Moving with Meaning: Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) Inspires at Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance
In the spirit of diversity, inclusion and forward momentum, Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD) welcomed a creative force whose work aligns with the very values the organization is striving to deepen and define.
On Friday, April 11, 2025, prolific and endlessly collaborative artist, composer, performer, educator, and social entrepreneur, Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) visited Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD) and led a powerful workshop with RCD students aged 11 to 16.
Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) is a prolific and endlessly collaborative composer, performer, educator, and social entrepreneur. “About as omnivorous as a contemporary artist gets” (New York Times), DBR has worked with artists from Philip Glass to Bill T. Jones to Lady Gaga, as well as institutions including the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Kennedy Center, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Sydney Opera House. Known for his signature violin sounds infused with myriad electronic, urban, and African-American music influences, DBR is a composer of solo, chamber, orchestral, and operatic works, and has composed an array of film, theater, and dance scores. He has composed music for the acclaimed film "Ailey" (Sundance official selection); released and appeared on 30 album recordings; and has published over 300 works. DBR earned his doctorate in Music Composition from the University of Michigan and is currently a tenured Institute Professor at Arizona State University.
DBR reflects, “My time at RCD was too short, but I left feeling like a giant. We set our differences aside, came together to create something, and took the time to listen to one another. It was a serious set of conversations surrounded by mutual respect and magic! I’m reminded that there are few feelings like a dancer’s rhythm. Unbound by time or space, the dancer moves in defiance of gravity—a lesson for us all. Somewhere in their work, which is bound to story, there’s an invitation to see them move and be moved by their ability to remind us of our shared, overlapping histories and our endless capacity to care for one another.”
RCD Executive Director Amy Piantaggini says, “I first met DBR while he was a musician working with us at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance." That early impression stayed with her, and as his influence grew, so did her desire to connect his vision with RCD’s evolving mission. “I wanted to bring him to RCD because his work embodies many of the themes we are exploring here regarding social commitment, inclusion across social and arts practices, respecting and honoring diversity in practice, and a multidisciplinary approach. I was especially inspired when learning of his work as Resident Artistic Catalyst with the New Jersey Symphony. RCD is committed to serving its community in meaningful ways, and I knew DBR could help us envision what our next steps toward further developing our mission might look like”.
other ordinary pedestrian movements outside RCD’s Main Street windows, and then asking the dancers to do the same through movement. He then collaborated with dancers to create a dance set to improvised piano, and discussed the experience with the dancers.
Educational Director Polly Kingsbury explains, “Our dancers had the rare opportunity to work with an amazing artist. He and his violin exposed the students to imagery, variation, and improvisation. It was challenging to most of our dancers who reached deep inside themselves to choreograph a joint piece as the workshop’s culmination. RCD is very fortunate to have at its helm Amy Piantaggini, whose extensive experience in the Art World can bring these opportunities to our dancers.”
Among the many young dancers who took part in the workshop, 14-year-old Marin Almstead of Ridgefield—also a member of RCD’s Junior Dance Ensemble—shared her experience: “This was definitely one of my favorite workshops. DBR is such a kind, talented, and inspiring person! This program helped me a lot with increasing self-confidence, using creativity, and connecting with others through music and dance. So glad I was able to be a part of this wonderful event!”
Board engagement was also central to DBR’s visit. In a conversation with the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance board of directors, he explored themes of identity, inclusion, and community impact. Board member Steven Waldinger said, “Mr. Roumain, a self-described ‘Black Haitian-American Composer,’ challenged the RCD Board to think about ways RCD can increase diversity and be more inclusive. He urged the Board to imagine the vision we want for our community in the coming years and to affirmatively take steps to achieve it.”
President Hilary Aronow noted DBR’s unique perspective on the role of identity in shaping an organization. “Daniel offered an insightful commentary on the critical role that self-identification plays in the overall development of an organization as a whole, and the power of perception. It was thrilling having such a world-class performer in our space, demonstrating not only his mind-boggling musical expertise but also showcasing his unique approach to inspiration.”
The visit marked a meaningful moment in RCD’s ongoing self-reflection as the organization celebrates its 60th year and its 25th as a nonprofit dance studio!
Learn more about Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance https://www.ridgefielddance.org/