Shirley Temple and Bill Robinson The Academy of Dance on Film (DOF) is the nation’s only non-profit arts organization solely dedicated to the preservation, comprehensive documentation, and advancement of popular filmed dance.

Founded in February 1999, DOF responds to the need for a centralized archive of materials relating to choreographed movement in movies, television and music video. It aims to serve as the preeminent source of reference for related research, to educate and inspire through exposure to the tremendous contributions of filmed dance to the world’s artistic heritage, and to promote recognition of the dancer and often-overlooked choreographer.

Gene Nelson, June Haver
& Hermes Pan The Academy gathers, collects, maintains and stores printed and visual information on filmed dance. These resources are shared freely with scholars, researchers, archival and educational organizations, the media, students, dancers and choreographers.

The Academy elevates the visibility and recognition of dance and movement on film by maintaining a high profile through pro-active dialogue and communication with the media, academia, entertainment-related companies and the general public.

Archived materials include the diverse forms of movement used in filmed media: all styles of dance; martial arts, combat and fighting; fencing and swordplay; ice dance; gymnastic, acrobatic and circus techniques; silent film comedy; alien and animal, and all genres of movement which have been created for – and adapted to – the camera.