As we step into 2026, I’m honored and truly excited to introduce myself as your new Membership Director at the International Association of Blacks in Dance. Joining IABD feels less like starting a new role and more like coming home… just with a new title, a longer to-do list, and a deep sense of purpose for the year ahead.
My journey in dance and my understanding of IABD began in Dallas, Texas, through the Dallas Black Dance Academy and DBDT II at Dallas Black Dance Theatre, where I learned excellence, discipline, and legacy… and very quickly learned that showing up late was not an option. Those early years taught me not only how to move, but how to carry myself with pride, humility, and responsibility to the lineage I was stepping into lessons I’m still unpacking (and deeply grateful for) today.
That foundation carried me into what became a defining chapter of my life: more than a decade with Step Afrika! As a performer, I had the privilege of touring nationally and internationally sharing Black American and South African dance traditions on stages around the world (yes, even with jet lag). As an administrator, I gained a deeper appreciation for what it takes to sustain mission-driven organizations: building programs, managing systems, supporting artists, and keeping all the moving parts moving. I learned that the work behind the curtain is just as important as the work on stage.
Dance has given me far more than a career - it has given me community, clarity, and countless reminders that Black dance is both an art form and a lifeline. It has shaped me as a professional and, just as importantly, as a human being. Through dance, I’ve learned leadership, collaboration, and how to listen deeply.
That belief in the power of Black dance is what brings me to IABD.
As Membership Director, my goal is simple: to lead with intention, keep things clear and accessible, and center the people who make this community what it is. Membership isn’t just a box to check - it’s a relationship, and I take that seriously. Whether you’re a student just beginning your journey, an independent artist forging your own lane, or an institution stewarding decades of legacy, you belong here.
Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited to strengthen connections, improve systems, and create space for meaningful dialogue—with transparency, care, and a little bit of [Black boy] joy along the way. This year holds so much possibility, and I’m grateful to be moving forward in it with you.
Thank you for the warm welcome. I can’t wait to get to work—with you.
In rhythm and community,
Joe Murchison
Membership Director, International Association of Blacks in Dance
