Bill T. Jones and his late partner, Arnie Zane (1948–1988), challenged audiences with powerful duets dealing with issues of identity and offering social commentary. After 11 years of collaboration they founded the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and made their international debut in 1983 at BAM.

The company’s work often draws from important textual sources such as Flannery O’Connor’s short story, The Artificial Nigger and Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

Based in Harlem, the company is very much engaged with its surrounding community. In 2007, they launched Breaking Ground, an on-going community-dialogue series in partnership with Harlem Stage. These lively discussions are moderated by the always-articulate Bill T. Jones and focus on myriad topics, including creativity and politics. Audience participation is encouraged and everyone is invited.

The company’s education program offers master classes and workshops to the greater public. Master classes are scheduled regularly around NYC and run about $15 each. In partnership with Randall’s Island Sports Foundation (RISF), Bill T. Jones has also developed Kids in Motion, a pilot dance program designed to help meet the arts-education needs in Harlem’s public schools.