Dallas Black Dance Theatre
General information | |
---|---|
Year founded | 1976 |
Founding artistic director | Ann Williams |
Location | 2700 Flora Street, Dallas, TX |
Principal venue | Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre |
Website | dbdt |
Senior staff | |
Executive Director | Zenetta Drew |
Other | |
Official school | Dallas Black Dance Academy |
Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) is the oldest continuously operating dance company in Dallas, Texas.[1][2] For nearly half a century, DBDT has performed across the United States and around the world. In 2024, Dallas voters approved a $1.25 billion bond measure that includes an allocation of more than three million dollars to DBDT for the renovation and upgrade of their building in the Dallas Arts District.
History
[edit]Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) was founded by Ann Williams in 1976.[1][3] Today, DBDT consists of a two, performing modern dance companies (DBDT and DBDT: Encore!)[3] and a dance school. The Dallas Black Dance Academy was founded in 1973,[4] and DBDT: Encore! (or DBDT II) was established in 2000.[4]
DBDT offers all company dancers a salary plus medical and dental coverage,[3] and is a member of The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD).[5] In 1993, 1997, 2000, 2008, 2014, and 2017, DBDT hosted the annual IABD annual conference.[5]
In 2024, DBDT received a three-year grant from the Mellon Foundation to support institutional capacity building.[6]
DBDT Building
[edit]DBDT’s studios and offices are located at 2700 Flora Street, Dallas, a 32,000 square foot building that housed the former Moorland YMCA.[7][8][9][10] DBDT raised more than ten million dollars to purchase and renovate the building,[7] which includes four rehearsal studios, instruction classrooms, meeting rooms, and administrative offices.[11]
In 2003, a City of Dallas-approved bond referendum awarded $3,263,976 to DBDT for “the planning, design, construction and renovation of the former Moorland YMCA building as a multi-use dance rehearsal, instructional and administrative office facility."[12]
In 2014, the 2700 block of Flora Street was officially renamed Ann Williams Way[4] in honor of DBDT’s founder’s retirement.[13]
In 2024, the City of Dallas voters approved “Proposition E,” a $1.25 billion capital bond program that includes support for Dallas’ cultural and performing arts facilities.[14] As part of the proposition’s allocations, DBDT will receive $3,127,850[15] for improvements to its building's elevator, security and HVAC systems, as well as roof and flooring replacements.[3][2]
Performances and tours
[edit]DBDT has performed for diverse audiences across the United States and around the world, including the following events.
- 1992: Expo ’92, USA Pavilion, Seville, Spain[16][17]
- 1996: Cultural Olympiad, Atlanta, Georgia, the first Texas arts organization to perform at an Olympic arts festival.[17]
- 1997: Dance Women/Living Legends, New York City[17]
- 1997: Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival[17]
- 1998: South Africa[17]
- 1998: Gershwin Centennial, Kennedy Center[17]
- 2004: Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival[17]
- 2005: Masters of African-American Choreography, Kennedy Center, Washington, DC[17]
- 2006: Commissioning collaboration with Dallas Symphony Orchestra[17]
- 2008: Nasher Sculpture Center, George Segal Seascapes Exhibit, Dallas[17]
- 2012: Ailey Citigroup Theater, New York[18]
- 2015: Dance X BZ Festival, Belize[19]
- 2016: Masterworks Redefined, Ailey Citigroup Theater, New York[19]
- 2021: Jacob’s Pillow, Becket, MA[20]
- 2023: Aronoff Center for the Arts Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Cincinnati, OH.[21]
Repertoire
[edit]DBDT performs a mixed repertory of modern, ballet, jazz, and ethnic work by nationally and internationally known choreographers,[21] including the following selections.
