This week, Dayton Ohio has the privilege of hosting the 31st Annual International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference and Festival from January 22 – 27, 2019, in partnership with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. This gathering is the broadest of black dance professionals in the US and internationally, including attendees from 8 Countries – Canada, England, Germany, Ghana, Jamaica, Norway, Senegal, and the United States. The conference hosts 19 hours of dance per day featuring 48 performance groups, 43 teaching artists, 25 dance styles, as well as 21 premiere ballet companies participating in The Equity Project: Increasing the Presence of Blacks in Ballet.
This exciting conference is also a fabulous way to celebrate DCDC’s 50th Anniversary season! There are lots of ways for local Daytonians to get involved, from attending a performance featuring these phenomenal artists, to taking master classes, to volunteering to help out! Keep reading to find out more…
What is the International Association of Blacks in Dance?
The International Association of Blacks in Dance, Inc., (IABD) has a vision for dance, by people of African ancestry or origin, to be revered, respected, and preserved in the consciousness and cultural institutions of all people. The organization offers a full range of services and programs that are dedicated to championing the work of dance artists, educators, leadership, researchers, scholars, students, and supporters. The Association provides a network, formal newsletters, choreographers directory, published papers and is the raison d’être for the annual conference and festival. The Association also responds to and initiates dialogue around issues that impact the black dance community, as well as the dance community at large.
For Volunteers
IABD is currently looking for reliable and dedicated individuals who are interested in being an Ambassador for the City of Dayton and our activities. Volunteer tasks include, but are not limited to: registration, ushers and ticket takers, classroom monitors, production and guest liaisons. Volunteers will be needed for a variety of tasks and at a variety of locations. Please note any disability that would affect where and how we would be able to utilize your time (i.e. must be able to sit, etc.). All volunteers will be given an IABD apron to wear during their volunteer time, please dress business casual (no jeans and t-shirts). You will be notified by our IABD Volunteer Coordinators with more information about days, times, and duties. For more information, please click here.
For Dancers (Youth, Pre-Professional, Professional) and Teachers
Over four days, participants will engage in invaluable professional opportunities. Workshop, panel sessions and master classes will provide examples of successful new and innovative models. Dialogues with legends and next generation artists will inspire new thinking for a vibrant future for Dance. Career pathway workshops, and post career guidance will also be offered.
The Conference and Festival also offers scholarship auditions for summer intensives and university dance programs as well as a multi-dance company auditions for professional dance companies in ballet, modern, and contemporary dance. IABD offers the largest convening of dance directors, programs, and companies that offer persons of color these kinds of opportunities in a central setting.
For an overview of the schedule, please click here.
3 Days of Phenomenal Performances
Thursday, January 24 kicks off three days of performances at the conference, starting off with the youth and collegiate groups, followed on Friday January 25th and Saturday January 26th, with the established, professional dance companies (see schedule below – some performances on available to those attending the conference). For locals, not attending the conference, tickets for both Saturday performances can be purchased via Ticket Center Stage here, with additional details below.
“Whether you are a seasoned aficionado or new to seeing dance, there is an undeniable feeling of wonder and excitement when excellence is placed on stage before you. Imagine, you take your seat, the lights dim, and you hold your breath in excitement and anticipation of the first sight of dancers on stage.” -Denise Saunders Thompson President & CEO, IABD
“I am absolutely thrilled to present this conference in partnership with the International Association of Blacks in Dance! We are dedicated to bringing the best of the best together in this field. Bringing this event to Dayton as DCDC celebrates it’s 50th is amazing. This is a celebration of Black that this community does not want to miss.”
Debbie Blunden-Diggs, Artistic Director of DCDC
Youth Members Performance *
Thursday, January 24, 2019 | 2:00 PM
at the Theatre at the Dayton Convention Center
Featuring performances by: Chicago High School for the Arts, Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Allegro Performing Ensemble, Dance Institute of Washington, Detroit School of the Arts, Divine Dance Institute, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Iibada Dance Company, Inspire 2 Move Dance Company, Lewis Cass Technical High School, Stivers High School, Tri-C Creative Arts Dance Academy
Collegiate Members Performance *
Thursday, January 24, 2019 | 7:30 PM
at the Theatre at the Dayton Convention Center
Featuring performances by: Alabama State University, Howard University, Miami Dade College, Ohio Black Dance, Ohio State University, Seals Dance Project. University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Wayne State University, West Las Vegas Arts Center
Established Members Performance *
Friday, January 25, 2019 | 7:30 PM
at the Theatre at the Dayton Convention Center
Featuring performances by: Atlanta Dance Connection, BaKari I. Lindsay, Ballethnic Dance Company, Collage Dance Collective, Cleo II, DBDT: Encore!, DCDC2, Elisa Monte Dance, Eleone Dance Theatre, Joel Hall Dancers, L’Acadco: A United Caribbean Dance Force, Ronnique Murray, Urban Jazz Dance Company
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company “Onyx” Performance with many special guests from the IABD Conference & Festival
Saturday, January 65, 2019 | 2 PM & 8 PM
at The Victoria Theatre. Tickets range from $19-$45
Featuring performances by: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Lula Washington Dance Theatre, Philadanco!, The Philadelphia Dance Company, Robert Moses’ KIN, Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, A Dance Company
* Performances only available to full Conference and Festival registrants. Full Conference and Festival registrants will receive tickets to the 8:00 PM show at Victoria Theatre.
