The 33rd Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance

The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) in partnership with dance Immersion presents the 33rd Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance, Globally Connected: What Does Our Tomorrow Hold? on January 25-29, 2023 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Continuing its legacy as the broadest international gathering of Black Dance professionals, agents, artistic directors, artists, choreographers, company managers, executive directors, historians, presenters, scholars, teachers, and many others, the conference and festival remains the most diverse place to share ideas, cultures and experiences.

The event is a pioneering four-day dance experience where attendees will engage in a multitude of invaluable opportunities expanding their understanding of dance history and technique through Conference and Festival programming that includes an awards celebration, meals and social events, a membership town hall, performances and sessions. Now – 33 years later – the conference and festival draws hundreds of people, and boasts an economic impact on the communities that it serves. All are invited to the conference and festival. The event is for everyone of all ages.

“After a two-year hiatus, we are thrilled to be back!” said Denise Saunders Thompson, CEO and President of The International Association of Blacks in Dance. “The opportunity to gather again in person to share and learn and grow is invaluable, and we are pleased to also offer the opportunity for virtual attendance this year.”

Engage in your love of the art form while networking with your peers through the implementation of their Conference and Festival track system: ARTIST (18+, Choreographers, College Students, and Professionals), EDUCATION (Educators, Parents, Researchers, and Scholars), LEADERSHIP (Agents/Managers, Artistic/Executive Directors, Funders, Staff and Studio Owners), and YOUTH (10-18, Grade and High School Students).

This gathering of the national and international dance community is the perfect opportunity to learn from and share experiences with dance artists from around the world. The Conference and Festival engages each registrant to promote a vibrant future for dance.

The curated programming is designed to make participants move, talk and learn:

MOVE: Lecture Demonstration – An interactive presentation incorporating a topic of discussion through music and dance. Movement Workshop – The exploration of the body and its ability to adapt and move though space.

TALK: Roundtable – A forum motivated by a specific topic and the desire to discuss and debate. Workshop – An intensive experience that provides the tools and knowledge required to explore and further the development of your craft.

LEARN: Digital Presentation – A visual presentation which has components and content that are accessible through technology that help you better convey your message and illustrate your material. Film – A motion picture that stimulates experiences that communicate ideas, stories and perceptions. Lecture – An oral presentation that presents critical information about a particular subject. Panel – An intimate conversation between colleagues centered on a topic, question or idea presented to an audience.

For more information and to register, visit iabdassociation.org/mpage/conference2023.