Send UNLV Dance to the IABD Conference

UNLV Dance has been invited to perform at the 28th Annual International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference (IABD) on January 20-24, 2016 in Denver, Colorado.  This prestigious organization is the largest and only one of its kind in the world and has served as a blue print for subsequent organizations in London, England and other countries.  Its mission is to advance the knowledge of the dance aesthetic of people of African descent.

This is the fifth year that UNLV Dance has been invited to attend the conference.  Due to stellar performances, UNLV Dance has been the only university, outside of the historic Howard University, represented in the slide exhibition on the IABD website along with iconic professional African American Dance companies such as Philadanco, Cleo Parker-Robinson Dance, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre. 

UNLV Dance will perform on stage with professional second companies Alvin Ailey II, Lula Washington Dance Theatre II, Dayton Contemporary II and more.  This year, ten students, including seven men, will be performing.  Men are considered underrepresented in the dance arena and UNLV Dance will present an impressive exhibition of gender and ethnic diversity.

The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) was founded by five African American women, all founders of their own successful professional companies, who recognized the need for an organization that would cater to the needs of professional dancers of color.  The conference offers three evening performances representing premier first and second internationally acclaimed dance companies. Additionally, technique classes by top artists are available, as well as dance lecture forums led by pioneers and dance icons in the field. 

It is an unprecedented opportunity to witness stellar professional African American dance companies performing in the same city under one roof.  UNLV students not only receive the privilege of viewing the companies during the four-day event, but will perform and interact with professional company members.  In the past, UNLV registrants have returned with refreshed fire and inspiration for dance that has influenced the students who did not attend.

For further information on IABD, please visit www.iabdassociation.org.  Additional information on UNLV Dance is available at http://www.unlv.edu/dance.