Hill Dance Academy Theatre (HDAT) Home of Ju.B.Lation Spirit Filled Feet

Ballet Prep

Hill Dance Academy Theatre expresses its condolences to the family of Dr. James T. Johnson, Jr., his wife Pamela Johnson, children, grandchildren and sister Rose Johnson. The Afro American Music Institute and Hill Dance Academy Theatre (HDAT) were partners using the artistry of music and dance to engage communities, celebrate, educate and represent Black culture, history, traditions, contributions, aesthetics and humanity. For HDAT, Dr. J and AAMI were our go to resource for all things music. We leaned on each other for ideas, strategies, and support of our missions to use the artistry of Black music and dance to develop and empower Black youth to believe in their greatness, and to strive always for Black excellence. We will miss Dr. J, but we are committed to sustaining his values of Black culture and excellence in education by honoring, in the work we do as artist, the legacy he leaves of advocating for equity in the arts and celebrating in communities’ Black musical education, traditions, culture and aesthetics.

bringing back home is extremely important to HDAT. We had our students work with choreographers from all around the country. Choreographers like Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company, Debbie Blunden Diggs of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, and so many more. Now, we bring it back home to showcase the talented choreographers in Pittsburgh.

• Akinlana Lowman from Capoeira Association of Pittsburgh
• Kyaien Conner-NDong from Balafon West African Dance Ensemble
• Chandler Bingham a Multi-Disciplinary Performance Artist and Choreographer.
• Kaila Carter from Kaila Carter Dance Cohort
• Erika Durden from Legend of the Seas Cruise Line
• Ryann Coleman, Point Park University Graduate
• and a special HDAT Senior Class (Camille Howard, Darren Woodard, and Journee Mclain) Choreographic Work.

It is especially touching to have HDAT alumna Erika Durden and former HDAT dancer Ryann Coleman set pieces for the current students. Join us as we celebrate the talent here in Pittsburgh and uplift the future of dance.

Tickets are now on sale! www.5678hdat.org/events

Save $15 with the code EARLYBIRD until March 23, 2026

Summer is on its way. Make the arts a part of your child's summer with Hill Dance Academy Theatre's 6-Week Spirit, Mind, and Body Summer Intensive. Your child will receive a well-rounded experience in the arts, education, and fun while making new friends and exploring Pittsburgh.
Visit www.5678hdat.org/summer for more details.

SPECIAL EVENT: Martha Graham Community Class

You won't want to miss this incredible opportunity. Special Martha Graham Community Class Join us for an exhilarating and inspiring evening of instruction from the renowned Martha Graham Dance Company. DJ Inception will energize the atmosphere with a curated Martha Graham playlist. This inclusive event welcomes Martha Graham show ticket holders, comm...

Preparing for today's performance at honoring the works of Dr. King. Come out and feel the power of his word through the arts. If you are in Pittsburgh, visit 5941 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Just a few shots of opening night for Suga and Soul. Come for the story leave with the pond cake.

The final stop of our 20th Anniversary celebration! Ticket information in the bio.

After seven years in Brazil, dancer Mia Stallworth comes home to the Hill District. The lights are up, but the landmarks are missing. Chasing the taste of a beloved pound cake, she embarks on a heartfelt quest to revive what gentrification tried to erase—one memory, one block, one dance at a time. 

See the World Premiere of Suga and Soul December 5-7. An original musical written by , music by the dynamic team of Cliff Barnes, James Johnson III, and Carolyn Perteete, under the direction of Debbie Blunden-Diggs, and featuring an All-Star Pittsburgh cast! This is a new holiday tradition that will find its way into your heart and soul.