- ...And Now Marvin (1994). Choreography: Darryl B. Sneed.[22]
- Absolute Rule. Choreography: Elisa Monte.[18]
- Above & Below (2016). Choreography: Nycole Ray[22]
- A Precious Stone (2018). Choreography: Claude Alexander III and Sean J. Smith[22]
- A Rag, A Bone, and a Hank of Hair (1991). Choreography: Talley Beatty[22]
- A Tender Pardon (2019). Choreography: Claude Alexander III[22]
- Awassa Astrige/Ostrich (1932). Choreography: Asadata Dafora[22]
- Beams from Heaven (2010). Choreography: Christopher L. Huggins[22]
- Bodies as Site of Faith and Protest (2016). Choreography: Tommie-Waheed Evans[22]
- Bounce (2017). Choreography: Stephen Mills[22]
- Boundless Journey. Choreography: Dianne McIntyre[18]
- Essence (2005). Choreography: Christopher L. Huggins[22]
- Execution of a Sentiment (2019). Choreography: Darrell Grand Moultrie[22]
- Face what's facing you! (2018). Choreography: Claude Alexander III[22]
- Furtherance (2016). Choreography: Kirven Douthit-Boyd[22]
- How to Kill a Ghost (2014). Choreography: Juel D. Lane[22]
- From Within (2019). Choreography: Nijawwon Matthews[22]
- I AM LARGE (2020). Choreography: Joshua L. Peugh[22]
- Inside the Absence of Fear. Choreography: Ray Mercer[18]
- Instinct 11.1. Choreography: Francesca Harper[18]
- in•ter•pret (2005). Choreography: Hope Boykin. Music: Tchaikovsky[18]
- LIKE WATER. Choreography: Darrell Grand Moultrie[4]
- Night Run (2003). Choreography: Christopher Huggins.[18]
- ODETTA (2014). Choreography: Matthew Rushing][22]
- ON.Toward.Press. (2020). Choreography: Hope Boykin[22]
- Porgy and Bess (1998). Choreography: Hope Clarke[23]
- RED. Choreography: Bruce Wood. Music: Phillip Glass.[19]
- Reflections in D (1962). Choreography: Alvin Ailey Music: Duke Ellington[22]
- The Edge of My Life...So Far. Choreography: Bruce Wood[18]
- Undeviated Passage (2018). Choreography: Ray Mercer[22]
- Vespers (1986). Choreography: Ulysses Dove[18]
- What to Say? Notes on Echo and Narcissus (2015). Choreography: Jamal Story[22]
Leadership
[edit]Artistic Directors
[edit]- Ann Williams (1976–2014)[13]
- April Berry (2014–2015)[13][24]
- Bridget L. Moore (2017–2018)[13]
- Melissa Young (2018–2024)[13]
DBDT: Encore! (or DBDT II) directors
[edit]- Nycole Ray, artistic director, DBDT: Encore! (2012-)[25]
Dallas Black Dance Academy directors
[edit]- Katricia Eaglin, Academy Director[26]
Administrative Staff
[edit]Dancers and former dancers
[edit]DBDT
[edit]- Claude Alexander III[20][27]
- Carmen Cage[27]
- Gillian Clifford( -2024)[3]
- Hana Delong[27]
- Katricia Eaglin (2005–2015)[26]
- Richard A. Freeman Jr.[19]
- Edmond Giles[19]
- Sierra Noelle Jones[27]
- Elijah Lancaster ( -2024)[3]
- Xavier Mack[27]
- Bianca Melidor[3][27]
- Charles Michael Patterson[27]
- Jessica Popoff[27]
- Nycole Ray[19]
- Terrell Rogers Jr. ( -2024)[3][27]
- Nile Ruff ( -2024)[3]
- Sean J. Smith (2010–2024)[3][27]
- Darryl B. Sneed (-1997)[27]
- Jamal Story[19]
- Jamie Thompson[18]
- De’Anthony Vaughan[27]
- Isabel Wallace-Green[27]
- McKinley Willis[27]
- Melissa Young (1994–2005)[24]
DBDT: Encore! (or DBDT II)
[edit]- Ketreon Butler[27]
- Gillian Clifford[27]
- Molly Davison[27]
- Rayshard Demarco Keys[27]
- Aleigha Mayo[27]
- Olivia McCall[27]
- Jeron Sanders[27]
- Javares Selby[27]
- Brianne Sellars[27]
- Micah Sherard[27]
Awards and honors
[edit]- 2023—Best of Leadership Award, Dance Data Project’s Gender Equity Index, an index that measures a ballet or dance company’s commissioning of female creators, promoting women to leadership positions, and fostering a transparent and accountable culture as determined by a Dance Data Project survey.[3][28]
- 2017—Texas Medal of Arts Award, Arts Education from the Texas Cultural Trust[29]
- 2008—American Masterpiece Touring Artist, National Endowment for the Arts[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Arts Education. Texas Cultural Trust. https://txculturaltrust.org/bio/dallas-black-dance-theatre/
- ^ a b Gravley, Carly May (May 7, 2024). Dallas Just Voted 'Yes' on Investing $75.2 Million in Arts Facilities. Here's What's Next. Proposition E of the 2024 Capital Bond Program passed. What exactly does that mean for Dallas art and performance spaces? Dallas Observer. https://www.dallasobserver.com/arts/dallas-arts-spaces-to-receive-75-million-in-repairs-19304862
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Myong, Elizabeth (September 20, 2024). How Dallas Black Dance Theatre fired dancers in the clash of old and new school. The Dallas Morning News. https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/2024/09/20/how-dallas-black-dance-theatre-fired-dancers-in-the-clash-of-old-and-new-school/
- ^ a b c d e f History. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/about/history/
- ^ a b Conference and Festival | History and Timeline. International Association of Blacks in Dance. https://www.iabdassociation.org/page/confest-history
- ^ The Future of Dallas Black Dance Theatre to continue to support capacity building. Mellon Foundation. March 22, 2024. https://www.mellon.org/grant-details/the-future-of-dallas-black-dance-theatre-20454456
- ^ a b History of Moorland YMCA. Dallas, Texas. Prepared by QuimbyMcCoy Preservation Architecture. February 18, 2008. https://dbdt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2700-Flora-Street.pdf
- ^ Bass, Kelvin, “It’s a deal – Dallas Black Dance Theatre closes on old Moorland YMCA building,” The Weekly, September 21, 1999, page 12.
