Title:Dancing with purpose

When Darlene Leysath Robinson (SFS’87) and Valerie Settles McDowell (B’87) were students, they noticed a void in Black representation and activities engaging Black students at Georgetown University, they founded a student group called Black Movements Dance Theatre (BMDT). Under the founding principle of expressing the Black experience through artistic expression, BMDT thrived.

Now a performance course led by the company’s Artistic Director, Alfreda Davis, BMDT is a pre-professional dance theater committed to telling stories illuminating the multilayered history of Black people.

“We dance with a purpose,” says Davis. “It’s more than beauty in motion. We’re presenting deeply rooted stories, while honoring, uplifting, and celebrating our rich culture.”

For over 15 years, Davis has taught the BMDT performance class, recruited professional visiting artists, directed the company, and led its productions.

“Our shows are a vulnerable expression of what truly troubles us as people, as college students, as Black students or students of color at Georgetown as well,” explains Aliyah Williams (SFS’20), former student director and choreographer.

“As we expand and diversify,” says Davis, “I believe in upholding BMDT’s mission, while providing students with the opportunity to raise their artistic voices.”

Under Davis’s direction, BMDT puts community service at the forefront of organizational goals. She has choreographed BMDT performances at the Kennedy Center and led community master classes including one featuring Grammy winner Bobby McFerrin.

“Ms. Alfreda makes that company. The students play a huge role, but the history she has—not only with the company, but as a dancer and a Black woman in the world—makes BMDT the company it is,” says Princess Fuller (SFS’13, L’17), former BMDT dancer, choreographer, and student co-director.

Davis emphasizes that her direction supports the work of the student-managed executive board leading BMDT. “Arts administration is a part of the artistic process, so students are involved in production planning through the Department of Performing Arts,” says Davis.

“We did everything. We picked out the costumes, handled the budget, and created the programs,” recalls Fuller. “I don’t think we were always good at it, but we tried.”

Being a part of a self-producing company has created a strong sense of community at Georgetown, says current dancer and choreographer Rams-Lyne Thomas (C’25). “The family maintained within BMDT transcends into other areas of your life.”

Years after graduation, the BMDT alumni have remained dedicated to dance. “What I learned translates not just to work, but in life,” says Fuller. “When it’s time to perform, it’s all hands on deck. When you give someone your word, you do it.”

Davis explains, “I tell my students that the work you do here, the discipline that it takes to be in a leadership role, it’s preparing you for your life beyond Georgetown.”