Umbrella Groups

United in Praise:

United in Praise, formerly known as the Modern Black Mass Choir (MBMC), is a diverse student group consisting of students of various ethnic groups. The choir is one of the oldest continuous student groups on the campus of Duke University. In the mid-sixties, a time when Duke did not openly embrace its cultural and ethnic diversity, the Modern Black Mass Choir was organized in a local church for Duke’s black students. In 1972, the choir was reorganized as a Duke University student group.

The choir was re-named United in Praise during the 1997-1998 school year, in an effort to represent the diversity of the choir members and to emphasize our purpose. Though the name of the choir has changed, our commitments to Duke University, the Durham community, and Almighty God have remained the same.

 

Dance Black

Dance Black is a student-run organization that is currently composed of a group of individuals that love the art of dance. To be a member of Dance Black means that you are a person of any race who has a love and appreciation for African American dance and music. The styles of dance include, but are not limited to, ballet, modern, jazz, African, and spiritual techniques.

Statement of Purpose

Dance Black is a student-run organization that that promotes the expression of African American culture through dance. The styles of dance include, but are not limited to, ballet, modern, jazz, African, and spiritual techniques. Dance Black promotes diversity and invites individuals of all ethnic backgrounds that have a love and appreciation for African and African American dance and music to join. Since the beginning of this school year, Dance Black is very proud to say that we are expanding and increasing our diversity; We have many international students, and other non-African American dancers who are apart of our company. Over the past few years, we have successfully integrated males into our company, as well.

There is no prerequisite training requirement for Dance Black and we welcome all levels of experience and appreciate all talents and abilities. Dance Black is committed to uplifting our organization through encouragement and support of each individual member.

The pieces performed by Dance Black are inspired by a variety of dance styles including, but not limited to, ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, African and spiritual based form. Each spring, we put on a concert, in which all choreography is created by Dance Black members. Dance Black has performed at various engagements, both on and off campus. On campus invitations include the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Arts in the Ark, the Cultural Extravaganza, the Black Student Alliance's Kwanzaa Celebration, the On Tap performance, and many other events. In previous years, we have been invited to Elon College's Black History Month Celebration, the North Carolina Museum of Science, and the NAACP Youth March, dance programs put on by organizations at surrounding schools, as well as, the Holy Hip Hop concert given by Duke University.