interaction with Watchface was in facilitating their presentation of Sin at the
Museum of Contempary Art in Los Angeles through the National Performance Network. DTW won
the 1989 Village Voice OBIE Award for sustained achievement in theater presentation also during
White’s leadership.
In 2002, a major transformation of the DTW space took place led by White’s vision and tenacity.
This renovation also accrued a considerable amount of debt. White stepped down from his
position in 2003. Ten years later, prompted by a need for financial security, DTW merged with the
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and became known as New York Live Arts with
Bill T. Jones as the Artistic Director. The mission remained the same – to commission, produce,
and present performances while supporting the continuing development of artists.
Watchface performances at Dance Theater Workshop:
AAaaaw! A Tribute to Domestic Animals
Bloody Mary
Sodomite Warriors
White