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 for the 20th Anniversary Season opener — honoring the African American contemporary modern tradition. Featuring original choreography by Shawn Short and guest choreographers.
Until Love Comes Knockin'
World premiere. An evening-length work presented through Ngoma's Atlas Performing Arts Center partnership. Choreography by Shawn Short. Date to be confirmed — join our list to be notified first.
Road of Angled Turns
World premiere. Choreographed by Shawn Short with Guest Choreographer Kareem B. Goodwin. Venue and dates to be confirmed — join our list for first access.
Our Programs
Dissonance Dance Theatre
DC'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.
"Timeless Dance. Remixed."
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. Your child doesn't just take class — they train alongside working artists.
"Move. Intelligently."
Explore the SchoolDC Black Dance History
The first comprehensive documentation of over 90 years of Black concert dance excellence in Washington, DC — from 1932 to the present. Written and compiled by Shawn Short, MFA. Because Black artistic culture deserves institutions that endure.
"Our Stories. Our Steps."
Explore the ArchiveArtist Incubator
Supporting emerging choreographers and dance artists through mentorship, rehearsal space, and access to Ngoma's professional networks. Home to The Creative Space and Textures Dance Theater.
"Grow Your Art. Ground Your Career."
Learn MoreOutreach & Arts Education
School programming, DC Public Schools partnerships, and community events across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Structured equity — not charity. Ngoma has served communities in 9 states and 2 countries since 2012.
"Our Stories. Our Steps."
See Our ReachResident Choreographer Program
Currently featuring Resident Choreographer Kareem B. Goodwin. Materials for this program highlight the prestige of the residency and the specific artistic direction of the resident artist — centering the choreographer's vision alongside Ngoma's institutional context.
"Where Serious Artists Work."
Learn MoreNgoma FilmWorks
Documentary and narrative film illuminating the Black dance experience. FilmWorks carries the full Ngoma brand authority while using cinematic language — referencing festival placements and award recognition. This is professional arts media.
"Our Stories. Our Steps."
View Film WorksImpact by the numbers
Recent Press
Dissonance Dance Theatre celebrates twenty years of breaking barriers through dance
DDT Voices of Dance alumnus Kameron N. Saunders premieres new work with English National Ballet
Resident Choreographer Kareem B. Goodwin premieres new Dallas Black Dance Theatre commission
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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