Black Artists Dance Collective

Overview

The Black Artists Dance Collective (TBADC) is a nonprofit organization located in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to empowering and inspiring young Black dancers by providing extensive dance education and mentorship. It was formed by a group of professional dancers who recognized the need to support young Black dancers in their hometown, particularly during the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020[1][2].

Founding Members

TBADC was founded by an alliance of veteran performers in the concert dance, Broadway, and commercial dance industries. Its founding members include Shonica Gooden, Jamal Kamau White, Amber Jackson, Terrance Martin, Wendell Gray, Brianne Sellars, Takia Hopson, Danielle Swatzie, and Vinson Fraley[1].

Mission and Programs

TBADC aims to bridge the gap between the Atlanta Black dance community and the broader dance world through various initiatives. The organization focuses on education, community building, and philanthropy. It conducts master classes and provides mentorship from top industry professionals to uplift, support, and inspire Atlanta's Black dance community[2].

Tuition-Free Intensives

One of TBADC's most notable initiatives is its tuition-free dance intensive program. Initially launched as a three-day program in 2022, it has evolved into a two-week summer intensive open to Black teens from Atlanta. The intensive curriculum includes ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, contemporary, improvisation, Afro dance styles, musical theater, conditioning, acting, and vocal performance, along with mindfulness and dance business seminars[1].

The second week of the summer intensive focuses on college preparation, educating dancers and their families about dance degree programs, the audition process, and securing financial aid. The program also invites college representatives to conduct on-site auditions, providing a unique opportunity for students to experience the application process firsthand[1].

Community Impact

TBADC's programs aim to create a nurturing environment where Black students feel seen and supported, unlike in some traditional dance intensives where they might be in the minority. By inviting emerging Black choreographers to participate in the intensive's final showcase, TBADC offers space for these artists to develop their work while teaching students about the creative process[1].

The organization emphasizes philanthropy and community engagement, seeking to cultivate a culture of arts support within Atlanta's Black community. By doing so, TBADC contributes to strengthening the local arts ecosystem and preserving the legacy of dance within the community[1].

Status and Achievements

TBADC has gained 501(c)(3) status, allowing it to operate as a nonprofit and support fundraising efforts to sustain its tuition-free programs[1].