About Us
ADAD is a national organisation that supports the practice and appreciation of dance of the African Diaspora. We want dance of the African Diaspora to be visible and valued as part of the British cultural experience.
ADAD has a unique role, working on behalf of talented dance artists who are part of the African Diaspora, to support their development and raise the profile of their work.
ADAD exists to:
- Enable artists through continuing professional development
- Develop new pathways to a sustainable future through education and training
- Build networks through hosting events and sharing information
- Foster pride in dance of the African Diaspora through celebrating heritage
ADAD is not a membership organisation but is supported by a network of ‘associates’ across the UK. These are partner organisations, dance companies, life-coaches and artists’ mentors, and Trailblazers alumni. ADAD associates believe in and actively support ADAD’s mission. This network demonstrates ADAD’s continued commitment to a collaborative approach to achieving its aims.
ADAD’s key activities include:
- Building professional networks through forums, events and the ADAD e-group.
- The annual Trailblazers Fellowships, through which 4 artists receive a bursary of £2000 and a course of professional development training.
- Working beyond the dance industry to broaden awareness and appreciation of ‘black dance’ across the UK, through projects such as our Heritage Project.
- Serving as a hub of information about dance of the African Diaspora in the UK through our online directory, e-group, events listings and quarterly web-based magazine Hotfoot.
- Providing additional web-based and print resources for students and others interested in learning more about dance of the African Diaspora in Britain.
