Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

- 840 Germantown St, Dayton, OH 45402

The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) is more than just a dance troupe; it is a vital artistic and cultural institution that has been a source of inspiration and pride for the Dayton community for decades. Founded in 1968 by the visionary Jeraldyne Blunden, DCDC was established to create performance opportunities for dancers of color at a time when such opportunities were scarce. Over five decades later, it stands as the second oldest professional African American dance company in the United States, a true testament to its resilience and artistic excellence. The company’s mission is deeply rooted in the African American experience, committed to developing diverse movement artists and reaching a broad audience through exceptional performance and arts-integrated education. As one reviewer eloquently puts it, witnessing a DCDC performance is an "exhilarating experience" that "thrills, engages, captivates, draws, and moves" the audience. DCDC has an international presence, performing for sold-out houses in cities around the world, yet its home remains in Dayton, Ohio. The company is renowned for its powerful and athletic performers who seamlessly blend historic works with innovative, current choreography. For anyone in the Midwest looking for a world-class artistic experience, DCDC offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness a rich legacy of dance and a commitment to innovation, making it an essential part of Ohio's cultural landscape. The company’s influence extends far beyond the stage, with a strong focus on community engagement and education that reaches thousands of students annually.

The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company is headquartered at 840 Germantown St, Dayton, OH 45402, USA. This location places it in a well-established and accessible part of the city. For locals and visitors alike, getting to the studio or to one of their performances, often held at venues like the Victoria Theatre, is straightforward. The company has a strong commitment to accessibility, a feature that is highly valued by the community. Their studio and facilities are equipped with a wheelchair-accessible car park, a wheelchair-accessible seating area for performances, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. These thoughtful provisions ensure that individuals with mobility challenges can attend rehearsals, classes, and events without difficulty, making the arts accessible to a wider audience. The central location in Dayton also makes it a convenient spot for community members from various neighborhoods and surrounding cities to access their educational programs and performances. The availability of on-site services at their studio, combined with the excellent accessibility features, makes DCDC a welcoming and practical destination for dance lovers throughout the Ohio region.

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company offers a variety of services and programs that extend beyond their main performances, focusing on education, community engagement, and the preservation of African American dance history.

• Dance Education & Training: DCDC provides a comprehensive curriculum for aspiring dancers. This includes dance training and classes that focus on various contemporary dance styles.

• Educational Programming: The company offers numerous educational courses and programs for children and students of all ages. Their K-12 programs reach approximately 30,000 students per year, utilizing dance as a tool for experiential learning in academic subjects like mathematics, reading, and geography.

• Online Programs & Virtual Dance Classes: For those who cannot attend in person, DCDC provides online classes and virtual programs, allowing for a broader reach and greater flexibility for students.

• Lecture Demonstrations: These programs bring the history and artistry of dance to life for students and community members. DCDC's lecture demonstrations explore the history of African American contemporary dance pioneers and their works.

• Praise Dance: The company offers workshops and programs centered on praise and worship through dance, exploring how movement can convey the meaning of scripture and song.

• Group Dances: DCDC offers workshops and opportunities for group dances, promoting teamwork and community engagement through movement.

These services highlight DCDC's mission to not only perform at a high level but also to educate and engage with the community, sharing the rich legacy of African American dance with diverse audiences.

The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company is a celebrated institution in Ohio and beyond, distinguished by several key features and highlights. These attributes have contributed to its international reputation and deep local impact.

• Rich Legacy and Cultural Significance: DCDC is the second oldest professional African American dance company in the United States, a powerful symbol of artistic excellence and cultural preservation. It is dedicated to showcasing the rich legacy of African American dance and is home to the world's largest repertoire of classic works by African American choreographers.

• Artistic Excellence: As noted by a reviewer, the company is known for its "amazing top tier" performances and "strong athletic performers" who can execute both historic works and contemporary choreography with power and precision.

• Community and Educational Engagement: DCDC reaches thousands of students annually with its educational programming, using dance to facilitate learning in traditional subjects. This commitment to community engagement and education is a core part of its mission.

• Black-Owned Business: Identifying as a Black-owned business, DCDC serves as a beacon of empowerment and cultural pride, fostering innovation while preserving a crucial part of American art history.

• Inclusivity and Accessibility: The company's commitment to accessibility is evident through its wheelchair-accessible car park, seating, and toilet. This ensures that the arts are available to everyone in the community.

• International Presence: Despite being based in a city the size of Dayton, DCDC has an international reputation and has toured the world, performing in countries like China, Kazakhstan, and Russia. This global reach highlights the company's exceptional quality and broad appeal.

• Awards and Recognition: DCDC is a co-recipient of a Bessie Award for Outstanding Revival, one of the dance world's highest honors. This, along with other accolades, solidifies its position as a world-class dance company.

• Welcoming Environment: The company is "Good for kids" and provides a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place for families to engage with dance, whether as audience members or students.

These highlights underscore DCDC's unique role as a cultural leader and a source of artistic inspiration in the Midwest.

For those who wish to experience a DCDC performance, enroll in an educational program, or simply learn more about the company, contact is easily established. Their physical location is:

Address: 840 Germantown St, Dayton, OH 45402, USA

You can also reach them by phone for inquiries about tickets, programs, or general information:

Phone: (937) 228-3232

Mobile Phone: +1 937-228-3232

The company also accepts credit and debit cards for convenient payment. Their responsive staff is ready to assist with booking performances for your venue or providing details on their educational offerings. Direct contact is the best way to get the most current information on their touring schedule, upcoming home concerts, and how you can get involved with this celebrated institution.

Choosing to engage with the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company is a decision that offers a truly rewarding and enriching experience for residents of Ohio. What makes DCDC truly worth choosing is its unique and powerful combination of artistic excellence, cultural significance, and community commitment. As the second oldest professional African American dance company in the nation, DCDC holds a historical and artistic importance that is second only to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Its powerful performers and innovative choreography make every show a breathtaking experience, as confirmed by audience members who are consistently "floored" by the company's talent. This is not just a dance performance; it is a cultural and educational experience that showcases the rich legacy of African American dance while fostering new and diverse stories on stage. The company’s extensive educational and community outreach programs, which impact thousands of students each year, mean that DCDC is a valuable resource for the entire community. Furthermore, its commitment to inclusivity, with a fully wheelchair-accessible facility, ensures that this artistic excellence is available to everyone. By supporting DCDC, you are not just attending a show; you are contributing to a vital institution that promotes diversity, education, and innovation in the arts. It is a Black-owned business that has earned a global reputation while remaining deeply connected to its local roots. For anyone seeking a powerful, inspiring, and culturally significant artistic experience, DCDC is a destination that delivers on its promise of excellence, making it an essential and invaluable part of the Dayton and Ohio community. As one reviewer stated, to not experience this "artistic excellence" is to do yourself a "disservice," a sentiment that speaks to the company's profound impact and undeniable value.

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

840 Germantown St, Dayton, OH 45402, USA