Date of Defense
11-20-2025
Date of Graduation
5-2026
Department
Dance
First Advisor
Monique Haley
Second Advisor
Carolyn Pavlik
Abstract
The goal of my thesis is to develop an efficient way for dance professionals to network with each other. The dance industry is saturated with talent; therefore, relationships are key to booking jobs. Relationships connect mentors and collaborative spaces that lead to consistent and long-term growth. Dancers enter the professional industry with limited experience. The financial pressure to afford the living costs in dance hub cities like New York and Los Angeles often requires dancers to work multiple jobs. Balancing multiple jobs causes dancers to struggle to find time and opportunities to network meaningfully. Thus, the core problem is when, where, and how dancers can build connections that foster professional opportunities and a sense of community within the dance industry.
My research and project development were conducted through the design thinking process, which resulted in the creation of Sync. Research methods conducted include user interviews with collegiate dancers, secondary market research, and competitive analysis of existing networking platforms. Sync is a networking app to help busy dancers efficiently collaborate with others in the community through its principles of connection, collaboration, and creation. Key features include location-based, project-focused connections, and streamlined communication tools that support both short-term collaborations and long-term professional relationships. Sync is designed for all dance industry professionals including early-career and seasoned dancers, choreographers, freelancers, agents, filmmakers/content creators, and educators.
This efficient, on-the-go, location-specific mobile app offers a solution to the core problem as it provides the dance community with a platform for artists to build and maintain relationships, creating community over competition. As an app that specifically serves dance industry professionals, Sync fills a market gap, increasing opportunities for art to be created and shared. By addressing time, financial, and accessibility constraints, this project demonstrates how problem-solving rooted design can foster community, security, and professional growth within the dance community.
Recommended Citation
Brown, Lauren, "Sync" (2025). Honors Theses. 4020.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/4020
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Presentation