Memphis has always moved to its own rhythm. From the bluesy sway of juke joints to the groundbreaking footwork of Memphis Jookin’, the city’s story has always been told through movement. Now, for the first time, Memphis’ leading arts organizations have come together to honor that legacy and build a stronger future for dance with the launch of Dance Memphis.
This unprecedented collaboration brings together nine major arts institutions united under a shared vision: to celebrate dance as one of Memphis’ most powerful and yet often overlooked art forms.
Why Dance? Why Now?
While Memphis is widely recognized for shaping global music, the city is also home to world-renowned dance companies and nationally acclaimed performers. This is no coincidence; Memphis has always been a place where raw talent, creativity, and soul converge, producing artistry that is as authentic as it is inspiring.
Dance Memphis exists to make sure that story is seen and supported. By pooling resources, building shared strategies, and engaging directly with the community, the collective will expand access and awareness of dance education and performances while highlighting how dance can serve as a catalyst for public health, education, tourism, and community connection.
Meet the Collective
ARTSmemphis – A non-profit powering the arts in Memphis and fueling creativity by supporting local artists and organizations.
Dance Companies
Dance companies are what put Memphis on both national and international stages, bringing in some of the top talent and showcasing the artistry cultivated here in the city.
- Ballet Memphis – A nationally acclaimed company known for blending classical artistry with contemporary creativity.
- Collage Dance Collective – One of the largest Black-led ballet companies in the U.S., dedicated to inspiring the growth and diversity of ballet through both performances and community-focused training.
Performing Arts Centers
Performing arts centers serve as hubs for performances in Memphis, bringing the best shows to our community and connecting audiences with unforgettable cultural experiences “from Broadway to Beale Street.”
- Orpheum Theatre Group – A cornerstone of Memphis’ arts scene, hosting world-class touring productions and education programs that keep the arts accessible to all.
- Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) – Celebrated for its diverse programming, GPAC is a home for dance, music, and theatre while fostering artistic growth in the Mid-South.
- Cannon Center for the Performing Arts – A downtown venue that provides a stage for both local and national talent, showcasing dance in a setting that connects Memphis to the world.
Dance Education & Training
Dance education and training programs are essential in cultivating the next generation of dancers, connecting directly with youth and ensuring Memphis’ legacy of movement continues to thrive.
- New Ballet Ensemble – A nationally recognized training program and performance group blending classical techniques with Memphis-rooted styles like Jookin’.
- Buckman Performing Arts Center at St. Mary’s School – Known for nurturing creativity and providing high-quality arts education, introducing students and audiences to diverse dance traditions.
- University of Memphis Theatre and Dance Department – Equipping students with the skills to perform, teach, and choreograph, ensuring the city’s dance legacy carries forward into the future.
A Legacy in Motion
Dance in Memphis has never stood still. Each era’s music has inspired new ways of moving—from the playful jazz and swing of the early 20th century to the smooth, soulful styles that filled dance floors in the decades that followed. Today, Memphis Jookin’ is carrying that tradition forward on a global stage, reminding the world that dance in Memphis isn’t just entertainment, but storytelling, heritage, and community.
With the launch of Dance Memphis, that story enters a new chapter. One rooted in collaboration, celebration, and the belief that dance has the power to move us all.
For updates and more information about Dance Memphis, visit wearememphis.com/dance-memphis.
