The Company
We’re not just a company — we are a cultural curator of what dance can and should look like. We archive and present queer and BIPOC dance histories that haven’t been fully honored and we create opportunities for these voices to be heard and celebrated from the street to the stage.
Mission
McKoy Dance Project (MDP) exists to break down barriers to access in dance by amplifying the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities through bold storytelling, community engagement, and high-impact performance. As an inclusive contemporary dance company and service organization, MDP champions opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds to connect and grow through performances, youth and adult education, and public cultural events.
Vision
To be the world’s leader in breaking down barriers to access and uplifting culturally diverse representation in the arts.
Values
Authenticity
Integrity
Equity
Community
Fun
Artistic Leadership
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Photo by Nir Arieli
Derick McKoy, Jr. (He/him), Founding Artistic Director & CEO
DERICK MCKOY, JR. (he/him), originally from Miami, Florida, is an award-winning choreographer, visionary entrepreneur, dedicated dance educator, and accomplished arts administrator. A Glorya Kaufman Scholar, he is a proud graduate of the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program in Dance and holds a Master’s degree in Performing Arts Administration from NYU Steinhardt.
McKoy has toured nationally and internationally with prestigious companies such as Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Nimbus Dance, and Jeremy McQueen’s Emmy Award-winning Black Iris Project. continued here
Social Media
Header Video: Short Excerpt of Glimmer in the Dusk by Derick McKoy Jr.
Slide 1: Aanyse Pettiford-Chandler, Carl Ponce Cubero and Sumire Ishige. Photo by Nir Arieli. Slide 2: Rachel Yoo in an excerpt of These Stars Are Something Heavy by Derick McKoy, Jr. Slide 3: Aanyse Pettiford-Chandler. Photo by Nir Arieli. Slide 4: Sumire Ishige and Carl Ponce Cubero. Photo by Nir Arieli. Slide 5: Tyler Choquette and Mika Greene. Photo by Nir Arieli. Slide 6: Tevin Johnson in Glimmer in the Dusk by Derick McKoy Jr. Photo by Michelle Mor. Slide 7: MDP Dancers in reborn by Christian A. Warner. Photo by Michelle Mor. Slide 8: Sumire Ishige and Richard Sayama in reborn by Christian A. Warner. Photo by Michelle Mor. Photo of Artistic Director & CEO Derick McKoy, Jr. Photo by Nir Arieli.
McKoy Dance Project 