Modern dance choreographer Donald Byrd has choreographed over 100 works since 1978, both for companies he has directed—Donald Byrd/The Group (1978–2002) and Spectrum Dance Theater in Seattle (since 2002)—as well as others including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Joffrey Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, and Aterballetto. He also choreographed the Tony Award-nominated The Color Purple on Broadway (2005). Many of his works deal with social issues or revolve around ideas of love and intimacy. In 1992, Byrd received a Bessie Award for The Minstrel Show.