First Black Dance Festival busts a move in the Circle City

The Neon Black Dance Festival debuts June 8 and 9 at the Madame Walker Legacy Theatre in downtown Indianapolis. The first of its kind, Neon Black’s mission is simple: Black joy, Black power and Black excellence. The Allure Dance company will represent the NEON Black Dance Festival. (Photo/Gary Watson) The event will be two days of performance by local BIPOC-led dance groups and a workshop offered by Michelle Gibson, a renowned New Orleans-inspired dance leader. Lauren Curry, director of Indy Movement Arts, is excited for both Gibson and the ten dance groups. “(The festival) is for any age, any experience.” Curry said, “We are very adamant that this is a space for people to connect with each other and connect with the space.” According to Curry, the Indy Movement Arts chose Gibson to lead the event because of the organic movements that she encourages in her dancing. “This is monumental. For me to be a part of this convocation is honorable for me,” Gibson said. Gibbson’s work has been featured by the New York Times and is heavily influenced by her New Orleans upbringing. Her background in the church provides a foundation for her worship of movement and the connectedness...