History & Mission
OUR MISSION
The mission of Dallas Black Dance Theatre is to create and produce contemporary modern dance at its highest level of artistic excellence through performances and educational programs that bridge cultures and reach diverse communities.
The vision of Dallas Black Dance Theatre is to fulfill its mission through performance and educational programs that bridge cultures, reach diverse communities and encompass ever-expanding national audiences.
OUR HISTORY
A Legacy of Excellence
Dallas Black Dance Theatre started with a dream. In 1973, Ann M. Williams founded the Dallas Black Dance Academy, now the official school of Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Within the next three years in 1976, Dallas Black Dance Theatre emerged with a powerful dream: to inspire minority boys and girls to appreciate dance as an art form and be a role model for Black youth to envision themselves as professional dancers. With an ever-expanding national and global audience, the company employs a diverse, multi-ethnic troupe of dancers performing for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Today, Dallas Black Dance Theatre is the oldest, continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas. Our contemporary company features professional, full-time dancers who perform a rich repertory of modern, ballet, jazz, and ethnic works by nationally and internationally acclaimed choreographers. Throughout our history, we have reached over 5 million arts patrons and 3 million children worldwide, currently serving approximately 50,000 youth annually in grades K-12.
To meet growing demand and better serve our community, Ann Williams established DBDT: Encore! (formerly DBDT II) in 2000 as our second performing company. This ensemble of classically trained artists from across the nation presents its annual season at the Moody Performance Hall.
The Academy offers comprehensive dance education for students aged 4 and up. With three levels each of ballet, jazz, tap, and other dance disciplines, the academy operates four evenings per week and Saturdays year-round, training over 550 students weekly at the DBDT Studios.
Our Permanent Home
In January 2008, we established our permanent home at 2700 Flora Street in the Dallas Arts District, transforming the historic former Moorland YMCA building into our rehearsal studios, training classrooms, and administrative offices. This move honored the legacy of founder Ann M. Williams, and in October 2014, the 2700 block of Flora Street was officially renamed Ann Williams Way in recognition of her lifelong contributions.
Recognition and Innovation
Our artistic excellence has earned prestigious recognition, including designation as an American Masterpiece Touring Artist by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2008 and the coveted 2017 Texas Medal of Arts award from the Texas Cultural Trust. In August 2021, we made our debut at the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, premiering LIKE WATER by award-winning choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie, commissioned as the inaugural recipient of the Joan B. Hunter New Work Commission.
Today, Tomorrow & Beyond
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dallas Black Dance Theatre became the first professional dance company worldwide to consistently present paid virtual performances as a sustainable business model. Our virtual programming has reached audiences in over 30 countries, demonstrating our commitment to accessibility and innovation.
As a resident company member of the AT&T Performing Arts Center – Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, we continue our mission with a full complement of virtual and in-person programming. Our offerings include captivating professional dance concerts, inclusive community outreach, arts education activities, and pre-professional training. Today, we proudly serve approximately 125,000 people annually, carrying forward Ann Williams' vision while embracing new opportunities to inspire and connect with audiences worldwide.
