About Black Girls Dance®
Our
Story
I created Black Girls Dance® because when I returned to my hometown of Chicago as an instructor, I was surprised to find that many Black dancers were not under contract with any of the city's mainstream dance companies. After some research, I discovered that, at the time, of all the dance companies in Chicago, there was still only one Black dancer—and it was almost always a male.
Throughout my career, my male counterparts often shared that they had never paid a dime for their entire dance training. While I understood the reasons behind this, it still didn’t feel fair. I wanted Black Girls Dance® to be a resource for Black female dancers—a space where they could share networks, build relationships, and connect with Artistic Directors, Choreographers, and Producers. My goal was to help them secure jobs—whether in concert dance or on Broadway.
The first Black Girls Dance® event was a series of Master Classes in 2015. Two years later, in 2017, we hosted the first Black Girls Dance Conference, launching a tradition of awarding one deserving dancer a $1,000 scholarship—a commitment we proudly continue today.
In 2020, I was being groomed to become the Executive Director of Mayfair Academy of Fine Arts, a six-decade staple for dance instruction on Chicago’s South Side, with notable alumni such as Mrs. Michelle Obama. Having started my own dance journey at Mayfair, I was thrilled to continue its legacy—until the COVID-19 pandemic forced our beloved Mayfair to permanently close its doors.
Rather than seeing this as an ending, I saw it as an opportunity to expand Black Girls Dance® into a year-round training and mentorship program. In January 2021, we opened our doors in a church basement with 45 students. In divine timing, our enrollment grew to 80 students within a year, leading us back to the building that so many of us once called home. Now, under new ownership, the Mayfair Arts Center houses our ever-growing community, ensuring that the legacy of Mayfair lives on through Black Girls Dance®.
Our
Mission
At Black Girls Dance®, we’re all about championing and elevating dancers of color by giving them the training, monetary scholarships performance opportunities they deserve. We believe dance is more than just an art form—it’s a pathway to confidence, growth, and empowerment that extends far beyond the stage. Our mission isn’t just about movement; it’s about shifting narratives, creating opportunities, and making sure our dancers feel seen, valued, and unstoppable.
Our
Vision
Our vision at Black Girls Dance® is to grow our community into a global movement, becoming the #1 resource for female dancers of color. We’re on a mission to provide unmatched performance opportunities, career guidance, and scholarship assistance—ensuring that every Black girl who dreams of dancing has the access, support, and visibility she deserves. As we expand worldwide, we’re not just building a network—we’re creating a legacy where talent, passion, and opportunity collide.
Our
Values
At the core of Black Girls Dance® is our commitment to instilling authentic confidence in every dancer who walks through our doors. Whether our students go on to become professional dancers, CEOs, or even the next President of the United States, we use dance as a powerful vehicle to develop discipline, goal-setting, teamwork, and unshakable self-belief. Beyond the technique, we’re shaping leaders—equipping them with the mindset and resilience to succeed in any stage of life.
**Black Girls Dance® thrives because of the generosity and support of our incredible community. Your contributions help us empower young dancers, create transformative opportunities, and continue our mission of excellence, confidence, and representation in the arts. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to our vision—together, we are shaping the future, one step at a time.
Founder & Director
ERIN BARNETT
Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Horton Technique, Contemporary
Our Board of Directors
Halil Hampton, Esq Courtney Dodd
Dunni Cosey-Gay
Erin D. Barnett
Our Faculty
Dorianne Thomas
Combination Classes 1 - 4, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz
Jordyn A. Bush
Tap 1 -3, Jazz, Hip Hop 1 – 3
Emani Drake
Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop
