This year, the theme of Black History Month at the White House is “Honoring the Past While Celebrating the Present; 7 Years of Living African American History.” As part of this celebration, First Lady Michelle Obama will highlight the contributions African American women have made to dance by hosting a day-long dance workshop for local students.

The First Lady will welcome 51 local Washington, D.C. students to the White House. These students will work with iconic leaders in dance, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Judith Jamison, Debbie Allen, the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Virginia Johnson, and Hip-Hop choreographer Fatima Robinson. Each of these women have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of African American women and girls in dance.

12:30pm ET – In the afternoon, the First Lady will join Judith Jamison, Debbie Allen, Virginia Johnson, and Fatima Robinson for a panel discussion. The panelists will take questions from the students in the audience on a variety of topics including self-confidence, health, hard work, and overcoming adversity.

4:15pm ET – Later In the evening, the First Lady will deliver remarks and introduce a student presentation. As a culmination of the workshops, these young dancers will tell the story of African American history and culture through dance.

Excited to be in DC for #DanceAtTheWhiteHouse with @fatima_noir & @dancetheatreofharlem’s Virginia Johnson! #BlackHistoryMonth

A photo posted by Debbie Allen (@therealdebbieallen) on Feb 8, 2016 at 7:25am PST

#ALVINAILEY dancer Jacqueline Green leads a group of young ladies in Mr. Ailey’s signature movement from his “Revelations.” @whitehouse @jagreen711 Stay tuned for more photos from @michelleobama’s #DanceattheWhiteHouse #BlackHistoryMonth celebration! #AILEYinDC #instaAILEY #AILEYontour

A photo posted by Alvin Ailey (@alvinailey) on Feb 8, 2016 at 8:42am PST

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Stop / The madness / Freeze frame / Take a good look at this picture

Three-time Emmy Award-winning choreographer/director extraordinaire Debbie Allen wants those who witness her Freeze Frame production to consider where they fit into the picture on gun violence in America. Written, directed and choreographed by Allen, the U.S. premiere event is described as a live experience and call to action. Stories of the passion and pain of Los Angeles’ toughest streets are set amid a dance-driven musical along with cinema and theatre.

Public performances are Feb. 5-7, at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California. The production run kicks off with a gala performance Feb. 4, presented by Allen and award-winning journalist Maria Shriver. Shriver’s Architects of Change initiative will ignite and reframe the conversation about America’a relationship with violence – a conversation that starts with self and ultimately one that can begin to change the country, according to Shriver.

According to Allen, the Freeze Frame project – which began as a film – was conceived when she was part of the film and television installments of Fame during the 1980s. She was upset about the violence in her community and wanted to use her art to do something about addressing the issue.

In a television news interview, Allen said the project’s title demands and asks: “Stop. Look at this picture. Where do you fit into this picture? How can you change what’s getting ready to happen?” The premise of the show pits an innocent young child against circumstance, as he is in danger of being shot by the police. Inspired by real-life narratives, Allen explained Freeze Frame provides a voice to young people, the police and pro- and anti-gun activists alike.

In January, The White House under President Obama’s Administration ordered executive actions to reduce gun violence and make communities safer. The Office of the Press Secretary released:

Over the past decade in America, more than 100,000 people have been killed as a result of gun violence – and millions more have been the victim of assaults, robberies, and other crimes involving a gun. Many of these crimes were committed by people who never should have been able to purchase a gun in the first place. Over the same period, hundreds of thousands of other people in our communities committed suicide with a gun and nearly half a million people suffered other gun injuries. Hundreds of law enforcement officers have been shot to death protecting their communities. And too many children are killed or injured by firearms every year, often by accident.

Allen considers Freeze Frame – which had its world premiere at the Brisbane Festival in Australia in 2013 – as one of her most important works. The founder of Debbie Allen Dance Academy and sister to Tony winner Phylicia Rashad has been an artist in residence at the Kennedy Center for more than 15 years. In addition to directing for Broadway (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof; Carrie), Allen has contributed her expertise to: Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder, Empire, A Different World, Everybody Hates Chris, That’s So Raven, Stompin’ At The Savoy, and The Fantasia Barrino Story.

Featuring artists from Allen’s dance academy alongside seasoned performers, proceeds will benefit the renowned academy. Shows are 8pm Friday and Saturday, with 3pm and 12 noon matinees on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The production contains strong language. Purchase tickets HERE.

Join the conversation at #FreezeFrameLA.

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The five-day conference is hosted by world-renowned Cleo Parker Robinson Dance in Denver, CO, and will feature performances by some the Black dance world’s elite and emerging companies. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Atlanta Dance Connection, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, IMAGINE…Dance Theater of Camden, and Philadanco! The Philadelphia Dance Company are among 30 dance companies who will perform a broad spectrum of dance genres and styles.

Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, founder and artistic director of Urban Bush Women will present the keynote at the historic event, which has been called a celebration of “dance from the African Diaspora.”

According to Malik Robinson, executive director of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, “Culture is a powerful factor in the self-determination equation. Black dance does not exist without critical thought, study, examination and discipline.”

The conference also will offer dance master classes, development workshops and panel sessions, lecture demonstrations, and networking for dance pre-professionals and professionals. Additionally, IABD will host its 1st Annual Ballet Audition for Women of Color with more than 15 participating U.S. premier ballet companies on January 24.

The IABD was founded to preserve and promote dance by people of African ancestry or origin, and assists and increases opportunities for artists in networking, funding, performance, education, audience development, philosophical dialogue, touring and advocacy.

For more information on the conference and to register, visit here.

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During an interview with Urban Bush Babies, the young ladies showed off how insightful they are at their young age. They discussed being awarded a scholarship, what it means to work hard, and one of their idols Misty Copeland. saying “I went to meet her,” said Nia. “She was really nice. She’s humble, a good dancer, and not cocky.” “And she’s a good influence,” Imani chimed in. “She’s not like Miley Cyrus at all.”

In a time when Black youth are rising in the arts and their voices are more prevalent in the fight for justice, Whitney Houston’s “The Greatest Love Of All” is quite true: the children are the future. These two young ladies are proof of that, continuing to break the mold and exist in spaces that traditionally aren’t “for us.” It’s a good reminder to see when the youth do something positive and groundbreaking. It’s our responsibility to lift them up and to encourage them to never give up on their dreams. This one is for you Nia and Imani. Broadway Black always has your back.

Check the talented duo in a video below! For more, you can subscribe to their YouTube channel here!

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The work of former Parsons Dance Company member Robert Battle, is being featured as part of the program and we couldn’t be more excited!

Robert Battle has accomplished a lot since his days with Parsons Dance. The Julliard alumnus founded his own Battleworks Dance Company in 2001, before taking the reins as artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2011–all before the age of 43. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has long been a conduit of expression for the African-American cultural experience through modern dance.

Battle is a talented dancer, an accomplished artistic director, and in the midst of all his responsibilities running a prestigious dance company, he is still a highly sought after choreographer. #WERK

His choreography has earned him the title “Master of African-American Choreography” by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 2005 and the Princess Grace Statue Award. After touring the world with Battleworks, his choreography has made a home with many companies, such as Ballet Memphis, Hubbard Street Repertory Ensemble, and River North Chicago Dance Company. 

Battle’s abstract, energetic, and forward moving Train was created for River North Chicago Dance Company in 2008. Those of us in New York know a couple of things about trains. I don’t know about y’all, but one of my goals is to stop worrying about what I can’t control… AKA the Metropolitan Transit Authority and their faulty trains. We’re hoping Battle’s choreography will give a brand new energy and raw excitement to our daily commute in 2016.

Train will be part of programs A and B at Joyce Theater.

Program A: Jan 20 at 7:30pm; Jan 21 at 8pm; Jan 22 at 8pm; Jan 23 at 8pm; Jan 24 at 7:30pm; Jan 26 at 7:30pm; Jan 27 at 7:30pm; Jan 28 at 8pm; Jan 29 at 8pm; Jan 30 at 8pm; Jan 31 at 7:30pm Finding Center, Union, Train, Almah, Caught, Nascimento

Program B: Jan 23 at 2pm; Jan 24 at 2pm; Jan 30 at 2pm; Jan 31 at 2pm Almah, Hand Dance, Train, Caught, Whilaway

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Yes, my heart just stopped too. 

