The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s decision to hire an attorney to help a performer secure an arts visa isn’t just a bureaucratic hurdle—it’s a fight for the soul of American culture.
Artists, especially in dance, bring something irreplaceable to our communities. They challenge perspectives, bridge cultures, and turn stages into spaces of raw, unfiltered expression. Yet, the U.S. immigration system treats them like an afterthought, forcing world-class talent to jump through endless legal hoops just to share their gifts.
This isn’t just about one dancer. It’s about the countless artists who face the same struggle—performers who could be enriching American stages but instead spend months (or years) tangled in paperwork, uncertain if they’ll even be allowed to stay.
If we truly value the arts, we need to demand better. Visa policies should reflect how much these artists contribute, not treat them as temporary visitors. The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company is doing the right thing by fighting for their performer. Now, it’s time for the system to catch up.
Art shouldn’t have borders. Talent shouldn’t either.
