International Association of Blacks in Dance

This organization, now in its 15th year has served as a sounding board for dance companies around the world. From New York to Australia , dance companies of color have met, collaborated and counseled each other making the field a much more inclusive place. Philadanco founded this organization in an attempt to find a venue to discuss the needs of dance companies of color and to work with peers. While networking with our peers is one result of the founding of the Association, a tangible outcome of this unique collaboration has been the showcasing of companies throughout the country leading to more earned income opportunities for the companies. The project request from the William Penn Foundation will address a crucial need by developing an assessment of the association and plot its future impact on the field. It is the only organization of its kind and continues to be much needed by the field.