SUMMERFEST BACK AND IN THE BLACK.

SAN FRANCISCO--It's rare these days when news about money and dance doesn't provoke rolled eyes and deep sighs. But for once, this is not a tale of woe. Summerfest (July 8 to 25), the Bay Area's showcase of small companies and independent choreographers, is in good financial health. They are starting out with $14,000 in the bank, the result of prudent management and small profits accumulated over the last few years. "We got our first grant from Grants for the Arts three years ago," explains director Joan Lazarus. "It came through in August [at the end of the season]. We resisted the urge to spend it and, like a family that is trying to save, we put the money away for the following year." Every year the surplus grew a little, permitting the organization to raise artists' payment by 40 percent and engage in some long-range planning.

Another promising development is that, for the first time, Summerfest is being produced by Catalyst, a brand-new, unique nonprofit whose mission is to be a dance-presenting as well as philanthropic organization. Catalyst is guaranteeing the festival's budget and is contributing the services of a stage manager. Having such a solid financial foundation allowed this year's Summerfest to raise its sights. Instead of continuing to perform in small venues, they signed a three-year contract with the medium-sized Cowell Theater. A total of twenty-eight artists will perform two nights each, either Thursday and Friday or Saturday and Sunday.