Collage Dance was founded in 2006 in response to the ballet industry’s lack of racial diversity.  In 2009, Collage opened its dance conservatory to expand access to classical training to underserved communities. After nearly two decades of emotionally evocative performances to local and international audiences and cultivating a love of dance in thousands of students, Collage remains at the national forefront of inspiring the growth and diversity of ballet. Through the growth of our arts education programming, the enthusiastic reception of our company performances, and our diversity advocacy, Memphis is now home to a vibrant and growing Black dance community. In recognition of this work, Collage was recently named a “Southern Cultural Treasure” by SouthArts and the Ford Foundation.