The International Association of Blacks in Dance, Inc., (IABD) 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. Our programs and services include:
Our largest annual international program that includes audition opportunities for ballet, modern dance companies, summer and college dance programs, master classes, networking opportunities, panels, performances, and workshops.
The Comprehensive Organizational Health Initiative (COHI), is designed to strengthen the organizational health of small and midsize arts institutions through comprehensive financial analysis and capacity building financial support funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. IABD recently distributed MOVE (Managing Organizational Vitality and Endurance) grants to thirty member organizations across the U.S.
The Performing Arts
Readiness project was formed in the recognition that performing arts
organizations are especially vulnerable to disasters and emergencies
which can halt performances, sometimes indefinitely, and can put an
organization out of business overnight.
IABD's signature audition program offers students, pre-professionals, and professionals audition opportunities for ballet, modern dance companies, summer and college dance programs, all in one location and at the same time, for colleges/universities, professional companies, and
training programs.
Emerging Choreographer Residency is a new program aimed at supporting the professional development and engagement of emerging and early-career choreographers.
A single choreographer will be selected and paired with a mentor within the Black Dance Sector, and receive a one-week residency during the Conference and Festival, resulting in a work-in-progress showing and Q&A. .
Kitchen Table Talks
The Kitchen Table Talk program is a peer learning-based webinar series. These webinars will address current affairs in the Black Dance Sector, providing valuable insights and discussions for our community by covering various subjects, including professional development for students, auditionees, arts administrators, and more.
IABD’s on the 1 dance class series presents world renowned dance faculty and celebrated instructors who work professionally in various aspects of the industry for a weekend of technical training and innovative methodologies. Dancers are able to choose from a variety of genres to aide in their well-rounded approach to artistry.
Special Programs:
The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) offers a unique opportunity and experience to assist with the development and growth of this one-of-a-kind service organization.
The IABD Nonprofit Arts Administration Program is suited to the graduate, undergraduate student or recently graduated student interested in pursuing a career on the business side of the dance industry. The program provides students with hands-on opportunities and training in Communications (Marketing and Public Relations), Executive Affairs (Archives, Board Development, Business and Finance, Human Resources), Development and Fundraising (Grant Writing and Reporting, Donor Cultivation and Stewardship), Membership (Retention, Recruitment, Engagement), and Programs (Conference/Festival, on the 1, EVOLVE, etc).
As mentioned at the 2019 Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance in Dayton, OH, IABD has launched the international campaign, I AM BLACK DANCE | I AM IABD. It is Denise’s hope and vision to raise awareness and bring visibility to our community - our way.
"As a community, IABD has become stronger generation after generation. We should never forget the shoulders that we stand on; those who were and continue to be groundbreaking and revolutionary. This campaign is a time to reflect and honor our achievements and culture, to celebrate our community and its bright future ahead. Let’s ensure that the Black Dance narrative remains ours! We will celebrate our pioneers and our possibilities. We will shatter every stereotype and celebrate our inspirations, which have led to our aspirations, and ultimately our achievements." ~ Denise Saunders Thompson, President/CEO
Open Space is a collaboration between Francine Sheffield (Sheffield Global Arts Management) and Kristopher McDowell (KMP Artists) in partnership with The International Association of Blacks in Dance. Together, we host an Artist Connectivity Series specifically designed for Dance Artists of Color in the United States. This Connectivity Series is a casual, virtual platform for artists at all stages of their careers to engage in a dialogue about pressing issues affecting the field and dream about what our collective “next” can be. Some conversations may yield action steps, while others may be a great time to spend ninety (90) minutes in conversation with new dance friends from the comfort of your couch.
Dance Theatre of Harlem, IABD, and Dance/USA are pleased to announce The Equity Project, a three-year partnership program to support the advancement of racial equity in professional ballet companies. The Equity Project brings together a cohort of artistic and executive leaders from twenty-one large budget, professional ballet companies for in-person meetings and coaching.
Past Programs:
The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) introduces EVOLVE, a two-day regional dance summit and artist networking experience designed for the dance community. EVOLVE invites IABD members and non-members, students, professionals, and studio owners, to share their love for dance while expanding their technical proficiency and knowledge. Attendees will experience master classes, symposia and opportunities to demonstrate their talent over the two-day time frame. True to its mission, vision, and values, EVOLVE continues the IABD tradition of intergenerational learning aimed at maintaining the aesthetic and integrity of Black Dance in the American tapestry.
FRWD is a two-year program supporting smaller budget sized dance organizations utilizing customized consultancies, cohort check-ins and convenings. This cohort of up to twenty-five (25) organizations – dance academies, dance companies, dance schools – will operate with a shared concern for strengthening the next phase of the Black dance sector. A key focal point for this work is growth and sustainability and how that is achieved through the cultivation of dance artists and administrators at varying stages of their journey.
This programming is specific to our NextGeneration Leaders to support and offer continued strength and development for their organizations and artistry by investing in educational tools, cross-generational learning opportunities and leadership training.
The NextGeneration Leaders of IABD (NGL) is a leadership development program designed to:
1) identify and cultivate the next generation of Black Dance leaders; and,
2) support IABD’s desire to create a road map for building and operating
a healthier, more sustainable organization.
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Open Space: an Artist Connectivity Series
The Equity Project: Increasing the Presence of Blacks in Ballet