AS YEARS GO, 2003 wasn't a great one for dance--with a few notable exceptions, The states' budget shortfalls, belt-tightening, and conservative spending have progressed nationally and internationally to a wave of layoffs, closures, and cancellations of projects, and of course, war. But announced plans for 2004 are spectacular, so expand your calendar for events you just can't skip. Confidence in economic recovery is reinforced by increased attendance reported at major summer festivals and single performances. Communities in North America display their optimism in the future by major capital building of theaters and performing arts centers.

LESS AND MORE

Between visa denials by embassies and the SARS epidemic, you would think that international travel was inhibited, but except for quarantine-declared regions such as Toronto and parts of Asia, dance-related tourism travel grew rather than diminished. "Yes, the Chinese students were denied visas by the American Embassy in China because of the SARS issue," reported a spokesperson for the Youth America Grand Prix competition. "We lost some really great students from the Beijing Arts Academy and Shin Jen Arts Academy--and also some international students because of the war in Iraq. No visas were granted after the war started, but those who had applied before had no problem. We lost students from Canada, Japan, France, Brazil, and Mexico. Nevertheless, we had a very successful competition." Many dance workshops and competitions that were held during the summer reported record-breaking numbers of applicants.

But: World health officials are now recommending inoculation this year against a particularly virulent flu virus that has already struck Australia and areas of Southeast Asia, the area of the planet where these attacks are often first identified. International tracking of communicable diseases offers the hope of preventing runaway epidemics that close schools and theater box offices.

ART IS PAYING OFF

Choreographers Mark Dendy, Mia Michaels, and Twyla Tharp, who are better known for their work in concert dance, applied their skills to the commercial stage in Taboo!, A New Day, and Movin' On, respectively. And Broadway and Las Vegas audiences responded with ticket sales and applause. Is this a trend? Let's hope so.

POINTING OUT THE BEST