Description
Beginning in 1960, the Founding Member Organizations of The International Association of Blacks in Dance, Inc. (IABD) - Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD), Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT), Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), Lula Washington Dance Theatre (LWDT), Philadanco!, The Philadelphia Dance Company (DANCO) - rooted in the Black Dance tradition, have played unique and vital roles within their individual communities and in the Dance field. Since each company's founding, they have created access and opportunity for Black Dance artists, at-risk youth, and helped to shape and develop leading administrators, arts leaders, choreographers, companies, and dancers over the last 50+ years.
These organizations have existed from 38-50 years in the Black dance field (in order of oldest to youngest) Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (1968); Philadanco!, The Philadelphia Dance Company (1970); Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (1970); Dallas Black Dance Theatre (1976); Lula Washington Dance Theatre (1980), and represent national presence in the dance field throughout the United States in California, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. They are documented historical breeders of professional dancers and considered “Mothers” to the Black dance field.
These Institutions have proven their effectiveness of leadership and development through various programs, and must continue their work artistically, in their communities and throughout the world. Over the years, IABD has seen Black-led dance companies close down operations. The struggle for these companies to keep their doors open is ongoing, whether a small to mid-sized organization, geographically isolated, or a community-based institution. The loss of these organizations is significant and weakens the dance ecosystem as a whole. While there are many contributing factors, the financial challenges of these organizations represent decades of marginalization by the arts funding infrastructure. To address this issue within the Black dance sector, IABD is partnering with the Nonprofit Finance Fund® (NFF) to pilot a capitalization project that moves beyond a conversation about the importance of equity into strategy and action.
For more info, visit https://www.iabdassociation.org/page/cohimoveoverview
