Dance and the Fight Against Poverty

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. It originated in the slums of Rio de Janeiro in the 16th century and was developed by enslaved Africans as a form of self-defense and cultural expression.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is a world-renowned contemporary dance company based in New York City. It was founded in 1962 by Alvin Ailey, an African-American dancer and choreographer, with the mission to promote cultural diversity and provide opportunities for dancers of color.

Dance for Life is a global initiative launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2000 to empower young people in developing countries through dance and music. The project provides young people with opportunities to learn dance and music, develop their leadership skills, and create positive change in their communities.

The Soweto Dance Festival is an annual event that showcases the talents of young dancers from disadvantaged communities in Soweto, South Africa. The festival was founded in 1992 and has grown to become one of the largest dance festivals in Africa.

The Akram Khan Company is a British dance company founded in 1994 by Akram Khan, a dancer and choreographer of Bangladeshi descent. The company is known for its innovative and thought-provoking productions that explore social and political issues.

Dance/USA is a national service organization for professional dance in the United States. It was established in 2002 by the Ford Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to support dance artists and organizations working to address social and economic challenges.

Dance for Change is a global program launched by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in 2010 to promote the rights of children and young people through dance. The program provides young people with opportunities to learn dance, develop their leadership skills, and advocate for social change.

Rennie Harris Puremovement is a hip hop dance company founded in 2012 by Rennie Harris, an African-American dancer and choreographer. The company is known for its innovative and thought-provoking productions that use hip hop dance as a tool for social change and community development.

Dancing for Peace is a global initiative launched by the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2014 to promote peace and reconciliation in post-conflict countries. The project provides young people with opportunities to learn dance, develop their leadership skills, and create positive change in their communities.

Kowroski & Company is a contemporary dance company founded in 2016 by Maria Kowroski, a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. The company is known for its innovative and thought-provoking productions that address social and environmental issues.

The New York Dance Festival is an annual event that showcases the work of dance companies and choreographers from around the world that are using dance to address social and political issues. The festival was founded in 2017 and has quickly become one of the most important dance festivals in the world.

Abraham.In.Motion is a contemporary dance company founded in 2018 by Kyle Abraham, an African-American dancer and choreographer. The company is known for its innovative and thought-provoking productions that explore the African-American experience.

Dance for Peace and Sustainable Development is a global initiative launched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2019 to promote the use of dance as a tool for peace and sustainable development. The project provides young people with opportunities to learn dance, develop their leadership skills, and create positive change in their communities.

Lil Buck Dance Company is a contemporary dance company founded in 2020 by Lil Buck, an African-American dancer and choreographer. The company is known for its innovative and thought-provoking productions that explore the intersection of hip hop and contemporary dance.

The London Dance Festival is an annual event that showcases the work of dance companies and choreographers from around the world that are using dance to address social and environmental issues. The festival was founded in 2021 and has quickly become one of the most important dance festivals in the world.