The diverse Cleveland art scene provides a space for many forms of self-expression. One of the most popular ways that Clevelanders express themselves is through dance. The Blakk Jakk Dance Collective is a community that offers a safe space for aspiring dancers of all skill levels to learn, grow and improve their dancing skills.

Dancers stretch before beginning dance class.
Dancers stretch before beginning dance class. Credit: Najee Hall / Signal Cleveland

Finding the beat

The founder of the Blakk Jakk Dance Collective, RonDale Simpson, has been dancing for as long as he can remember.

“I’ve been dancing for as long as I could move,” Simpson said. “I’ve always had rhythm and been able to pick up on dance moves after watching them once or twice. It’s something that I always had within me.”

He didn’t have formal training in his early years, but the desire to dance and inspiration from watching the likes of Michael Jackson and Debbie Allen perform kept him going. 

“I watched a lot of TV when I was younger. Michael Jackson was my biggest inspiration, growing up watching him and his story motivated me. I also enjoyed watching Debbie Allen, who is such a huge choreographer,” Simpson said.

The dance company came to life in 2020, after a  performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was getting ready to do some shows and the pandemic hit and that stopped everything,” Simpson said. “A couple different dance organizations started doing drive-up events where you could perform outside at store fronts, parks and things of that nature.”

“After my group performed, a woman took our photo and asked, ‘Where can we find you guys?’ and I said ‘I don’t have anything.’ At that moment I knew it was time to start a company,” Simpson said.

Dancing the night away

The Blakk Jakk Dance Collective practices during a Monday evening drop in class.
The Blakk Jakk Dance Collective practices during a Monday evening drop-in class. Credit: Najee Hall / Signal Cleveland

I was able to attend one of their drop in classes at Disciples Christian Church on Mayfield Road. This class allows dancers of all skill levels to come together to practice. As I sat and watched from the stage, choreographer Darnell Weaver greeted the class. Dancers began to stretch and warm up. Dancers then started multiple dance routines the company has been working to master. The routines incorporate aspects of ballet, hip-hop and jazz. Weaver offered each dancer encouragement and constructive critiques as they worked hard to make corrections. 

“Get up on those toes,” Weaver said to the class as he demonstrated a clean relevé.

Delores Barnes, 28, and Dalauntae Turpinseed, 24, are two of those dancers. They practice their techniques and get more precise each time they execute a dance sequence. 

“Dance was like a calling for me,” Turpinseed said. “I started dancing during the pandemic. When we were locked down, I would just go out into my driveway and dance. I taught myself how to dance, I used YouTube and an app called Steezy and would just dance when I felt like I needed to.”

Barnes’ experience is similar.

“I’ve been dancing since I was a kid, but I’ve been consistently doing it more often these past four years,” she said. “I’ve been with Blakk Jakk since day one. RonDale called me and asked if I wanted to dance in the park during COVID. We did a couple virtual performances, and that snowballed into what Blakk Jakk is today.”

Both Turpinseed and Barnes said one of the many reasons they have enjoyed their time at Blakk Jakk is that it feels like a family. 

“I think of them as brothers and sisters,” Barnes said. “I’ve learned something from each and every one of them. They’ve taught me things about myself as a person and a dancer.”

“ I really do love them,” she said.

“We really have each other’s backs,” said Turpinseed. “Everyone wants to see each other be better people and better dancers. RonDale has gotten us dance jobs and exposure in the community. It’s just been really great to be here.”

A space to thrive at the Blakk Jakk Dance Collective

The Blakk Jakk Dance Collective poses during a photo shoot.
Members of The Blakk Jakk Dance Collective pose during a photo shoot. Credit: RonDale Simpson / Blakk Jakk Dance Collective

Simpson hopes to cultivate community through dance by offering an inclusive space for all to learn and thrive. 

“This is a true safe space for dancers who feel like they don’t have a place to belong,” Simpson said. “Everything is grounded in Black dance, but we try to create a culture where people can freely be themselves.”

Mental health is very important to Simpson.

“How do people feel when they come into this space? What’s going on in their lives?” he said.

“This is a place for people to transform through dance and just exist.”  

The Blakk Jakk Dance Collective is currently enrolling new dancers. Dancers must be 13 years or older to enroll. Classes are available for as low as $15. To register for the company or to see classes offered and pricing, visit this form.

Community Reporter (he/him)
I work to gain the trust of Cleveland residents through direct community engagement and storytelling. My goal is to amplify and celebrate the residents and stakeholders who contribute to the success of city neighborhoods. I’m hoping to erase the negative stigma that has been cast on some neighborhoods throughout the years.