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Help Black Dance Stories Attend the 36th IABD Conference
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$10,265 raised of $9K
82 donations
Help Black Dance Stories Attend the 36th IABD Conference!
Black Dance Stories (BDS) is raising $9,000 to send three members of our team to the 36th International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) Conference in Atlanta, February 4–8, 2026. Since June 2020, Black Dance Stories has been dedicated to documenting, uplifting, and preserving the stories of Black creatives in dance. What began as a storytelling platform has grown into a living community rooted in care, collaboration, and cultural memory, primarily rooted in our home base of New York City.
Why IABD?
The IABD Conference is a vital international gathering of Black dancers, choreographers, educators, scholars, administrators, and cultural workers. Being in this space allows Black Dance Stories to:
- Connect with Black artists across regions and generations
- Build relationships that expand the stories we tell
- Learn sustainable practices for Black-led arts organizations
- Bring new knowledge, resources, and visibility back to our community
Attending IABD is an investment in the future of Black Dance Stories and the broader Black dance ecosystem.
How the Funds Will Be Used
Our $9,000 goal will directly support the following costs for three team members:
- Travel: $1,600
- Housing: $2,500
- Meals: $1,300
- Conference Registration: $1,650
- Programs & Performances: $1,200
These funds ensure our team can fully participate in the conference without financial strain.
Who We’re Sending
Black Dance Stories is a collective of 10 members. For this conference, we are raising funds to support three team members who will represent BDS, participate in conference programming, and engage directly with the global Black dance community.
Meet the three members who will attend:
Cynthia Tate - Publicist and Creative Strategist
Cynthia leads storytelling, communications, and narrative strategy for Black Dance Stories, ensuring Black creatives’ voices are amplified with care and intention.
Jacquelyn “Jackie” Batten - Marketing Manager
Jacquelyn manages Black Dance Stories’ social media and newsletter, connecting our community to stories, updates, and conversations through intentional digital engagement.
Tony Turner - Photographer & Graphic Designer
Tony documents Black Dance Stories through photography and design, preserving Black dance history and visually telling the stories of our community.
Timeline
The IABD Conference takes place February 4–8, 2026. We must raise these funds by January 22, 2026 to secure travel, housing, and registration before prices increase and registration closes.
Why Your Support Matters
Supporting this campaign means investing in:
- The continued documentation of Black creative stories
- Access to national and international Black dance networks
- The growth and sustainability of a Black-led storytelling platform
No matter the amount, every contribution helps us show up, connect, and tell more stories.
Thank you for supporting Black Dance Stories and believing in the power of Black creative community!
Organizer