We’re talking 1990s Los Angeles. 

FILA. Bucket hats. And bright colors.

Street dancers. Pac. And box braids.

But most importantly the raw, authentic choreography of Fatima Robinson.

Right now the show is untitled and in the early stages of development, but what we do know is we’re in for a treat as we travel back in time to see the birth of hip-hop dance. 

Robinson is what we like to call a “heavyweight” in the industry. Revered as “one of the most sought-after hip-hop and popular music choreographers in the world” by the New York Times, she has worked with Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Leona Lewis, Sade, Prince, Rihanna, Cheryl Cole, Snoop, and  Mary J. Blige.

She was the mastermind behind the 2011 Super Bowl Halftime show with the Black Eyed Peas, 2012 Coachella Tupac Hologram, and HBO Inauguration event for President Barack Obama. Robinson made history as the second Black woman to choreograph the Oscars in 2007 and 2009. As if  that wasn’t enough WERK to fill a career, her film choreography includes the mega hit Dreamgirls, as well as Sparkle, Charlie Wilson’s War, American Gangster, Public Enemy, Ali, and Confessions of a Shopaholic.

I think NBC has struck gold yet again. The Robinson-Meron-Zadan team has worked so well in the past— The Oscars, The Wiz Live!, and well, let’s hope the third time proves to be a charm.

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‘Flesh and Bone’ takes viewers on a tour of the seedy underbelly of the fiercely competitive world of ballet. Figgins bares almost all as a stripper with sage advice. Her characters name is the “Yasmine” and Figgins show us a completely different side of her talent as she bares all for that almighty dollar dollar bill ya’ll.

Have you caught your favorite exotic dancer #yasmine on fleshandbone_starz Catch up now on Starz!… https://t.co/8BCYulCcRS

— FigginsDaLip (@DionneFiggins) November 30, 2015

Figgins on-screen magic certainly left fans wanting to see more!

well,TY Dionne~It's a pleasure~watching @FleshandBoneSTZ now~& hoping u appear/dance a bit more~I see u play a Mama~ https://t.co/wU3hTbI6wF

— JCG, PhD (@PlanetJCG) December 1, 2015

Figgins is working hard to continuously establish herself as triple threat with notable accomplishments in dance, singing and acting. And while she stays busy on stage and in front of camera, she also makes time to remember the less fortunate through her work as co-founder of Broadway Serves, a service organization comprised of members of the Broadway community who are looking to “be the change we want to see in the world.” Figgins is a powerhouse who cares and we just can’t get enough!

Check Dionne Figgins out on ‘Flesh and Bones’ a STARZ original. All episodes are currently available now On Demand and STARZ play. Let us know what you think!

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Page is no stranger to the stage, either on Broadway or in St. Louis. He made his Broadway debut starring in an all Black 1976 revival of Guys and Dolls.  A year later he took on the role of the Cowardly Lion in the hit Broadway production of The Wiz. He was an original cast member in Ain’t Misbehavin’ for which he won his Drama Desk Award. Page also originated the role of Old Deuteronomy in the 1982 Broadway production of Cats. Stretching his talents across Broadway, Off-Broadway, The West End, and regionally, Page has worked up a diverse career! Most recently he wrote and directed Café Chanson for Upstream Theatre which garnered recognition from the St. Louis Critics Awards, including nominations for both Best New Play and Best Director.  As if his career on stage wasn’t enough, Page also has his fair share of television and film credits. He has been seen in some of my childhood favorites such as “Touched By An Angel” and “Family Matters,” and voiced “Oogie Boogie” in the cult classic, “Nightmare Before Christmas.” Let us not forget to mention Page’s presence in the 2006 film, “Dreamgirls!” 

With a career spanning over 40 years, it’s a no brainer to see what this man has up his sleeves. He’s attributing a lot of what makes this show work to the wonderful cast that’s on board. He says:

 A play is, after all is said and done, in the hands of the cast, and what a wonderful cast I have! I can’t wait to see them all shine.

Sublime Intimacy is produced by Max & Louie Productions and stars Alfredo Sullivan (Dance Theatre of Harlem) as The Dancer. The rest of the cast includes: Bethany Barr, John Flack, J. Samuel David, Luke Streingruby, and Reginald Pierre. 

