Performances

We bring Black music, dance, and culture to center stage

For nearly five decades, the African American Arts Institute (AAAI) has been one of IU Bloomington's most renowned and engaged cultural institutions.

The faculty and students are considered ambassadors for IU, whether they're performing in the local community or in another country.

The AAAI ensembles share performances and events throughout the academic year for the IU and Bloomington community.

2022–23 Concert Season

African American Dance Company Spring Concert

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Starts at 7:30 p.m.

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

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The legendary African American Dance Company will share an eclectic array of performance works from the African diaspora, ranging from traditional African dance to contemporary styles.

IU Soul Revue Spring Concert

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Starts at 7:30 p.m.

Monroe Convention Center 302 South College Avenue, Bloomington IN

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Powerful! Sensational! Soulful! Presenting the one and only Soul Revue performing timeless R&B and soul music in a cabaret setting. James Strong, Director

African American Choral Ensemble Spring Concert

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Starts at 7:30 p.m.

Ruth N. Halls Theatre

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The award-winning African American Choral Ensemble will share selections ranging from spirituals and folk songs to inspirational, contemporary gospel and formally composed works by and about Africa...Read more

Performance Videos

IU Soul Revue, directed by James Strong, performs "Faces" by Earth, Wind & Fire. This video was named one of the Top 10 Feel Good, Inspirational Songs of 2020 by The Berlin Spectator.  
African American Dance Company, directed by Stafford C. Berry Jr., performs a South African Gumboot dance titled "Our Bicentennial Moment."
African American Choral Ensemble sings a gospel arrangement of the Star-Spangled Banner by Raymond Wise.  

Programs for Pre-College and High School Students

Musicians with Camp S.O.U.L.

Camp S.O.U.L.

Directed by Ignoisco Miles

Talented high school students will be selected to study African American music with IU faculty, music professionals, and graduate students. Students must apply and audition to be considered for Camp S.O.U.L. Accepted students will receive full scholarships.

Learn more about Camp S.O.U.L.

African American Dance Company Annual Dance Workshop

Directed by Stafford C. Berry Jr.

The African American Dance Company's Annual Dance Workshop exposes participants to dance from the perspective of African American culture and the broader African Diaspora. Scholarships are available for high school students.

Learn more about the Dance Workshop

Support our mission to promote and preserve Black culture through the arts

To all who believe in what we do here at the AAAI, we ask for your continued, new, and renewed support. You can make a gift to the AAAI, or specially to the African American Dance Company, African American Choral Ensemble, or IU Soul Revue.

Make a Gift