Dance at Illinois’ 2025-26 season, Black on Black: A Celebration of Black Dance, highlights the impact, diversity, and innovation of Black dance artistry through a series of masterclasses, performances, lectures, and public events that engage our campus and local communities. 

On March 26 from 6-8pm, guest artist Dr. Joselli Deans and local artist Marilynn Dean Cleveland will present Blacks in Ballet: Embodiment, Representation, Resilience at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center. Ballet historian and former Dance Theatre of Harlem company member Dr. Joselli Deans will present a lecture on the history of Black dancers and choreographers in American ballet. Visual artist Marilynn Dean Cleveland will present her series of portraits that feature Black ballerinas. Both artists will share their perspectives on the importance of Black representation in the art form, culminating in an event that bridges our campus and community populations and celebrates the intellectual and creative excellence of both the guest and local artists. The event is free and appropriate for all ages.