History of the TLD

.dance is a generic top-level domain created as part of ICANN’s New gTLD Program. The application was successful and a Registry Agreement was signed in 2013. The extension was delegated to the DNS Root Zone in 2014 and has been active since then. It was established to provide a dedicated namespace for dance-related content and interests.

Main Use and Industry Position

.dance is intended for individuals, groups, and organisations connected to dance, including performers, choreographers, dance schools, studios, event organisers, fitness and dance therapy practitioners, and enthusiasts. It provides a thematic domain extension that signals relevance to dance and movement arts.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared to legacy TLDs such as .com or .net, .dance is more specific and niche. It signals a clear association with the dance domain which can benefit branding and topical identification. Unlike geographic or general TLDs, .dance is not tied to a location or broad commercial intent but targets a cultural and creative community. Its usage differs from highly generic extensions like .info by offering instant thematic context.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Offers clear relevance for dance and performance arts

• Broad eligibility for individuals and organisations

• Helps with branding and niche positioning

Cons

• Less recognised by general audiences versus mainstream TLDs

• May not inherently improve search ranking alone

• Availability of certain names may be limited by reservation policies

Registration Criteria

Registration is open to any individual or organisation without specific eligibility requirements, making .dance accessible globally.

Summary

.dance is a thematic gTLD launched in 2014 that serves the global dance community and related industries. Managed by Identity Digital under a registry agreement, it offers broad registration privileges and can strengthen branding for dance-oriented websites. It compares with other niche TLDs by providing industry-specific context and is widely available.