Our Mission
DANSE4NIA REPERTORY ENSEMBLE is a Philadelphia-based, multicultural, contemporary modern dance company. Our mission is to educate, empower and create the next generation of well-rounded arts advocates and citizens by presenting exceptional dance works, collaborating with artists across genres and delivering high-impact residencies.
In the Kiswahili language, the word "nia" means "purpose." As an ensemble, we dance with a purpose -- to inspire ourselves and others toward positive personal, social and cultural change.
In the Kiswahili language, the word "nia" means "purpose." As an ensemble, we dance with a purpose -- to inspire ourselves and others toward positive personal, social and cultural change.
Our History
DANSE4NIA REPERTORY ENSEMBLE was created in April 2006 by Antoinette M. Coward-Gilmore to uplift, advocate for and share the power of dance as a tool for change in Philadelphia and across the region.
Debuting "Assemble 4 Purpose" in the world renown Philly Fringe Festival in September 2006 with New York based spoken word artist Mo Beasley and International Turntablist DJ Razor Ramon, DANSE4NIA quickly became a strong performing entity, showcasing works from established choreographers Faye Snow, Shawn-Lamere Williams and artistic director Coward-Gilmore.
Shortly after the Fringe, DANSE4NIA made noteworthy appearances during many local and community festivals as well as touring engagements including the NAACP's 2006 Annual Gala Banquet, Maryland State Dance Conference in Baltimore, MD and as featured dancers for the Life Story of Marvin Gaye at the famous Lincoln Theater in Washington D.C.
Moving swiftly to create a strong organizational infrastructure, DANSE4NIA established itself as an incorporated organization with a functioning board of directors in March of 2007 and received its 501(c) 3 status in August of 2007.
In the same year, DANSE4NIA gained a roster position with Pennsylvania Council on the Arts as Arts/ Dance Educators through the Philadelphia Arts In Education Partnership (PAEP.) In 2008- 2009, the ensemble was awarded a roster position with Pennsylvania Performing Artists on Tour (PennPat.) Through their affiliation with PennPat, Danse4Nia showcased at the Pennsylvania Presenter's Conference at the Bynum Theater in Pittsburgh, PA.
In 2009, DANSE4NIA joined Pentacle Dance Works, Inc. (one of the leading arts management companies in the field) as a member of their Gallery Roster Artists program. Through Pentacle, DANSE4NIA appeared at the Thelma Hill Dance Festival (Brooklyn, NY.) in June of 2010.
Recognizing the need to pass on the legacy of artistic excellence to the next generation and groom dancers in our philosophy and form, Nia-Next, the junior/ apprentice company of DANSE4NIA REPERTORY ENSEMBLE was established in 2009. To their credit, Nia-Next has performed at the PA State Capitol Arts In Education Day, and as guest artists at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (at their MLK Day Celebration and their Dance In Schools Program.) Nia-Next has also been featured as guest artists for the screening of Teddy Pendergrass: Unsung (sponsored by Radio One,) at the Magnolia Performing Arts Center (Vineland, NJ) at the Professional Network Conference and in a school time performance for students at Lindenwold Middle School.
Currently celebrating our 12th season, DANSE4NIA REPERTORY ENSEMBLE has gained a reputation for being a sound, bi-annually self-producing organization who showcases regularly at presenter's conferences and dance festivals. We have participated in programs like
Dance In Public Places (sponsored by Dance/UP) to help further advocate for and foster awareness of the state of concert dance here in Philadelphia and can be found performing actively in our community.
Debuting "Assemble 4 Purpose" in the world renown Philly Fringe Festival in September 2006 with New York based spoken word artist Mo Beasley and International Turntablist DJ Razor Ramon, DANSE4NIA quickly became a strong performing entity, showcasing works from established choreographers Faye Snow, Shawn-Lamere Williams and artistic director Coward-Gilmore.
Shortly after the Fringe, DANSE4NIA made noteworthy appearances during many local and community festivals as well as touring engagements including the NAACP's 2006 Annual Gala Banquet, Maryland State Dance Conference in Baltimore, MD and as featured dancers for the Life Story of Marvin Gaye at the famous Lincoln Theater in Washington D.C.
Moving swiftly to create a strong organizational infrastructure, DANSE4NIA established itself as an incorporated organization with a functioning board of directors in March of 2007 and received its 501(c) 3 status in August of 2007.
In the same year, DANSE4NIA gained a roster position with Pennsylvania Council on the Arts as Arts/ Dance Educators through the Philadelphia Arts In Education Partnership (PAEP.) In 2008- 2009, the ensemble was awarded a roster position with Pennsylvania Performing Artists on Tour (PennPat.) Through their affiliation with PennPat, Danse4Nia showcased at the Pennsylvania Presenter's Conference at the Bynum Theater in Pittsburgh, PA.
In 2009, DANSE4NIA joined Pentacle Dance Works, Inc. (one of the leading arts management companies in the field) as a member of their Gallery Roster Artists program. Through Pentacle, DANSE4NIA appeared at the Thelma Hill Dance Festival (Brooklyn, NY.) in June of 2010.
Recognizing the need to pass on the legacy of artistic excellence to the next generation and groom dancers in our philosophy and form, Nia-Next, the junior/ apprentice company of DANSE4NIA REPERTORY ENSEMBLE was established in 2009. To their credit, Nia-Next has performed at the PA State Capitol Arts In Education Day, and as guest artists at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (at their MLK Day Celebration and their Dance In Schools Program.) Nia-Next has also been featured as guest artists for the screening of Teddy Pendergrass: Unsung (sponsored by Radio One,) at the Magnolia Performing Arts Center (Vineland, NJ) at the Professional Network Conference and in a school time performance for students at Lindenwold Middle School.
Currently celebrating our 12th season, DANSE4NIA REPERTORY ENSEMBLE has gained a reputation for being a sound, bi-annually self-producing organization who showcases regularly at presenter's conferences and dance festivals. We have participated in programs like
Dance In Public Places (sponsored by Dance/UP) to help further advocate for and foster awareness of the state of concert dance here in Philadelphia and can be found performing actively in our community.