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DANCING WHILE BLACK

We center the voices of Black dance artists, providing opportunities to self-determine the languages and lenses that define our work. Since 2012, DWB has supported 30 emerging Black artists as Fellows, incubated more than two dozen works and held countless convenings for folx to share, connect and simply be. 

 

Dancing While Black operates at the intersection of aesthetics and organizing. Central to the work is building partnerships – with presenters, organizers, curators and artists. In our first five years, Dancing While Black established ongoing partnerships with BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange, NYU’s Hemispheric Institute of Performance and Politics, the Human Rights Project at the Urban Justice Center, PURPOSE Productions, Urban Bush Women and Junebug Productions. 

Meet our 2025 Fellows

AJ, a brown-skinned individual, sits on a bed bathed in stark blue light. Long braids cascade over her shoulders, framing her face as she gazes directly into the lens with an intense yet contemplative expression. A lightly graphic white t-shirt contrasts against the moody lighting, adding a subtle detail to her relaxed posture. Her right hand rests gently on a pillow, enhancing the stillness of the moment. The cool tones of the scene create a dreamlike, introspective atmosphere.
AJ Wilmore
They/She
This is a full-body portrait of a woman with deep brown skin sitting on a black folding chair against a neutral background. She is wearing a black oversized blazer over fitted black biker shorts, paired with bold black platform heels. Her legs are spread apart, with one foot firmly on the ground and the other extended forward. She has a confident, slightly tilted pose, resting her arms across her chest. Her face is framed by textured twists, and she wears large gold earrings, clear-framed glasses, and red lipstick. The lighting highlights the contours of her face and the shine on her skin, creating a strong and stylish presence.
Jazelynn Goudy
she/her
A light-skinned brown woman with green eyes and curly hair gazes straight ahead. Her hands have several rings on them and make a round shape around her head and chin. She wears a black top with mesh sleeves, to which various textured ribbons and materials are attached.
Dominica Greene
she/her/hers
A light-skinned Black person with bright brown eyes wearing loose fitting clothing looks in the direction of the camera.
Maya Simone Z.
they/them
The image features a person with rich brown skin and voluminous, textured afro hair that frames their face. Their expression is warm and inviting, with deep brown eyes that hold a gentle intensity. They have well-defined, arched eyebrows, a neatly groomed mustache, and a slight goatee. Their lips are slightly parted, revealing a subtle, knowing smile. They wear small gold hoop earrings in both ears, adding to their understated yet elegant style. Their bare shoulders and collarbones are visible, emphasizing the natural contours of their upper body. The lighting is soft and warm, casting gentle shadows that highlight their features against a neutral background. The overall composition exudes a sense of intimacy and quiet confidence.
Ja'Moon
He/Him
Black Caribbean American cis-male with brown skin and dark curly black hair. He is wearing a lite blue tie-dye shoulder-less long sleeve shirt, and two rings. Framing his face with his left hand on his forehead
Tyrone Bevans
He/him They/them
Dancing While Black Quote.jpg

Dancing While Black defies, celebrates, calls out, and calls forth that which has come before, that which is happening now, that which is yet to be.

 

- Amara Tabor-Smith

Image credits: Lacina Coulibaly at the Dancing While Black 10th Anniversary Culmination: HOW WE THRIVE Performance at BAAD!, May 2023 Image by Whitney Browne Photography.

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