Building A Stronger Dance Community
Our Mission
Ngoma Center for Dance (N-Go-mah) is a 501(c)3 whose mission is to cultivate equitable opportunities and creative career pathways through professional training, essential performance, and entrepreneurship development. As a vital bridge between multicultural dance artists and their communities—fostering artistic excellence across generations and socioeconomic backgrounds—Ngoma empowers through community engagement, education, and innovative programming.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a catalyst for equitable change in the dance industry by:
- Presenting a performing dance company known locally, nationally, and internationally for artistic excellence in contemporary ballet and innovative dance works
Providing world-class dance education and professional development that creates pathways to creative entrepreneurship, particularly for underserved communities
Building sustainable community partnerships that expand access to dance training, performance opportunities, and arts administration careers for Black and Brown artists
Fostering the next generation of dance leaders through culturally responsive education, mentorship, and business development programs that strengthen the creative economy
Preserving and celebrating Black dance history while innovating new models for equitable arts ownership and representation
Build sustainable community partnerships that advance cultural equity and creative innovation
Our History
Wanting to create a company that celebrated diversity in 2007, Shawn Short organized his first initiative, Dissonance Dance Theatre (DDT), and financed the performance group’s productions though his personal resources. DDT pushes Short’s personal mission of inspiring contemporary artists who are looking to use their talents and develop their professional skills
Organizational Values
Competitiveness – We provide high-quality training in arts education.
Diversity – We believe in an inclusive environment built around sharing ideas, culture, and expertise.
Individual Initiative – We value and encourage professional development to create “self-starter” employees.
Getting The Job Done – We entrust our staff and leadership to provide service to customer satisfaction.
Innovation – We are creative professionals dedicated to designing, and implementing exceptional programming.
Reliability – We pride ourselves on keeping a “listening ear” to the needs of the community.
Standardization – We strive to create a professional standard for service and programs.
Vision – We constantly consider the future and how we can grow to serve our public.
Diversity – We believe in an inclusive environment built around sharing ideas, culture, and expertise.
Individual Initiative – We value and encourage professional development to create “self-starter” employees.
Getting The Job Done – We entrust our staff and leadership to provide service to customer satisfaction.
Innovation – We are creative professionals dedicated to designing, and implementing exceptional programming.
Reliability – We pride ourselves on keeping a “listening ear” to the needs of the community.
Standardization – We strive to create a professional standard for service and programs.
Vision – We constantly consider the future and how we can grow to serve our public.
