International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) Conference 2018

So I attended my first International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference and it was a tremendous experience. Just for a little background on the conference and what it entails, the Association was founded in 1991 and the first international festival occured in 1988 (you can find more information by following the hyperlink above). Throughout the week there are lectures with renowned artists, legacy and master classes from master teachers and choreographers, as well as performances from students and professi​onals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGD6k9hBInw

​ I was able to attend the final concert of the conference, The IABD Founders Showcase, which involved the founding companies, including Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Abraham. In. Motion, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Forces of Nature, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Lula Washington Dance Theatre, Deeply Rooted, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, A Dance Company, and Philadanco. Watching these incredible companies perform pushed me to realize where I ultimately want to be as a performer. I was inspired by how strong and dynamic the dancers were on stage and made me want to push myself to have that same energy in my dancing! I initially went to the conference to take part in their multi-company audition but along the way made some new friends and connections. I also was able to take a legacy master class from some of the current company members of Dallas Black Dance Theatre and a hip-hop class with teacher and choreographer Cyrian Reed.

Throughout this experience I was able to see first hand, the impact of black dance and how it can influence generations. I realized the power we possess through dance and culture and the impact it not only has on our people but the whole world. One thing that stuck with me was two of my teachers,featured above, saying that it was their job was to send me forward from high school to college and now onto my professional career, where ever that might take me. I hope that one day I too will have that impact on a student and inspire them toward greatness. Although, this was my first IABD conference and Im glad it happened to land in Los Angeles this year,I want to make an effort to attend the next one in Dayton, Ohio and I hope you do too!