African American Dance Company

Bringing Black dance to center stage

Founded in 1974, the African American Dance Company shares movement traditions and diverse dance forms of the African diaspora and African American culture. The company’s repertoire includes African dance styles, contemporary, modern, jazz, hip-hop, and various cultural forms.

Students in the Dance Company focus on embodied research through choreographic projects, performances, and workshops. They also receive master classes from top companies, including Alvin Ailey, Ballet Hispánico, and Evidence Dance Company.

The African American Dance Company is a course offered for academic credit through the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies instructed by Stafford C. Berry Jr. and a unit of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Indiana University.

Learn how to join the Dance Company

Stafford C. Berry Jr., Director

Stafford C. Berry Jr. (Baba Stafford) is an esteemed artist, educator, activist, and scholar of African-rooted dance, theater, and aesthetics nationally and internationally. His extensive career includes 14 years as Assistant Director for Chuck Davis’ African American Dance Ensemble.

Read Baba Stafford's full bio

AADC is so much more than just movement. The company embodies culture, history, and family. It feels like home for me. Being a part of this company is different from anything I’ve ever experienced, and I know that I will carry the experience with me for years to come.

Ayawna Kemp, Sophomore student in the African American Dance Company studying Human Resource Management