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Transformative Change Through  The Arts 
We believe in the power of creativity to harness job creation and education. We are changemakers who work with communities, and anyone who wiggles their toes. The change of tomorrow begins today. Come grow with us. Arts reimagined.

Adult Education & Wellness @ Ngoma

DDT Founder Shawn Short Advising
Learning from professional staff, we welcome adult dancers to come and learn in various dance styles and wellness classes.

DDT On Demand

Starting at $4.99

Ngoma FilmWorks completes full-length documentary Company D.

A Dog Bark Media Production
Documentary | 1h 30 min | 2023 | HD/4K

Interviews with Dissonance Dance Theatre dancers, artists, and supporters share their stories and happy sentiments of the man who changed their lives as Dissonance Dance Theatre prepares for their Diaspora production.

A small-but-mighty Washington, DC dance company, becomes the place for dancers to fulfill their dance careers, under the contemporary ballet vision of Black choreography/visionary Shawn Short.

Our Impact

$2.8M Raised Since 2012

Through our transformative programming, and innovative leaderships, Ngoma Center for Dance continues to develop our communities with the support of our board, committees, patrons, and funders.

Ngoma Students Performing For the Public

Areas Covered
Program Across Multiple States

Ngoma Center for Dance has served communities in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, and California. Internationally, we have served participants in Canada, and Kenya.

2016-01-11 21.07.22-1

People (Local)
Impact on the Region Since 2012

Ngoma Center for Dance has served more than 14K patrons and participants through its programs and performances.

Local Communities
Partnerships & Business Relations

Ngoma Center for Dance has built strong affinity, community, and industry relations through out the Washington, DC region. From Netflix, United States Conference on AIDS, Us Helping Us, American Psychological Association, Howard University, Catholic University of America, University of Maryland College Park, Joy of Motion Dance Center, DC Mayor’s Office, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Metro Weekly Magazine, and more Ngoma Center for Dance continues to bridge business through the power for creativity.

Press

DDT Performing at MFP Gala 1
DDT Concept Image
Joel Jumps in Rehearsal
Ngoma/DDT Founder Shawn Short with Atlas ED Doug Yeuell during Q&A at INTERSECTIONS 2024
Ngoma Students learning impromptu Interview
Netflix Logo
Support
We believe that together we are strong. Ngoma Center for Dance is making changes to prepare for an uncertain arts terrain. Your support is always a gift and is never taken for granted.
Donate to Ngoma

Every donation aids us in providing equity and access to many artists and families of varying backgrounds. Ngoma Center for Dance provides many programs and opportunities through the support of our generous funders, whom -without them – many artists (especially of color) would not have reached their dance dreams. DDT alumni have traveled forward to companies such as Momix, Virginia Ballet Theatre, Philadanco, Garth Fagan, Carolyn Dorfman Dance, UniverSoul Circus, Phoenix Dance Theatre (U.K.), and more…

The Ngoma School alumni roster has matriculated into Dissonance Dance Theatre trainees and apprentices. Many students have utilized Ngoma’s disciplined structure to excel in their secondary education toward acceptance into higher education.

Consider donating today, a smiling dancing face will thank you “ in step”. Click below.

Want to Work WIth US? 

Ngoma Center for Dance, the parent organization to Dissonance Dance Theatre, is a company of smart, ambitious artists, creatives, staff and administrators who work together for a common goal, dance. Together, we are building a better artistic future for our patrons, students and our communities around the Washington, D.C. area.

At Ngoma Center for Dance, we understand that an organization is only as good as its people. This simple fact is central to all that we do.

We call it “the Human Mindset” – an organization-wide commitment to attracting and developing artists (and staff alike) to insight, innovate, aid, and care. This talented being ultimately learns and grows, adding richness to our organization.

Shawn hugging Patrelle's mom
Destiny
IABD Women of Color Audition 2020
DIssonance Dance Theatre
The Ngoma School
social and blog
Address & Contacts

Washington DC
202-540-8338 (DC Office)

© Copyright 2024 Ngoma Center for Dance