IABD Brings Regional Dance Program to Atlanta in April

The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) has partnered with Anthony Burrell Center for Dance, Atlanta Dance Connection, and Ballethnic Dance Company to provide a convening of Atlanta artists to learn and share together through EVOLVE | Atlanta. Tri-Cities High School's Visual & Performing Arts Magnet Program lends its East Point, GA location, April 13 & 14, 2019, as dancers ages 13+ take part in a weekend of master classes, symposia, summer intensive scholarship auditions, networking reception and receive a ticket to the EVOLVE dance showcase. Administrators and professionals in dance are also invited to convene at Ballethnic Dance Company for a roundtable discussion on the Atlanta dance scene Sunday, April 14 at 9:30am.

Composed of an Atlanta-based faculty, technically proficient dancers have the opportunity to train in a variety of techniques including jazz, hip hop, contemporary and ballet at intermediate and advanced levels. This experienced dance faculty has credits in television, film, Broadway, and set work on internationally-acclaimed dance companies. A summer intensive scholarship audition is offered on Saturday afternoon for dancers who are interested in continued training (included in program registration). Allyne Gartrell, Founder/Artistic Director, Atlanta Dance Connection and Anthony Burrell, Founder, Anthony Burrell Center for Dance, and Nena Gilreath and Savery Morgan, Ballethnic Dance Company will set work on participants to be premiered in the Sunday afternoon showcase.

"It is important to unite and collaborate to share the collective resources of our community", says Nena Gilreath of Ballethnic Dance Company. Facilitated by IABD President/CEO, Denise Saunders Thompson, Atlanta dance leaders, studio owners, instructors, choreographers, and enthusiasts of all genres are encouraged to attend and engage in a dialogue on the needs of their community and its growth and future. "Being a native of Atlanta, I have had the opportunity to see the dance industry grow and change over the decades. EVOLVE comes at the right time, as the lack of local collaborations needs to be addressed, while also encouraging the education of our history in dance and bridging the generational gap to remind us that all forms of dance are important and necessary for the longevity of our art form," says Gartrell.

EVOLVE is a two-day artist networking experience designed for the dance community in IABD member regions. EVOLVE invites IABD members and non-members, students, professionals, and studio owners to share their love for dance while expanding their technical proficiency and knowledge through this transformative dance experience. True to its mission, vision, and values, EVOLVE continues the IABD tradition of intergenerational learning aimed at maintaining the aesthetic and integrity of Black Dance in the American tapestry.

"This program is necessary because the Black Dance community and Atlanta market are incredibly rich with talent and history. We share in the connectivity of commercial and concert dance, and I'm elated to take part in this program as a new addition to this community to also bridge the gap between "old school and new school," says Burrell. To share the diversity and range of talent in Atlanta, the weekend culminates with a showcase presentation, open to the public, at Tri-Cities High School Sunday afternoon. EVOLVE registrants are encouraged to submit performance pieces for adjudication.

"IABD's focus on nurturing and supporting growth, knowledge, and visibility begins with implementing programs that fulfill its mission. EVOLVE provides aspects of what is experienced at our Annual International Conference and Festival, but on a localized scale and tailored to the regional needs of the dance community. The opportunity to hold a convening of commercial and concert dance with our new program is our gift to my home city", says Omar Ingram, IABD Programs Director.

For additional programing information, email: programs@iabdassociation.org

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