IABD

Happy Juneteenth. And with deep pride, we introduce: Black is American Art. Over the next few months, we’re asking one question across the country: What is Black Art to you? __________ In a time when threats to Black life continue to rise and Black history gets erased, we’re reclaiming our space. We’re centering Black expression as the foundation—not the footnote—of American art and culture. We’re lifting up the voices of people, companies and works that are shaping the future of Black art and maintaining the history of Black people every day. This isn’t just a moment. It’s a movement. And your voice belongs in it. 🖤 Tell us what Black Art means to you in the comments. 🖋 Tap the link in bio to add your voice to the campaign. ______________ 🎥 Creative Studio Leads: @soulcenteratl x @studiogrand.design 🎨 Art Direction: @studiogrand.design 🎬 Director / Editor: @chattam 🎤 Poet: @shanessa_sweeney 👩🏾‍🎨 Creative Producer: @eccen_lee 📷 BTS: @zorarenee.photos #iabd #blackdancers #blackisamericanart

We broke new ground with Natasha and Omar as co-executive directors, leading in tandem—preserving history while shaping the future. Now, with Omar at the helm as Executive Director, we make another bold statement: Black dance is American art, and we are taking up our space. #iabd

The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) is proud to receive the National Medal of Arts. Receiving this National Medal of Arts award is a significant milestone in the history of this organization. It acknowledges the work, years of dedication by so many and endless contributions of Black people in Dance. We are so honored.

In a time when threats to Black life continue to rise and Black history gets erased, we’re reclaiming our space. We’re centering Black expression as the foundation—not the footnote—of American art and culture. We’re lifting up the voices of people, companies and works that are shaping the future of Black art and maintaining the history of Black people every day. 🎥 Creative Studio Leads: @soulcenteratl x @studiogrand.design 🎨 Art Direction: @studiogrand.design 🎬 Director / Editor: @chattam 👩🏾‍🎨 Creative Producer & Interviewer: @eccen_lee #iabd #blackdancers

Happy Wellness Wednesday. ✨ In the spirit of Teacher & Mentor Appreciation, we reflect on the words of Maya Angelou: “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” A reminder that knowledge, care, and opportunity are meant to be shared — and that the impact of great teachers and mentors continues far beyond the moment. 📷: Scott Robbins (@geekwithalens

This IABD Member Monday, we celebrate the 2025 - 2026 Black Art Fund for Dance Awardees! The IABD Black Art Fund for Dance is dedicated in supporting the creative process for individuals and organizations working within the dance ecosystem and rooted in their communities. This fund is made possible through a partnership with the Wallace Foundation’s Advancing Well-Being in the Arts Initiative, which champions small arts organizations (annual budgets under $500,000) founded by, for, and with communities of color.  The 25-26 Awardees are: Alanna Morris / I A.M. Arts Wimaumau, FL Alyah Baker / Ballet for Black and Brown Bodies Raleigh, NC BlackLight Largo, MD Brotherhood Dance INC Columbus, OH Brownbody St. Paul, MN Chloe and Maud Foundation Washington, DC Circle O Arts LLC Bronx, NY Diamamo Coura West African Dance Company Oakland, CA Empower School of Movement Durham, NC The F.I.L.E.S. Arts Project Birmingham, AL Forces of Nature Dance Theatre New York, NY Howard University Dance Program Washington, DC Institute for Dunham Technique Certification Altadena, CA JazzAntiqua Dance & Music Ensemble (Jazzantiqua Inc) Los Angeles, CA Joel Hall Dancers & Center Chicago, IL Jo-Mé Dance Theatre Jamaica Plane, MA JONES HAYWOOD DANCE SCHOOL Washington DC Making A Difference Dancing (MADD Rhythms Organization) Chicago, Illinois Nia's Daughter Movement Collective Missouri City, TX NowNext by NN New York, NY RSA of Dance & Performing Arts Houston, TX Seewe African Dance Company, Inc. New York, NY SOLE Defined Landover, MD Urban Jazz Dance Company San Francisco, CA waheedworks Philadelphia, PA

Educators do more than teach technique, they nurture confidence, creativity, culture, and community. This Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrate those creating spaces where Black artists are seen, supported, and able to thrive. Thank you for all that you do. #TeacherAppreciationWeek #BlackCreatives #CreativeCommunity #IABD

To close out Internship Appreciation Month, we’re celebrating Intern Appreciation Day by honoring the incredible interns who help keep IABD’s globe turning. Meet Brooklyn Momon – IABD Development Intern From brainstorming fresh ideas to supporting programs on the ground, our interns bring energy, creativity, and dedication to everything they do. Join us in celebrating Brooklyn’s impact and cheering her on as she grows into the next generation of leaders.

To close out Internship Appreciation Month, we’re celebrating Intern Appreciation Day by honoring the incredible interns who help keep IABD’s globe turning. Meet Bruktawit “Tawi” Mekonnen – IABD Membership Intern From brainstorming fresh ideas to supporting programs on the ground, our interns bring energy, creativity, and dedication to everything they do. Join us in celebrating Tawi’s impact and cheering her on as she grows into the next generation of leaders. #InternAppreciationMonth #InternAppreciationDay #IABD

To close out Internship Appreciation Month, we’re celebrating Intern Appreciation Day by honoring the incredible interns who help keep IABD’s globe turning. Meet Bria Nance – IABD Programs Intern From brainstorming fresh ideas to supporting programs on the ground, our interns bring energy, creativity, and dedication to everything they do. Join us in celebrating Bria’s impact and cheering her on as she grows into the next generation of leaders. #InternAppreciationMonth #InternAppreciationDay #IABD

We have 2 more days left in April, so let’s make the most of Internship Appreciation Month by continuing to spotlight the interns who help keep IABD’s globe turning. Meet Gracie Carpenter – IABD Communications Intern From brainstorming fresh ideas to supporting programs on the ground, our interns bring energy, creativity, and dedication to everything they do. Join us in celebrating Gracie’s impact and cheering her on as she grows into the next generation of leaders. #InternAppreciationMonth #IABD

In celebration of International Dance Day, we’re handing over the mic (and the feed) to a very special guest! Get ready for a full day of culture, movement, and creativity as they bring you into their world. #IABD #InternationalDanceDay #IGTakeover