Dance Intensive XYZ: Divergent Thinking in a Dual Leadership Model

While common in regional theater, the dual leadership model occurs less frequently in other types of arts organizations. The decision to pursue dual or co- leadership has its share of advantages and disadvantages--not the least of which is conflict. Despite equal power and equal authority, the co-directors of Dance Intensive XYZ have a fundamental disagreement about one of the core values of the organization’s mission causing a necessary reexamination of how to frame the equity and inclusion principles upon which it was founded. Specifically, an early conflict between co-directors of this small nonprofit arts organization emerges in its first year of operation. The conflict centers around the difference between creating a “safe space” and providing an inclusive environment for those they set out to serve as defined by the mission of the organization and whether or not these two goals are compatible.