Sent on Behalf of the Dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre
Dear friends and supporters in Dallas and beyond,
We, the dedicated dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT), voted unanimously on May 29 to form a union with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). Since that day, DBDT’s leadership has made several unusual and aggressive decisions. Why? It would seem for no other purpose than to punish us for our decision to have a real voice in our working lives. We’ve attempted to communicate with leadership and have been met with silence. We now exercise our collective right to talk about our situation publicly, with the hope that DBDT leadership will hear us and work with us on a path forward.
So, let’s get into it.
What’s Transpired Since We Unionized
Days after our union election, on June 1, DBDT held “The Big Dance,” an annual fundraising event that includes short performances by the Company. Held in the days following the end of DBDT’s spring season, this event has also served as a way for us, donors, and members of the public to celebrate any dancers who are leaving the company. This year though, DBDT leadership suddenly announced that, for the first time, departing dancers would not be allowed to attend The Big Dance event without purchasing their own expensive ticket. This profoundly disrespectful decision was a major departure from past practices and dealt a significant blow to company morale. What a coincidence that leadership made this hurtful decision only after we voted to unionize with AGMA.
This situation was quickly followed by leadership not offering contracts to dancers selected in DBDT’s April auditions to replace the four departing dancers. This decision further deflated our morale by raising the possibility of 10 dancers having to do the work of 14, posing a significant threat to our safety, health, and well-being. Once again, this damaging decision marked a radical departure from past practices.
Did We Say 10 Dancers? Plot Twist: Make that 9
Just days ago, without warning, leadership rescinded a written offer of employment for next season to Sean J. Smith, a 14-season company dancer and Rehearsal Director. This disturbing news was delivered to us on the last day of our season, between company class and our first rehearsal.
Sean has been integral to fostering a company of excellent artists, often going beyond his job expectations. He scouted talent, choreographed acclaimed works, and solved artistic emergencies, making him essential to DBDT's success. Sean’s sudden termination was shocking and heartbreaking to those of us who remain. His absence will be felt throughout the organization.
The Hits Keep Coming
Next, we were informed that dancers would no longer be permitted to teach in the DBDT Academy or lead student ensembles – work that has historically been done by company dancers and was already offered to us for next season. Pause a moment and consider why DBDT leadership would erase one of our supplementary income streams, while knowing full well that our dancer pay doesn’t cut it alone. Additionally, this move negatively impacts the students of the Academy, many of whom enroll because their teachers are professional company dancers.
Where to go from Here:
It is a very emotional time as we express our disappointment in DBDT leadership’s offensive actions and decisions. We formed our union to have a true voice in our working lives and seek collaboration with leadership.
Despite these discouraging events, we see a path forward and call for specific actions from DBDT leadership to address the situation:
- Honor your commitment to Sean Smith by re-engaging him immediately, both as a dancer and rehearsal director.
- Ensure our ability to perform the company repertoire and do so safely by hiring four dancers to replace those who have left.
- Honor your commitment to the company dancers who were asked to teach in the DBDT Academy or lead ensembles next season by immediately engaging them in those capacities for next season.
- Formally apologize to the departing dancers who were prohibited from celebrating their careers with DBDT at the Big Dance.
- Publicly commit to working with us honestly and collaboratively in bargaining to establish a strong first union contract for the Artists of DBDT.
Nothing less than this will repair the damage that has been done.
How Friends and Supporters Can Help Right Now:
1. Raise Your Voice: Let leadership know you care about the dancers of DBDT and why they should too, by writing to admin@dbdt.com or reaching them on Instagram @dallasblackdance.
2. Spread the Word: Tell your friends, fellow donors, and patrons to support our movement. You can also share this link to our letter.
3. Join the conversation: Follow the dancers of DBDT on Instagram @dancersofdbdt.
4. Come to Our Performances: Show your support by being part of our audience!
Your support means everything to us and will help ensure that Dallas Black Dance Theatre will both continue to evolve as an important arts organization and treat its dancers with dignity and respect.
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
