Dallas Black Dance Theatre Introduce
For decades, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) has been a cornerstone of the arts community in North Texas, celebrated for its artistic excellence and profound cultural impact. As the oldest continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas, DBDT holds a special place in the city's heart, offering Texans a unique opportunity to witness world-class contemporary modern dance. Founded in 1976 by Ann Williams, the mission of DBDT is to create and produce dance at its highest level, all while bridging cultures and reaching diverse communities through powerful performances and educational programs. The company's repertoire features a dynamic blend of modern, ballet, jazz, and ethnic works by nationally and internationally acclaimed choreographers, making every show a rich and moving experience.
DBDT is not just a performance venue; it is a vital cultural institution that has earned both national and international recognition. The company has performed for over five million arts patrons and three million students across 33 states and 16 countries, cementing its status as a leader in the dance world. Locally, DBDT is a pillar of the Dallas Arts District, serving as a hub for creativity and education. This institution is a fantastic choice for families and individuals alike, offering performances that tell compelling stories without words, accompanied by moving music. As one reviewer noted about their "Dancing Beyond Borders" show, it provides an "interesting experience watching a story being told without words," highlighting the power and storytelling capabilities of the company's artists.
The Dallas Black Dance Theatre is conveniently located at 2700 Ann Williams Way, Dallas, TX 75201, a prestigious address within the world-renowned Dallas Arts District. The street itself was renamed in honor of the company's visionary founder, Ann Williams, a testament to her enduring legacy and impact on the city's cultural landscape. This prime location makes it easily accessible for Texans visiting from across the metroplex and beyond. For audience members and visitors, the venue prioritizes accessibility, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that the arts are available to everyone in the community. As a popular destination for performances and educational events, the ease of access is a key factor in its appeal.
The Dallas Black Dance Theatre offers a range of services that extend far beyond its main stage performances. It is a comprehensive arts organization that focuses on both professional artistry and community engagement. Their offerings are designed to educate, inspire, and entertain audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned arts patron or bringing a child to their first dance performance, DBDT has something to offer.
Services Offered:
- Dance Performances:
- Professional, full-time dancers perform a mixed repertoire of modern, ballet, jazz, and ethnic works.
- The company has two main performing groups: the main professional company and DBDT: Encore!, a professional training company for emerging artists.
- Regular season performances are held at prestigious venues within the Dallas Arts District, such as the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre and Moody Performance Hall.
- Educational Programs:
- The Dallas Black Dance Academy, the official school of DBDT, offers classes for students of all ages.
- The academy provides a structured curriculum in various dance disciplines, including ballet, jazz, tap, and more.
- Educational outreach programs serve schools and communities, including workshops, master classes, and lecture-demonstrations.
- These programs are designed to inspire and teach the next generation of dancers and arts lovers.
- Community Engagement:
- The company hosts community events, which include festivals and special performances.
- They also provide valuable dance education programs in schools and conduct outreach activities in various community venues.
The Dallas Black Dance Theatre is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its importance and value to the Dallas community and beyond. These elements are what make a visit to DBDT a truly special experience.
Features and Highlights:
- It is the oldest continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas, a testament to its longevity and dedication to artistic excellence.
- Known for its high-quality performances, which are often described as "electrifying" and "moving" by audience members.
- The organization is celebrated for its commitment to diversity and cultural preservation, telling stories without words through the medium of dance.
- The company is well-regarded for being "good for kids," making it an accessible and educational outing for families.
- The venue and its main performance spaces are highly accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot.
- The company accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, providing convenience for patrons.
- DBDT has received prestigious accolades, including being named an "American Masterpiece Touring Artist" by the National Endowment for the Arts and receiving the Texas Medal of the Arts Award for Arts Education.
- It is located in the top-ranked Dallas Arts District, placing it at the heart of the city's cultural life.
Contact Information:
For more details on upcoming shows, educational programs, or general inquiries, you can reach the Dallas Black Dance Theatre via the following contact information.
Address: 2700 Ann Williams Way, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
Phone: (214) 871-2376
What is worth choosing the Dallas Black Dance Theatre?
For Texans seeking to immerse themselves in a world of artistic excellence and cultural significance, choosing the Dallas Black Dance Theatre is an obvious and rewarding choice. What makes DBDT so special is its unique blend of masterful performance and a deep-seated commitment to community. It’s an organization that not only puts on breathtaking shows but also works tirelessly to educate and inspire the next generation through its academy and outreach programs. The review mentioning an "electrifying" R&B concert and the mesmerizing "Dancing Beyond Borders" performance, which tells a story "without words," speaks to the company's versatility and emotional power. The ability to convey complex narratives and feelings through dance is a hallmark of truly great art, and DBDT excels at this.
Moreover, the company's historical significance and its role as a cultural beacon make a visit to its performances or facilities a meaningful experience. As the oldest professional dance company in Dallas, it represents a rich legacy of artistry and perseverance. The dedication to accessibility and creating a welcoming environment for all, including families with children, shows a genuine commitment to inclusivity. Unlike many arts organizations that may feel exclusive, DBDT actively works to "bridge cultures and reach diverse communities," making it a place where every person can feel at home. By choosing to support the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, you are not just buying a ticket to a show; you are contributing to the preservation of a vital cultural heritage and helping to ensure that this remarkable institution continues to inspire and educate for generations to come. It is a choice that enriches both the individual and the community as a whole.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Dallas Black Dance Theatre Photos










Dallas Black Dance Theatre Location
Dallas Black Dance Theatre
2700 Ann Williams Way, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
Dallas Black Dance Theatre Reviews
leadershipwordsorganization
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1"Just experienced Anthony Hamilton live at an R&B concert, and it was absolutely electrifying! His soulful voice filled the venue with pure magic, leaving the crowd wanting more. The energy, the vibes, everything was on point. If you get the chance to see him live, don't miss it!"
April 18 · Joys DallasTheir "Dancing Beyond Borders" presentation was awesome. It's an interesting experience watching a story being told without words. The accompanied music was moving. No photos were allowed during the show so I snapped the facility interior early.
April 05 · Letrece W.Exciting and moving choreography and performance! Loved it! Thank you Dallas Black Dance Theatre for continuing to show excellence in dance!!
February 16 · Linda ToddUnion busting company in dire need of new leadership. DBDT was happy to fire their entire roster of dancers in retaliation for unionizing, cut off their benefits and even denied access to COBRA, all mere days before the season was to begin. Truly cruel, unprofessional, and undignified behavior from a once beloved organization.
September 06 · Andrew StensonDBDT has such potential, unfortunately Zenetta is illegally ignoring their dancers' unanimous desire to join the union and chose to fire all of them -- viewing the dancers who make the company's art as disposable.The NLRB has ruled against them and recommended charges for illegal, unfair labor practices.They need to apologize, reinstate the dancers with back pay, and restore the company to what it was. Union membership only allows their dancers greater access to collaborate with the other major US dance organizations. DBDT has an opportunity to rise up to that level but current leadership wants to play king and their dancers as serfs.
November 12 · Christopher Harrison
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