About

Black Box Dance Theatre (BBDT) is a Raleigh-based nonprofit and professional modern dance company. Established in 2014, their work is rooted in connection and the power of movement to transform lives.

BBDT frequently works with schools, military and veteran populations, professionals, and participants of all skill levels to bring dance into communities across the state and country. Their mission is to “create transformative, human-centered dance experiences that connect communities, build courage, and inspire understanding.”

In residence with NC State LIVE for the 2026/27 season, BBDT will lead free, monthly, community-based workshops with local veterans, military families, students, and community members to develop PATRIOT, an evening-length, community-informed dance work to be performed on March 5 and 6, 2027 in Stewart Theatre.

In addition to the PATRIOT performances and workshops, we’ll also offer screenings of their film We Lift Each Other, guest lectures and special events throughout the year. Explore the full schedule of public events below.

FREE Community Workshops

Monthly on Sundays | 3-4:30 p.m. | Talley Student Union

Come move, connect, and create with Black Box Dance Theatre. Inspired by PATRIOT, these monthly dance workshops offer a fun, welcoming space to explore movement, storytelling and connection.

Community workshops are free and open to all. No dance experience necessary. No performance required. Come as you are and participate at your own comfort level. Each workshop stands on its own, so join us once or come every month. Snacks will be provided.

Workshops will take place from 3-4:30 p.m. in Talley Student Union, Meeting Room 3285 on:

• September 13
• October 11
• November 15
• December 6

2026/27 Residency events

We Lift Each Other
August 21
7:30 p.m.
Stewart Theatre

This film follows the company and a group of veterans over the course of one remarkable week: from their first meeting to their courageous participation in a fully produced public performance of original choreography.

In that short time, they move from uncertainty to trust, from isolation to connection, and ultimately into the creation of powerful art that reflects their lived experiences.

Info and Tickets

Master Class
September 17
5:30-6:45 p.m.
Carmichael Gym
FREE

Get an inside look at BBDT’s creative process with Artistic Director Michelle Pearson, who will lead a dynamic, contemporary dance class grounded in the company’s physical, expressive and collaborative approach to movement.

DETAILS: This event is a part of the Master Class Series, presented in partnership with the Department of Performing Arts and Technology. This class is designed for dancers with previous experience, and will be physical, challenging and joyful. 

Register Here

University Honors Forum
November 2 and 3
4:30-6 p.m.
Witherspoon Cinema
FREE

During this lecture demonstration, Artistic Director Michelle Pearson will be joined by company members to discuss their creative practices and community work.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Special thanks to the University Honors Program for sponsoring this event.

DETAILS: This event is free and open to the public and will be held in the Cinema in Witherspoon Student Center (2810 Cates Ave).

We Lift Each Other
November 11
6:30 p.m.
Witherspoon Cinema
FREE

In observance of Veteran’s Day, we invite members of the campus community and the public to a free film screening.

For this event, NC State LIVE will be partnering with the University Libraries, who will be on-site with an interactive pop-up featuring related media, literature and more.

DETAILS: This event is free and open to the public and will be held in the Cinema in Witherspoon Student Center (2810 Cates Ave).

Sign up form coming soon.

PATRIOT
March 5 and 6
7:30 p.m.
Stewart Theatre

Through BBDT’s healing-centered process, veterans navigate recovery, reclaim their stories, and discover new pathways toward connection and hope.

Their journey demonstrates how non-fiction dance can foster belonging, ignite resiliency and mend what trauma has fractured.

Info and Tickets

Accessibility

NC State LIVE strives to make our programming accessible to everyone. If you have an access need or an accommodation request, please email Liza Green, director, at [email protected]. Learn more about accessibility at NC State LIVE.

It Takes a Village

NC State LIVE is supported in part by grants from the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources. Our State Magazine is our official media sponsor.