ABOUT

During the early 90s and inspired by Joan Myers Brown's (Philadanco) International Conference of Blacks in Dance, Carol Foster began what was then known as Dance in the District. Until then, there had been no known gathering of Black Dance artists for such an event in Washington, DC. Dance in the District followed the model of the International Conference of Blacks in Dance on a local level. It offered a three-day event of panels, masterclasses, and performances beginning on a Thursday and ending on Saturday. It was usually not funded, and artists gave their time and talents free of charge. Foster secured venues through her goodwill, generosity, or direct connection with these spaces. Working at the University of the District of Columbia or Duke Ellington School of the Arts made the "asks" simple. Dance in the District was also a warm-up to Foster's DC Youth Ensemble, being the host for the 7th International Conference of Blacks in Dance in 1994. Eventually, Foster was instrumental as a founding member of the International Association of Blacks in Dance and shaped its name and first mission statement.

Dance in the District continued for approximately six or seven years and did not resurface until the 25th International Association of Blacks in Dance anniversary conference in 2013. In collaboration with Howard University, Baltimore Tech, and DC Youth Ensemble as hosts, one of the pre-conference events was Dance in the DMV. It was one evening of performances at Dance Place with an awards presentation assisted by Baba Melvin Deal.

When Baba Deal transitioned in September of 2021, several events were orchestrated by Carol Foster and Tammy Hurt to commemorate this amazing soul and his many contributions. The final event was a Community Concert in his honor on March 19, 2022. At least six performance companies from around the DMV brought close to one hundred dancers together to celebrate Baba Deal and Mama Bonita Cacho (who transitioned in January 2022). The audience and the artists expressed delight and joy in this coming together. The March 19th event inspired the rebirth of DANCE IN THE DMV 2022.

Things aligned perfectly when Carol Foster could tie this into her work as an inaugural member of the Kennedy Center's first Culture Caucus. This appointment to the Caucus offered an artist residency program with financial support and all access to the Center's beautiful new extension, the REACH.

All things fell into place. DANCE IN THE DMV is the beginning of what we hope will become an annual event. Again, artists and venues have given their time, talent, and services free of charge for events happening July 24-29, 2022. The Kennedy Center and its Social Impact department have provided resources for July 30. Ms. Foster has laid the groundwork and looks forward to the next generation of DMV dance artists carrying this effort into the future.

Carol Foster is currently a Special Programs Associate for the INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACKS IN DANCE (IABD) and is working in the capacity of a PERFORMING ARTS READINESS (PAR) Emergency Preparedness Consultant for the performing arts. She also serves on the inaugural Culture Caucus for the Kennedy Center's new wing, "The REACH." In which she has a two-year residency to work and present at the new wing. She is a founding member of IABD and served on its board for many years. Ms. Foster has successfully raised funds via grants and contributions throughout her arts career. Carol Foster has committed over forty-five years of dedicated service to the arts and arts education in the District, Maryland, and Virginia area. She founded and was artistic director of the DC Youth Ensemble, a young people's performing company that performed nationally and later internationally at the "Fringe" in Edinburgh, Scotland. She directed the Arlington Youth Street Theater, worked as Dean of Arts at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, taught visual arts in DC Public Schools, and was on staff as Adjunct Professor of Dance at the University of the District of Columbia. Ms. Foster has personally worked as a choreographer, performer, writer, director, arts administrator, and visual artist. She has been involved with many special projects/programs related to the arts and arts education inclusive of the President's Committee on the Arts' Turnaround Arts Initiative during President Barak Obama's administration. Foster has countless hours in community service and has provided advice and support to aspiring arts students, instructors, future company directors, arts organizations, studios, etc. Her favorite quote is an old African proverb stating, "you must always proceed as though you cannot fail."