Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

Black By Popular Demand

Feb 28 & Mar 1, 2026

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Victoria Theatre

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Description

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) presents BLACK BY POPULAR DEMAND – four powerhouse works that capture the heart of African American culture through movement. From the gospel celebration of In My Father’s House to the civil rights reflection of Martyr’s Road, from the ancestral rhythms of WAWA ABA to the intimate connections of Call(ing), this concert delivers the emotional range and artistic excellence audiences return for again and again.

These are the works that make audiences lean forward in their seats, tap their feet to the beat, and feel their spirits stirred. Chief Executive & Artistic Director Debbie Blunden-Diggs’ In My Father’s House transforms the Victoria Theatre into a sanctuary with Kirk Franklin’s unforgettable gospel sound. Kevin Ward’s Martyr’s Road honors the unending march for justice through one family’s story. Stafford C. Berry Jr.’s WAWA ABA pulses with neo-traditional African dance and communal energy. Qarrianne Blayr’s The Call(ing) reminds audiences to answer the call — from loved ones, from purpose, from community.

BLACK BY POPULAR DEMAND celebrates Black life, love, and liberation through dance that reflects on history, speaks to the present, and carries forward a legacy born during the Civil Rights movement. Part of the Dancing in Our Light season, this concert invites audiences to witness artistry that resonates in the chest, connects generations, and reminds us why live performance changes everything. There’s something here for everyone – moments of joy, reflection, resilience, and triumph that leave the theatre buzzing.

Age Recommendation

Dayton Live encourages you to research titles and decide what is appropriate for you and your party before tickets are purchased. All audience members must have a ticket, regardless of age. For the consideration of all patrons, children on laps and/or babes in arms are not permitted at most presentations.

Accessibility

We recognize that the heart of an arts organization will always be the people we bring together and experiences we share.

Sign interpretation and/or audio description available upon request. Please let the ticket agent know at least two weeks before the performance if you would like either of these services when you order your tickets from Dayton Live. Please understand that while we will make every effort to make reasonable accommodations, certain requests may not be able to be honored.

For detailed accessibility information, including seating, audio, and sign interpretation please visit our Accessibility page.

Parking

The Arts Garage, on the northwest corner of Second and Ludlow Streets, open for all performances at the Schuster Center and Victoria Theatre. The Arts Garage is owned and operated by Dayton Live, so parking there actually helps support the arts venues used by all our great arts organizations. For more parking information, visit our Directions & Parking page.