Transforming lives through Black concert dance.
The only Black-led, nationally recognized contemporary ballet company between New York City and Atlanta. Home to Dissonance Dance Theatre. Now celebrating 20 years.
The 20th Anniversary Season
Through the Dark, The Light Beckons.
World premiere. Five new works honoring the African American contemporary modern tradition — featuring original choreography by Shawn Short and guest choreographers.
Our Programs
Dissonance Dance Theatre
Twenty Years of ArtistryDC's only Black-managed, nationally recognized contemporary ballet company between New York City and Atlanta — named by Dance Spirit Magazine as one of "11 small-but-mighty" companies nationwide. DDT alumni perform at Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Phoenix Dance Theatre (UK), and companies worldwide.
The Ngoma School
Pre-professional dance training rooted in African Diaspora traditions, for ages 5–18. The only program in the region directly connected to a nationally recognized professional company.
DC Black Dance History
The first comprehensive documentation of over 90 years of Black concert dance excellence in Washington, DC — from 1932 to the present. Compiled by Shawn Short, MFA.
Artist Incubator
Supporting emerging choreographers through mentorship, rehearsal space, and access to Ngoma's professional networks.
Outreach & Arts Education
School programming, DCPS partnerships, and community events across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Structured equity — not charity.
Ngoma FilmWorks
Documentary and narrative film illuminating the Black dance experience — with festival placements and award recognition.
Impact by the numbers
Recent Press
Connecting vision
to preservation.
The DC Black Concert Dance History project represents the first comprehensive documentation of over 90 years of Black concert dance excellence in Washington, DC. Written and compiled by Shawn Short, MFA, PGC in Business — this groundbreaking research brings to light the stories, pioneers, and institutions that have shaped the artistic fabric of our nation's capital.
Explore the Archive →Help us dance forward.
Every gift sustains professional artists, keeps youth tuition affordable, and preserves the legacy of Black concert dance in our nation's capital. Together, we are building a culturally specific institution that serves Black and Brown communities — not by accommodating them, but by being built for them.
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