The dedicated dancers of the esteemed Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) have taken a courageous step to publicly address what they describe as “unusual and aggressive decisions” from DBDT leadership following their unanimous vote to unionize with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) on May 29th. Feeling unheard and seeking a collaborative path forward, the dancers are now sharing their concerns with the wider community, hoping to garner support and encourage dialogue with the theater’s leadership.
Actions Taken Since Unionization Spark Concern
Just days after the union election, on June 1st, DBDT hosted its annual fundraising gala, “The Big Dance.” This event, traditionally a celebratory occasion following the spring season, has historically been a time for dancers, donors, and the public to honor departing company members. However, this year, a stark departure from tradition occurred. DBDT leadership announced that, for the first time, dancers leaving the company would be barred from attending “The Big Dance” unless they purchased expensive tickets themselves. This move was perceived as deeply disrespectful and damaging to company morale, especially coming so soon after the unionization vote. The dancers question the timing, suggesting a punitive motive behind this unprecedented decision.
Adding to the unease, leadership has reportedly not offered contracts to dancers who were selected during DBDT’s April auditions to fill the vacancies left by the four departing dancers. This decision has further dampened spirits within the company, raising the specter of a significantly understaffed ensemble. The prospect of ten dancers being expected to shoulder the workload of fourteen poses serious concerns for their health, safety, and overall well-being. Again, the dancers point out that this deviation from standard practice followed closely on the heels of their decision to unionize.
A Key Dancer and Rehearsal Director Dismissed
The situation escalated further with the sudden and unexpected rescinding of a written employment offer to Sean J. Smith. Smith, a company dancer of 14 seasons and the Rehearsal Director, was informed of his termination without prior warning on the last day of the season, just before a rehearsal. His dismissal has sent shockwaves through the company.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre dancers in performance
Sean J. Smith is described by his colleagues as being instrumental to the artistic excellence of Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Beyond his dancing and rehearsal direction, he has been actively involved in talent scouting and choreography, consistently exceeding expectations and playing a crucial role in the company’s artistic success. His abrupt removal is deeply felt by the remaining dancers who recognize his immense contributions and the void his absence will create.
Loss of Supplementary Income for Dancers
In another move that has negatively impacted the dancers, leadership has reportedly informed them that they will no longer be permitted to teach in the DBDT Academy or lead student ensembles. This teaching work has historically provided a vital supplementary income stream for company dancers, whose base pay alone is acknowledged to be insufficient. Furthermore, this decision is seen as detrimental to the students of the Academy, many of whom specifically enroll to learn from the professional company dancers. The dancers question the rationale behind eliminating this established practice, particularly given the context of their recent unionization.
Dancers Seek Constructive Dialogue and Solutions
The dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre express their profound disappointment with what they perceive as retaliatory actions from leadership. They emphasize that their decision to form a union was motivated by a desire for a genuine voice in their working lives and a collaborative relationship with management.
Despite the current challenges, the dancers are proactively proposing a path forward. They are calling on DBDT leadership to take the following specific actions:
- Reinstate Sean Smith immediately to his positions as both dancer and Rehearsal Director, honoring the previous commitment made to him.
- Hire four dancers to fill the existing vacancies, ensuring the company is adequately staffed to perform its repertoire safely and effectively.
- Re-engage company dancers in their previously offered roles teaching in the DBDT Academy and leading student ensembles for the upcoming season.
- Issue a formal apology to the departing dancers for the disrespectful decision to exclude them from “The Big Dance” celebration.
- Publicly commit to honest and collaborative bargaining with the dancers to establish a strong first union contract that reflects the value of the Artists of DBDT.
The dancers assert that nothing short of these actions will adequately repair the damage that has been inflicted and pave the way for a more positive future for Dallas Black Dance Theatre.
How the Community Can Support the Dallas Black Dance Theatre Dancers
The dancers are urging friends, supporters, and the wider community to take action and show their solidarity:
- Speak Out: Contact DBDT leadership directly to express your concern for the dancers and the situation. You can reach them by email at [email protected] or via Instagram @dallasblackdance.
- Spread Awareness: Share this letter and information about the dancers’ situation with your network, fellow donors, and patrons of the arts.
- Join the Conversation: Follow the dancers’ perspective and updates on Instagram @dancersofdbdt.
- Attend Performances: Demonstrate your support by being present in the audience at Dallas Black Dance Theatre performances.
The dancers emphasize that public support is crucial at this time. It will play a significant role in ensuring that Dallas Black Dance Theatre not only continues to thrive as a vital arts organization but also upholds the principles of dignity and respect for its dancers, the very heart of its artistic endeavors.
In solidarity,
The Dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre
Dominiq Luckie, Terrell Rogers, Jr., Nile Ruff, Elijah W. Lancaster, Micah Sherard, Derick McKoy, Jr., Sean J. Smith, Gillian Clifford, Brianne Sellers, and Sierra Noelle Jones
