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.

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.

Scott Robbins- Geek With A Lens

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.”

Scott Robbins- Geek With A Lens

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. 
 

Dawit Tibebu

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:

About the Author

Hey there! I’m Tyra Johnson, writer and content creator for the I Love Memphis Blog. I'm a Memphis native and after a few years away, I'm back home. I love art, good eats, and live music. Join me in reclaiming my passion for Memphis, mane.

Why do you love Memphis:

Memphis has so much personality-- the people, food, music-- it just all feels good! We have so much to be proud of when speaking about the city. Also, I'm big on memories, and most of my core memories involve Memphis.

What's on your Memphis playlist?

Stay Fly by Three 6 Mafia. It's the PERFECT hype song!

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