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One festival that continues the tradition is the Breakin’ Convention 2015: International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre. Since 2004, Artistic Director and Founder Jonzi D, an associate artist at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, has sought to influence the development of the UK British Hip Hop dance and theatre scene.

Breakin’ Convention is the award-winning and critically acclaimed organisation that represents the origins and evolution of hip hop culture from around the world and around the corner. Working with the most respected, innovative and inspirational artists, Breakin’ Convention seeks to position hip hop dance alongside more historically established art forms, through our world-renowned international festivals, professional development, youth projects and educational programme.

This year, the convention will be held at the prestigious Apollo Theatre in New York. The convention runs October 16-18th and according to the website will feature,

…the best New York, U.S. and international poppers, lockers, house dancers, b boy and b girls. A packed program offers everything from mainstream to experimental, showcasing all the hallmarks of the genre – explosive energy, intricate step sequences, spot on synchronicity and choreography that crackles with wit.

Prior to the official Breakin Convention, there will be master classes taught by Jonzi D, free Hip Hop lessons and  a panel discussion by performing artists from around the world who will discuss how they integrate hip-hop choreography and theater in their work. The convention is sure to teach inspire and continue the legacy of break dancing. For more information, or to purchase tickets to the event, click here.

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World Premieres

Robert Battle’s Awakening
Battle uses his taut, ritualistic style to powerful effect in a dance that expertly balances chaos and resolution, dissonance and harmony. His first new work since becoming artistic director in 2011 is set to a symphonic score by frequent collaborator John Mackey.

Rennie Harris’ Exodus
In an electrifying piece called “one of the best made for Ailey in recent years” (The New York Times), Harris imbues his signature house dance moves with uncommon depth.

Ronald K. Brown’s Open Door
Renowned for his fusion of African and modern dance, Brown adds new flavor to his signature style, setting this work to recordings by Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra.

Kyle Abraham’s Untitled America: First Movement
In the first installment of a 3-part suite to be completed in 2016, Abraham – a MacArthur ‘genius grant’ winner – explores the lasting impact of the prison system on individuals and their families.

Company Premieres

Robert Battle’s No Longer Silent
A long-forgotten score by Erwin Schulhoff, a Jewish composer banned in Nazi Germany, inspired this searing, large ensemble work, which shows off “a different side of Ailey” (The New York Times).

Paul Taylor’s Piazzolla Caldera
Astor Piazzolla’s fiery tango music sets the stage for a series of sizzling encounters – some predatory, some playful.

 New Productions

Alvin Ailey’s Blues Suite
Ailey’s first masterpiece launched his company in 1958 and still poignantly conjures the sorrow, humor and humanity of the music he called “hymns to the secular regions of the soul.” Performed with a live, on-stage band.

Judith Jamison’s A Case of You
This duet – an excerpt from Jamison’s 2005 Reminiscin’ – is a “steamy, emotionally intense” (The New York Times) showstopper danced to Diana Krall’s sultry rendition of the classic Joni Mitchell song.

Alvin Ailey’s Cry
Ever since Judith Jamison debuted this tour-de-force in 1971, it has been an unforgettable standout in the Ailey repertory, depicting the struggle of women throughout history who overcame ruthless hardship to arise triumphant.

Alvin Ailey’s Love Songs
A male counterpart to Cry, this lyrical solo from 1972 offers an emotional journey through love and longing, to a suite of songs recorded by Donny Hathaway and Nina Simone.

Talley Beatty’s Toccata
This high-spirited romp – a section from Beatty’s longer work, Come and Get the Beauty of It Hot – evokes the energy of the city streets, illuminating his genius for using the jazz idiom to its fullest expressive and musical effect.

Returning favorites include After the Rain Pas de Deux, Bad Blood, Caught, Four Corners , Grace, LIFT, Memoria
Night Creature, ODETTA, Polish Pieces,Revelations and Uprising 

If you haven’t yet experienced the exciting, powerfully inspired creativity that defines an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance, this season at the New York City Center is bound to make you a lifetime fan. The website even has a handy tool to assist you in selecting the best performances for you whether its your first time attending or you are a long time supporter. With tickets starting at $25, this is a season you don’t want to miss. For more information, click here.

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