“Dancing with D” sets the stage for diversity in Broome County

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) Dancing since she was four years old, Dhyani James started dancing competitively by ten. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, but attributes her love for dance to the small city of Monticello, New York, where James lived during most of her childhood. 

James says while she’s always loved the arts, as a child, she didn’t think her dream of dancing for a living would come true due to the color of her skin.

“As a young adult, I knew that a dancer at my level came with a certain look,” James said. “Which at the time, I thought I didn’t have.”

James relocated to Binghamton in 2015. She met her fiancé’ about four years later, who told her stories about the dance culture that once flourished in the area. 

But when James looked around, she didn’t see any predominantly Black teams operating at the professional level. It was then, James said, she realized her purpose here in Broome County was to provide representation for Black & brown youth. 

In 2021, James began advertising that she was starting a dance team. By 2022, her very first dance studio, Dancing with D, had opened its doors and organized the “Triple City Twilights”, a youth dance team. 

Today, the studio is home to 21 team members and 10 recreational dancers, offering dance lessons in a multitude of genres including tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary, all while specializing in majorette. 

The Triple City Twilights have since established themselves at events all throughout Broome County, including parades, annual celebrations, and events the Twilights host themselves. 

James said one of her favorite performances to date was New York Senator Lea Webb’s Inaugural Ball. 

“The event was so impactful and meaningful to our cause,” James said. “We were showing New York State just how much the Black girl can rock!”  

Upon reflection, James called her journey with the “Triple City Twilights” nothing short of a blessing, saying she could have never imagined the amount of love and support the team would have received over the past year. 

“I always want them to know I’m their biggest cheerleader and that the skills I’m instilling in them will take them so far,” James said. “It really warms my heart to see them as invested in this as I am.” 

When asked what’s her favorite part of being a dance teacher, James said she’s simply excited for her students’ futures and honored to be a part of their stories. 

“I hope when they get the opportunity of a lifetime, they want to call Ms. D and share the news,” James said. 

While always scouting new dancers to join the team, James emphasized the “Triple City Twilights” is a diverse group and all inclusive, no matter the race or gender. 

“We want all types!” James said. “Old or young, big or small, Black or white, boy or girl! All are welcome.” 

If you or someone you know would like to join the “Triple City Twilights” or just keep up to date with where they’ll be next, visit their Facebook page Dancing with D and message Ms. D a message with further inquiries.