Dissonance Dance Theatre/Ngoma Center for Dance

Dissonance Dance Theatre Seeks Project Dancers for 20th Anniversary Season

Dissonance Dance Theatre (DDT) is now accepting video auditions for project dancers for its landmark 20th Anniversary Season, Through the Dark, The Light Beckons. Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the Season Returning to its contemporary modern and classical roots, DDT is seeking skilled dance artists with training in contemporary, modern, classical ballet, jazz technique, and African dance forms for two productions premiering in October 2026 and late February/March 2027.

Compensation Selected dancers will receive $1,000 per rehearsal month (July & January), plus $1,000 per production for both the fall and spring engagements — totaling up to $3,000 for the full season commitment. Apprentices are welcome to apply.

How to Audition Interested dancers should submit a online submission below at . Physical auditions will be held by invitation only in Washington, DC in late April 2026.

https://ngcfddt.org/ddt-auditions/

Dissonance Dance Theatre Seeks Project Dancers for 20th Anniversary Season

Dissonance Dance Theatre (DDT) is now accepting video auditions for project dancers for its landmark 20th Anniversary Season, Through the Dark, The Light Beckons. Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the Season Returning to its contemporary modern and classical roots, DDT is seeking skilled dance artists with training in contemporary, modern, classical ballet, jazz technique, and African dance forms for two productions premiering in October 2026 and late February/March 2027.

Compensation Selected dancers will receive $1,000 per rehearsal month (July & January), plus $1,000 per production for both the fall and spring engagements — totaling up to $3,000 for the full season commitment. Apprentices are welcome to apply.

How to Audition Interested dancers should submit a online submission below at . Physical auditions will be held by invitation only in Washington, DC in late April 2026.

Today, we pause to honor the man who built two institutions from the ground up — and who shows up every single day with vision, discipline, and deep love for Black dance. Happy Birthday, Founder Shawn Short! 🎂✨

From our entire DDT and Ngoma family — thank you for your relentless dedication to Black art, Black artists, and Black community. May this year bring you everything you pour into others. We love you, Shawn! 🖤💛

BlackDanceHistory DCDance DMVDance BowieStateUniversity BlackArt BlackCulture DanceEducation FoundingDirector ArtisticDirector CelebratingBlackExcellence DDT20thAnniversary ThroughTheDarkTheLightBeckons

What’s going on? Hailed by Dance Spirit Magazine as “One of the 11 small-but-mighty dance companies outside of LA and NYC,” Dissonance Dance Theatre (DDT) is the only nationally-recognized, Black-managed contemporary ballet company between New York City and Atlanta. Founded in 2007 under the artistic direction of Shawn Short, DDT has built nearly two decades of artistic impact — and has met each season with resilience and creative purpose.

The 2024–2025 season brought significant challenge. A 70% reduction in funding — driven by shifting government priorities — required DDT to scale its programming, operating a focused Fall season for its 18th year. The 2025–2026 season presented a new set of obstacles, as sweeping federal DEI program eliminations rendered multiple funding streams inaccessible to Black-managed organizations. Rather than retreat, DDT leaned into artistic innovation.
Through a landmark collaboration, DDT joined the renowned Folgers Theatre as a creative partner in the five-month rehearsal process for Julius X — reaching thousands of patrons and affirming the company’s place at the forefront of Washington, DC’s professional arts landscape. Additionally, DDT remastered Company D, its celebrated documentary chronicling the company’s humble beginnings, making it newly available for audiences everywhere.

Now, DDT looks ahead with intention. The 2026–2027 season — marking the company’s historic 20th Anniversary — is a bold celebration of its African American contemporary modern roots. Featuring beloved repertoire alongside world premiere works, the season honors the fullness of the Black experience through the power of dance.

DDT’s story is one of artistry, perseverance, and purpose. Twenty years strong — and still moving forward.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We are excited to share the story of one of our own — Lidia, a dedicated student at The Ngoma School of Dance, who needs your help to reach an incredible milestone in her journey as a young dancer.

Lidia's passion for dance began before she could even tie her shoes. From the moment she could speak, she was asking to take dance classes. Her family nurtured that dream through community dance programs, and by middle school, it was clear her commitment was unwavering. She began formal technical training here at The Ngoma School of Dance and, two years ago, expanded her studies to Maryland Youth Ballet.

This summer, Lidia has been accepted into a prestigious summer intensive at The Rock School of Dance in Philadelphia — one of the most highly regarded programs in the country. This is a tremendous opportunity that could shape the course of her dance career.

To make this dream a reality, Lidia needs to raise $7,000 to cover tuition, housing, and pointe shoes. Any contribution, no matter the size, brings her one step closer to her goal of becoming a professional dancer.

Please consider supporting Lidia's journey. Your generosity will make a lasting impact on a young artist's life.

Donate to Support Lidia’s Journey to The Rock School, organized by Familia da Help us support Lidia in her journey to realizing her dreams! Ever since she was… Familia da needs your support for Support Lidia’s Journey to The Rock School

Student Lidia, is ready for summer intensive auditions! She was accepted into The Rock School, and now she going over scholarship money. You got this Lidia! We are sooooo proud of you 👏

Ngoma Center for Dance is proud to be a FY2026 grantee with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities! Arts funding is limited in these troubling times. We thank all who made this possible!