9 Internationally Acclaimed Black Dance Companies Besides Alvin Ailey

Deeply Rooted Rehearsals and Performance, Thursday, October 26, 2006. Photo courtesy of DeeplyRootedProductions.org Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (Chicago) According to their official website, DRDT is Chicago's premier contemporary dance theater rooted in the African-American aesthetic. The company performs pieces from esteemed choreographers, tours nationally and internationally, and produces two seasons each year in Chicago. The dance theater was founded on the mission of re-imagining and transforming the "aesthetics of contemporary dance by bringing together modern, classical, and African-American traditions in dance." Dancers from the Dimensions Dance Theater. Photo courtesy of SFWeekly.com Dimensions Dance Theater (Oakland, California) Dimensions Dance Theater is known for its performances which display "both traditional dances and contemporary choreography drawn from African, Jazz, and Modern dance idioms." The company's unique and diverse repertoire adds to its notoriety for innovative movement. DDT has traveled to many countries around the world including Nigeria, Cuba, Jordan, Germany and Zimbabwe. Per their website, the company has also become largely recognized for its cross cultural and issues-oriented partnerships, "bridging cultural, racial, and ethnic differences through the arts." Dancers of the Dallas Black Dance Theater. Photo courtesy of DBDT.com Dallas Black Dance Theater (Dallas, Texas) The Dallas Black Dance Theater, established in 1976 by Ann Williams, was created to encourage minority boys and girls to express their creativity through dance and the arts. It began as a community-based semi-professional organization but has since grown into a fully professional dance company. According to DBDT.com, the theater is known for its "its rich cultural diversity, history of inclusion, and high-level of artistic excellence in contemporary modern dance and educational programs." The company has performed in 31 states and 14 countries including Peru, Austria, Japan, Italy, Canada, Great Britain, Uganda and South Africa. The Philadelphia Dance Company. Photo courtesy of StAugustine.com PHILADANCO (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) - Founded by Joan Myers Brown in 1970, the Philadelphia Dance Company, also known as PHILADANCO, was formed to provide opportunities for Black dancers, who were often systematically barred from joining local dance schools. The troupe has blossomed into a professional dance company and is rooted in the principles of "providing opportunity, inclusion and hope" to dancers of color. PHILADANCO performs sold-out shows nationally and internationally for audiences of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble performing "Uhuru." Photo courtesy of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (Denver, Colorado) The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble is internationally acclaimed and recognized as one of the leading African-American modern dance companies. According to its website, the troupe performs a diverse body of work "inspired by the African-American experience and rooted in ethnic and modern dance traditions." CPRD has been seen by over 20,000 people in the United States and has traveled to over 20 countries on five continents. Members of the Lula Washington Dance Theater performing “We Wore the Mask” at the Lincoln Center Out of Doors festival. Photo by Michelle V. Agins/The New York Times Lula Washington Dance Theater (Los Angeles) Lula and Erwin Washington founded the Lula Washington Dance Theater in 1980. The Los Angeles-based company uses dance to address social and philanthropic issues, while incorporating aspects of Black history and culture into their pieces. The ensemble has grown to "become one of the most admired African-American contemporary dance companies in the West – known for powerful, high-energy dancing, unique choreography." LWDT has performed at a number of venues across the United States and tours internationally, appearing at theaters in Germany, Spain, Mexico and St. Croix. The Step Afrika! Dance Company. Photo courtesy of Herald-Review.com Step Afrika! (Washington, D.C.) - Step Afrika!, founded in 1994, is the first professional dance ensemble dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Per the company's website, it is among the top 10 African-American dance companies in the United States. The company fuses the percussive dance styles of historically Black fraternities and sororities with traditional African dance. Their shows also integrate the art of storytelling, song, and humor. Step Afrika! utilizes stepping as a teaching tool for youth to encourage teamwork, academic excellence, and cross-cultural understanding. The company tours nationally and internationally with upcoming performances in Europe and the Middle East. The Forces of Nature Dance Theatre Company performing "Rhythm Tree." Photo courtesy of ForcesOfNature.org Forces of Nature Dance Theatre Company (New York, NY) - The Forces of Nature Dance Theatre was founded by Abdel R. Salaam and Olabamidele Husbands in 1981. The theatre's official website describes the company as a cultural matrix "centered in an African and an American intelligence that is global and environmental." Forces of Nature boasts a unique combination of dance styles, including traditional West African Dance, contemporary modern dance, hip-hop and even martial arts. The company tours internationally and has presented works in The First International Black Dance Festival (UK), The International Dance Theater in Aruba, and the 2nd International Grand Festival of Mexico. The KanKouran West African Dance Company. Photo courtesy of KanKouran.org KanKouran West African Dance Company (Washington, D.C.) - Assane Konte and Senegal native Abdou Kounta founded KanKouran in 1983. The mission of the dance company is to preserve and promote the traditional culture of West Africa. According to its website, the ensemble is run much like a a traditional African community where "each individual understands his or her role in maintaining the oneness of the community to the benefit of the entire community." KanKouran's glowing reputation has led to various partnerships and collaborations with various institutions across the globe, like the Maui Dance Council, the Japan Cultural Arts Center, and the Island Center for the Performing Arts in St. Croix.

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