Dayton Contemporary Dance Company was founded in 1968 to create performance opportunities for dancers of color. Five decades later, the 10th largest modern contemporary dance company in the nation remains rooted in the African American experience and committed to the development of diverse movement artists on the global stage.

A co-recipient of one of the dance world’s highest honors, the 2016 Bessie Award for Outstanding Revival, DCDC has been presented by American Dance Festival, Paul Taylor American Modern Dance, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and supported by National Endowment for the Arts and New England Foundation for the Arts among others.

The culturally diverse company is dedicated to exceptional performance and quality community engagement.

DCDC has toured the world, dancing on stage for packed houses in Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Kazakhstan, Poland, Russia, South Korea, and throughout the United States.

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company is supported in part by Culture Works, Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District, Ohio Arts Council, the Mellon Foundation, Miriam Rosenthal Foundation, Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts, The Virginia W. Kettering Foundation, and the Dayton Foundation. 

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

Monday, November 3, 2025, 7:00 – 8:00 pm, free with a reserved ticket
Reception to immediately follow the performance
Haas Center for Performing Arts – Louis Armstrong Theatre 

Welcome to Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), where powerful storytelling meets bold, expressive movement. Founded in 1968, DCDC is celebrated for its deep roots in African American dance traditions and its compelling blend of modern, contemporary, ballet, jazz, and global movement styles. Our performances are known for their athleticism, grace, and emotional depth—each one inviting audiences on a journey that bridges history, culture, and innovation. We’re proud to bring you dance that reflects the richness of our communities and the diversity of the human experience.

At the heart of DCDC’s mission is a commitment to inspire and cultivate the next generation of dance artists. Through educational programs, residencies, and collaborative projects, we strive to provide young dancers with opportunities to grow artistically and professionally. This performance is a proud example of that commitment, featuring the talented dance students of Grand Valley State University. Their inclusion in this production reflects our belief in the power of collaboration and shared creative experience. Together, we continue to expand the reach of dance and celebrate its ability to connect, uplift, and transform.