As the flagship dance organization, Dissonance Dance Theatre will remount the works of notable Black choreographers from its expanded repertorie.

Choreographers:
1. Kareem B. Goodwin ( Philadelphia)/ Eleone Dance Theatre
2. Toren Johnson (Baltimore)/Ailey II
3. Kevin McEwen (New York City)/Kankouran West African Dance Company
4. Michelle Sloan (Washington, DC)/Dance Theatre of Harlem
5. Shawn Short (Washington, DC)/Dissonance Dance Theatre

The festival will include new choreographic voices local and national.

Founded in 2019 as a new programming initiative of Ngoma Center for Dance, Black Dance Festival: DMVbrings a platform for African-American directors, choreographers, and dancers to perform, share, and celebrate their work and add to Washington, DC’s creative economy.

“ Dance represents the smallest sector receiving public funding in Washington, DC. Additionally, professional DC Black dance companies (and activity) has greatly declined since their founding in 1932. Traditionally, D.C. is a city that eagerly awaits touring shows and concerts.

With Mayor Bowser, erecting D.C. as a cultural city, we need to do our part to preserve and celebrate the voices of Black directors, choreographers, and dance artists.”

Shawn Short, MFA
Founding Director, Dissonance Dance Theatre