Every year on March 8, the world recognizes International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of women and girls, as well as educate and think of new solutions to gender equality issues. 

At The Sonja McCord X, we believe in the power and unlimited potential of women, and today, we’re going to share the accomplishments of some amazing women in the dance industry.

Camille A. Brown is a choreographer and clarinetist who also directs her own company, Camille A. Brown & Dancers. Named a Guggenheim Fellow in 2016, she is known for her piece ink, which is about race, culture, and identity. Through her work, Brown explores contemporary movements and styles to tell both historical and ancestral stories on stage. 

Taisha Piggett is a contemporary dancer and choreographer who brings together dance and visual arts. Her work explores race, gender, body agency, and queer themes. In addition to her dancing accomplishments, Piggett runs an online zine, itch journal, in which she provides a platform for LA dancers to present their work in new formats and discuss the artistic process. 

Leomi Maldonado is a trans woman dancer and activist. Known as the “Wonder Woman of Vogue,” she’s appeared in “America’s Best Dance Crew” and a music video for Willow Smith. She also serves as a judge on HBO Max’s show Legendary and has choreography credits with Pose. 

Alice Sheppard is a disabled dancer, showing the world unique methods of movement by dancing in a wheelchair. Sheppard hopes her work in the dance industry will help people move beyond the traditional narratives of loss and adversity when it comes to conversations around disability. 

The fight for gender equality is not over, and women face inequality and violence around the world every day. Today, we’re taking time to celebrate what women have accomplished, but recognize that in many ways, we still have a long way to go.