Black Dance Workshop (most commonly known as BDW) was founded on the University of Pittsburgh main campus in 1994 by Shona J. Sharif. Its purpose was to perpetuate the history, background, and culture of such dance styles and techniques as jazz, African, spiritual, hip hop, modern, tap, lyrical, and ballet from the AFRICAN AMERICAN perspective.

Black Dance Workshop continues to be a completely student-run organization in which elected student members plan all the practices and performances. All students are encouraged to choreograph any number of dances for the spring production, especially, using any dance style/technique and music. In addition to putting on shows and collaborating with other student groups, BDW puts a strong focus on the educational component of dance by hosting workshops highlighting guest choreographers, attending dance conferences, and interacting with other collegiate dance teams. These experiences in which both professionals and peers share their technique, style, vision, and passion only enhance and expand the talents, abilities, and knowledge of BDW's membership, and therefore contribute to this organization's success and positive reputation.

Our Founder

Shona J. Sharif was a very active member on the University of Pittsburgh campus as a senior lecturer and advisor in the Department of Africana Studies. Within her department, she taught courses in African American health issues as well as African and Caribbean Dance. She earned her B.F.A from Howard University in 1970 and her M.Ed. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1989.

In addition to starting BDW, Shona was the artistic director of the AFrican Drum Ensemble and choreographed over 40 performances each year. She was active within the Pittsburgh community by teaching at the Oakland School of Performing Arts as well as the KUUMBA Dance and Theatre Workshop for children in St. Clair Village. Unfortunately, Shona passed on June 22, 1999, but her legacy continues.