SILVER SPRING, MD. — Neema Dance Collective continues to break barriers and foster diversity and inclusion with their spring 2022 dance concert, Melanin. As with many industries, there is a lack of representation in the dance world. Neema Dance Collective provides a solution to this by ensuring diversity and inclusivity in their dance studios and performances.
Melanin aims to highlight Black excellence and representation in dance. This concert is about the performers feeling comfortable in their own skin – in dance and in the world. The performance consists of two showings, with the second featuring a father and daughter dance routine, an awards ceremony, and a surprise musical performance.
As a dancer and instructor, owner Grace Johnson-Wright knows firsthand the importance of diversity in dance and how it impacts young performers.
“As a young dancer, I was always amazed and inspired by people who looked like me in this industry. It’s not very diverse and I oftentimes was the only (or one of few) Black performers in programs. People also assume that people of color can only perform hip-hop and jazz. But we are also classically trained in ballet and other forms of dance. This is why I created Neema Dance Collective and why we host our annual showcases. It’s important for me to create a space where my dancers can be themselves and to also show that we can host large-scale performances.” Stated Grace Johnson-Wright.
Tickets are currently on sale for both shows. For more information on Neema Dance Collective and to purchase tickets to Melanin, visit www.neemadancecollective.com. For media inquiries, please email Jay Simms at jay@candicenicolepr.com.
