The VND Experience

Vaughn Newman Dance is a fusion of human consciousness and cultural diversity, dedicated to delivering mesmerizing and impactful dance performances not only in Upstate SC but also beyond. Through our dynamic movements, we express the essence of the human experience, creating an emotional connection that transcends cultural differences. Our dances are like living poetry, crossing cultural boundaries, and raising awareness of the importance of spirituality and community growth.

 
 

Artivist &

Choreographer

Dance has been my salvation since childhood, providing a powerful language to bridge cultures and inspire change far beyond my roots in inner-city Philadelphia. As an African American arts director, choreographer, and citizen artist, my mission is to unite these personal origins with a broader, global perspective, blending the lineages of classical and modern dance. I believe dance is living poetry—an art form rooted in technical rigor and cultural fluency, designed to foster individual growth, collective healing, and social awareness. Through VND, I am committed to creating accessible, soulful performances and educational programs that feed the community, spark cross-cultural dialogue, and provide the same sense of hope and direction that shaped my own journey.

 
 
 

As Founder and Artistic Director of Vaughn Newman Dance, Vaughn brings over 15 years of experience in Modern, Contemporary, and Diasporan dance, blending technical excellence with a global perspective.

Innovation| Cross-Cultural Exchange| Community Impact

My work embodies these principles through:

  • International collaborations (Ghana, Cuba, London)

  • Community projects like United Shades (supporting TRANS communities of color)

  • Educational outreach (ADAM Arts Camp, PACE Dance Festival)

  • Award-winning choreography (South Carolina Curtain Call’s “Choreographer of the Year”)

  • International collaborations (Ghana, Cuba, London)

  • Community projects like United Shades (supporting TRANS communities of color)

  • Educational outreach (ADAM Arts Camp, PACE Dance Festival)

  • Award-winning choreography (South Carolina Curtain Call’s “Choreographer of the Year”)

Pan-African Cultural Exchange (PACE) & International Impact

Following his training in Africa, Vaughn established the PACE Dance Festival in Ghana.

  • National Theatre of Ghana Collaboration: In 2023, the National Theatre commissioned a restaging of Newman’s work, Valley of Dry Bones, performed by the Ghana Dance Ensemble.

  • Mentorship: During the 2023 festival, he conducted over 20 dance classes and provided extensive mentorship to the local dance community over a three-week period.

  • Global Reach: Newman was selected to lead specialized Contemporary and West African workshops for the 10th Anniversary Afro-Cuban Dance Festival, Havana, Cuba, in April 2026.

Community Initiatives & Performance

VND continues to serve as a hub for cultural expression and community advocacy:

  • United Shades: A 2023 collaborative initiative with Upstate Pride, SC, using dance, film, and visual arts to create a safe space and share authentic narratives for the TRANS community of color.

  • ADAM Arts: This immersion program (Acting, Dance, Art, Music) for under-represented youth successfully increased enrollment by 30% during its 2018 and 2019 seasons.

  • Zaki West African Drum & Dance Ensemble: Newman continues to co-choreograph and perform in annual concerts with this ensemble.

  • Recent Works: His recent choreography and performance credits include A Taste of Black Theatre (2025), World AIDS Day: Brick Upon Brick (2025), and The Nativity (2024, 2025).

Educational Leadership

Newman recently returned to Foothills Dance Conservatory in 2025 as an Adjunct Dance Instructor. Having previously served as their Director of Modern Dance (2011–2017), he now focuses on integrating students' personal experiences into their artistic expression and providing guidance for professional auditions and competitions.