(October 18, 2018) Dayton, OH – The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) brings its 31^st Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance, "Etched In Stone: Resilient Through Time" to Dayton, OH, January 22 – 27, 2019. In partnership with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company – administrators, artists, dancers, scholars, and students will attend the six-day conference and festival celebrating dance from the African Diaspora.

Designed to meet the needs of professional, advanced, and student dancers as well as dance administrators, educators, instructors, scholars, and others, attendance for the conference and festival is expected to be upwards of 500 registrants. With a global audience, this year’s conference will include panel and workshop sessions, networking opportunities, master classes, and lecture demonstrations.

The festival will include performances by an impressive lineup of world-renowned dance companies. For the first time in conference history, matinee performances will be offered as well as the traditional evening performances culminating with a Sunday brunch.

Per tradition, IABD will host its audition series throughout the conference. Opening with the Youth Summer Intensive Scholarship Audition, Friday, January 25, and closing with the Multi-Dance Company Audition (Modern Dance), Sunday, January 27. In addition, IABD will host its 4th Annual Ballet Audition for Women of Color with more than 20 participating U.S. premier Ballet companies, January 27 and host the 2nd Annual Ballet Audition for Men of Color, January 26.

The conference and festival are headquartered at the Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. 5^th St. Dayton, OH 45402. Conference activities, meetings, panels, classes, and performances will take place at multiple venues in the area including the Crowne Plaza Hotel, The Victoria Theater, University of Dayton Marriott, and Dayton Art Institute.

Registration includes a conference kit and access to the following amenities and events:

• Meals - Including the Formal Gala & Awards Dinner and Performance Receptions
• IABD Café - Refueling Station
• Performances - Youth, Collegiate, Established, Founders/Invited Guests
• Panels and Workshops
• Midnight Classes
• Local Transportation Costs
• Conference Bag