Why I Joined APAP
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
"It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else." – Erma Bombeck
Just one month after I incorporated Nine Muses Travel in 2018, I joined the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) as a business member. I started my career in arts management, and I knew from the start this is where I'd stay connected to our community of artists and arts administrators.
After a tumultuous news week, I was really looking forward to our annual conference. I needed my tribe. Our conference is the world's largest gathering of arts professionals, and this year I saw them in a new light. I realized they're some of the bravest people I know. They work so hard to bring art and inspiration to audiences. In a world divided, they deal in collaboration and partnership. They bring together people from diverse backgrounds through music, dance, and storytelling. They connect. They share. Without empathetic people like this, where would we be? When a day feels dark is when we need art the most, to remind us that humans are capable of creating incredible beauty too.
There are so many parallels between the arts and travel. Travel also introduces you to new perspectives, and you learn more about yourself and the world each time you step into a new environment. Sometimes you travel for an engaging education on history and culture, and sometimes you travel to simply relax in escapism; sometimes you want Shakespeare, and sometimes you just want to dance to Take on Me.
This year I got lucky with an exhibitor booth in the highest traffic area, and it was a fun hang with friends and colleagues stopping by. I met lots of new people who asked what I do. I explained I'm APAP's first travel agency member and not only do I work with individuals to plan their holidays, but I also work with nonprofits for their VIP donor group trips and with small ensembles too on tour (flights, hotel, ground transport). Basically, where creativity and travel intersect, you'll find me.
After long days at my exhibit hall booth, it's fun to bop around the APAP artist showcases. Hours can go by in an instant addictively watching 15-25 minute performances by a master illusionist, tribute acts featuring Dolly Parton and the Everly Brothers / Simon and Garfunkel, excerpts of one person shows about Hedy Lamarr and growing up in North Korea and Carl Sandburg's Lincoln and Edgar Allan Poe stories. and being a "star dresser." Honestly, I'm an awesome audience member! I love to laugh, and I bring the good vibes. I'm just there to be entertained and support these wildly talented, dedicated, mesmerizing artists doing their thing for booking agents and potential presenters of their work.
Art and travel are the realms of our inspired Nine Muses Travel community, and I love that you're here.
Start planning inspired travel and read more about me and what I can do for you!
Nine Muses Travel designs journeys to inspire artists, arts lovers and the culturally curious.
Danielle Dybiec
Founder & President
WHY USE A TRAVEL ADVISOR?
Nine Muses Travel offers a premium, curated experience and the best accommodations to maximize your time and provides expert guidance on inspired, well-paced itineraries. We can include VIP amenities at the world's finest hotels and resorts, the BEST OF THE BEST.
Complimentary room upgrades at check-in, subject to availability
Complimentary daily breakfast
Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
And more!
Nine Muses Travel works with exceptional suppliers who add unparalleled value:
Expert guides: artists, historians, naturalists, unique locals with insider tips & insights
Flexibility with your touring - See and do as much, or as little, as you prefer.
Custom-designed routings
Exclusive experiences - the kind you can't arrange on your own!
24/7 real-time support
Comprehensive travel protection plans
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