Memphis’ Own, Collage Dance, Is Hosting the Ultimate Black Dance Conference and Festival
For the first time in Memphis and first time back in the South since 2018, The 34th Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance is a four-day celebration for dance enthusiasts from all over the world to engage in one space.
For the first time in Memphis and first time back in the South since 2018, The 34th Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance is a four-day celebration for dance enthusiasts from all over the world to engage in one space.
The conference is presented by Memphis’ own Collage Dance Collective and The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD), two of the most prestigious ballet companies in America.

A Love Letter to Black Dance
From January 24-28, 2024, the conference and festival will bring over 1,000 attendees, 70+ international dancemakers from 12 countries, and over 40 dance companies to Memphis to advocate and celebrate Black dance. Attendees include anywhere from professionals to choreographers to artists. Don’t let your skill level discourage you, any amount of dance experience is welcome to attend. On-site registration starts January 24th.
This year, the legacy continues with the theme being, “Can’t Turn You Loose: A Love Letter to Black Dance.”
Marcellus Harper, Collage Dance Executive Director, stated, “We align with the IABD’s mission to promote dance and increase opportunities, particularly for Black artists, through advocacy, education, performance, and more, and couldn’t be more excited to welcome industry professionals and eager attendees to our vibrant hometown.”

To Promote A Vibrant Future For Dance
The 34th Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance provides four days of programming that allows attendees to engage in the history and culture of dance through master classes, social events, performances, and more. The conference and festival is also a major networking space to further your dance career and to promote a vibrant future for dance.
Three pillars of the conference’s programming aim participants to move, talk, and learn. You move through midnight dance classes, lecture demonstrations, and movement workshops. You talk in roundtable discussions, networking, and other social gatherings. And lastly, you learn through films, digital presentations, lectures and more.

Celebrate Good Times, Come On!
Want to join in on the fun apart from attending the conference? There are five ticketed performances that are open to the public:
- January 24, 2024: Memphis Regional Artists Performance curated by Collage Dance at 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre
- January 25, 2024: Youth and College Artists Performance at 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre
- January 26, 2024: Established Artists Performance at 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre
- January 27, 2024: IABD Founders & Invited Guests Performance at 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre
- January 28, 2024: Gospel Performance and Scholarship Awards Brunch at 9 a.m. at the Renasant Convention Center

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