Ngoma Center for Dance Presents Opportunity for Black Dancers at IABD
Image: Ngoma Staff Kareem B. Goodwin (Green shirt) with Black Dance professionals at IABD conference
January 1, 2023 – Toronto, Canada
Ngoma Center for Dance travels to Toronto, Canada to provide opportunities for Black classical and contemporary ballet dancers.
Contact:
Shawn Short, Director
202-540-8338
sshort@ngcfddt.org
Ngoma Center for Dance travels to Toronto, Canada to provide opportunities for Black classical and contemporary ballet dancers.
The International Association of Black in Dance (IABD), presents its 33rd annual conference in Toronto, Canada at host studios of the National Ballet School of Canada.
Through its participation in IABD, Ngoma Center for Dance – Washington, DC – is offering a platform for black dancers to showcase their talent and pursue their professional careers. This year, Ngoma Center for Dance provides more than 30 scholarships for youth dancers toward their DC area summer program – Summer DanceLab. Additionally, Dissonance Dance Theatre – Ngoma’s professional contemporary ballet company – provides nine professional dancer contracts for dancers of color to participate in Dissonance Dance Theatre’s 16th season.
This initiative not only brings hope and opportunity to black dancers but also highlights the commitment of the DC dance organization to diversity and inclusivity in the arts. For several years now, Ngoma has been the only DC organization to attend the conference and provide professional opportunities.
According to the American Statistical Association, blacks represent 5.5% of company dancers—while blacks are 13.4% of the US population.
As a growing force in promoting diversity in the dance industry, Ngoma Center for Dance is dedicated to creating pathways for black dancers to thrive and succeed on a global stage.
By fostering partnerships with organizations like IABD, Ngoma Center for Dance continues to break barriers and empower black dancers to reach their full potential.
The impact of Ngoma Center for Dance’s efforts can be seen in the success stories of black dancers who have received scholarships, contracts, and mentorship and have enjoyed careers in companies such as Philadanco, Momix, Virginia Ballet Theatre, national and international touring shows, and Universoul Circus.
“To increase Black ballet representation, dance spaces are needed to make opportunities unfold. Coming to IABD aids us in providing that opportunity.”
Shawn Short, MFA Ngoma’s Founding Director
With a focus on increasing representation and opportunities for black dancers, Ngoma Center for Dance is shaping the future of dance by providing a platform for diverse voices and talents to shine.
As Ngoma Center for Dance looks ahead to future initiatives, its long-term goal is to establish satellite education centers to expand dance opportunities for black dancers, choreographers, and designers.
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Ngoma Center for Dance is the home of Dissonance Dance Theatre (founded in 2007) and its award-winning programs based in the Washington, DC area. DDT is named “one of the 11 small-but-mighty dance companies outside of LA and NYC” by Dance Spirit Magazine. Evoking emotional experiences in the audiences we touch, is the only East Coast, nationally recognized, Black-managed contemporary ballet company between NYC and ATL. For more information, visit www.ngcfddt.org
Ngoma Center for Dance is the home of Dissonance Dance Theatre (founded in 2007) and its award-winning programs based in the Washington, DC area. DDT is named “one of the 11 small-but-mighty dance companies outside of LA and NYC” by Dance Spirit Magazine. Evoking emotional experiences in the audiences we touch, is the only East Coast, nationally recognized, Black-managed contemporary ballet company between NYC and ATL. For more information, visit www.ngcfddt.org