- ^ Wolfe, Peggy, “Dallas Black Dance Theater Grabs a Piece of History,” BlackPressUSA.com.
- ^ Putnam, Margaret (October 8, 2006). “Dallas Black Dance Theatre Turns 30,” dallasnews.com.
- ^ Venue Rental. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/facilities-rental/
- ^ Dallas City of Council Chamber. Resolution 180347. February 18, 2018. http://citysecretary2.dallascityhall.com/resolutions/2018/02-28-18/18-0347.pdf
- ^ a b c d e Mendoza, Manuel (September 27, 2018). Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Melissa M. Young named artistic director after 25 years with company. Young is the long-running company’s fourth leader after a career as rehearsal director, dance academy director, associate artistic director and interim artistic director. The Dallas Morning News. https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/visual-arts/2018/09/27/dallas-black-dance-theatre-s-melissa-m-young-named-artistic-director-after-25-years-with-company/
- ^ Dallas 2024 Bond Propositions Approved by Voters. City of Dallas. https://www.dallascitynews.net/dallas-2024-bond-propositions-approved-by-voters
- ^ 2024 Bond / Proposition E: Cultural Arts Facilities. DALLAS BLACK DANCE THEATRE. Council District: 14. 2024 Dallas Bond. https://dallascityhall.com/departments/bond-construction-management/2024-Bond-Dashboard/Pages/project-detail.aspx?proj_id=1019966&name=Dallas+Black+Dance+Theatre
- ^ Final Report. USA Pavillion. Seville Expo '92
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Making History. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/making-history/
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Perron, Wendy ( January 24, 2012). Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Dance Magazine. https://www.dancemagazine.com/dallas-black-dance-theatre/#gsc.tab=0
- ^ a b c d e f g Press release. Dallas Black Dance Theatre Announces 2015-2016 | 39th Season: Vision Renewed. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/DBDT_39th-Season-Announcement-Press-Release.pdf
- ^ a b Onsite Event: Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Leir Stage. August 4–8, 2021. Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. https://www.jacobspillow.org/events/dallas-black-dance-theatre-2021-leir-stage/
- ^ a b Dallas Black Dance Theatre. October 20–21, 2023. Aronoff Center for the Arts. https://www.mutualdance.org/archive/2023-2024/dbdt/
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Repertoire. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/repertoire/
- ^ Porgy and Bess. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Baltimore Sun. September 9, 1998.
- ^ a b Weeks, Jerome. April Berry Is No Longer Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Director. Art and Seek. October 1, 2015. https://artandseek.org/2015/10/01/april-berry-is-no-longer-dallas-black-dance-theaters-director/
- ^ Nycole Ray. Artistic Director, DBDT: Encore! Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/dbdt-encore/artistic-director/
- ^ a b Katricia Eaglin, Academy Director. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/academy-director/
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x DBDT Season Brochure, 2022-2023. Dallas Black Dance Theatre.
- ^ Gender Equity Index, Dance Data Project. https://www.dancedataproject.com/gender-equity-index/
- ^ 2017 Texas Medal of Arts Awards. Texas Cultural Trust. https://txculturaltrust.org/what-we-do/texas-medal-of-arts-awards-2023/honorees/