The American Guild of Musical Artists and Dallas Black Dance Theatre Announce First Collective Bargaining Agreement
With the agreement ratified by both organizations, AGMA has lifted its Do Not Work Order against DBDT
DALLAS - The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) are proud to announce the ratification of the company’s first collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
In a written statement, the Dancers on the AGMA Negotiating Committee said: "We understand the significance of this moment and the path that brought us here. We're proud to have negotiated a first contract that provides meaningful protections for today's dancers while strengthening the company for those who will come after us."
Founded in 1976 by Ann Williams, Dallas Black Dance Theatre is the oldest continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas and a nationally recognized institution celebrating the artistry and contributions of Black artists in dance. The agreement, ratified by the AGMA Board of Governors on August 10, lays a foundation for a stronger, more sustainable future for DBDT artists and the organization as a whole.
“This agreement starts the next chapter in the history of Dallas Black Dance Theatre,” said Richard A. Freeman, Jr., Artistic Director of DBDT and a former DBDT dancer. “I know firsthand what this company means to the artists who have dedicated themselves to its mission and legacy. As we approach our 50th anniversary season, it is important that we continue supporting our dancers as they thrive, both artistically and professionally.”
The agreement establishes, for the first time, guaranteed minimum work weeks for the dancers and a minimum number of dancer positions each season, along with a seniority-based wage scale that includes significant improvements in minimum weekly salaries and built-in increases over the life of the agreement. It also codifies existing health insurance and retirement contribution benefits and strengthens physical therapy, sick and personal leave, and parental leave, while creating a joint labor-management committee and establishing robust protections against harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
The journey to this first contract spanned more than two years. In 2024, a labor dispute between AGMA and DBDT drew national attention in the performing arts. The dispute resulted in a settlement for the original dancers involved, including nearly $600,000 in compensation. For AGMA, that resolution was important, but not the end of the work. The Union remained committed to ensuring that future generations of DBDT dancers would have the protections and benefits that come with a collective bargaining agreement.
In collaboration with DBDT, AGMA worked with the current dancers to organize, form a negotiating committee, and bargain for their first contract.
"A great deal happened to make this moment possible," said Griff Braun, AGMA National Organizing Director. "We have never forgotten the former DBDT dancers who organized their workplace and stood together during an extraordinarily difficult chapter in the company's history. Their efforts helped make this agreement possible. I have been equally inspired by the commitment, professionalism, and solidarity of the current DBDT dancers, who carried that work forward at the bargaining table. This first contract makes DBDT a safer, more supportive, and more sustainable workplace for artists today and for generations to come."
The agreement comes as DBDT prepares for its 50th anniversary season with a renewed commitment to artistic excellence and organizational stability.
“Our dancers are at the heart of Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and their talent, dedication and artistry are essential to everything we do,” said Kristie Patton Foster, Executive Director of DBDT. “As we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary season, I look forward to working alongside our dancers, staff, board and supporters as we build an exciting future.”
AGMA and DBDT recognize the many artists, advocates, community members, and supporters whose efforts contributed to this historic moment. Together, both DBDT and AGMA look forward to a new chapter of collaboration and continued growth for Dallas Black Dance Theatre.
ABOUT DALLAS BLACK DANCE THEATRE
Founded in 1976 by Ann Williams, Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s mission is to create and produce contemporary modern dance at the highest level of artistic excellence through performances and educational programs that bridge cultures and reach diverse communities. As the largest and oldest professional dance company in Dallas, DBDT is the fourth-largest Black dance company in the nation, ranks in the top 10 largest contemporary modern dance companies in the U.S. and is included among the nation’s 50 largest ballet companies by Dance Data Project. Located in the thriving downtown Dallas Arts District, the nation’s #1 Arts District (USA Today), DBDT has performed worldwide for over 5 million arts patrons and 3 million students in 35 states and 16 countries on five continents. The performances include three Olympics (1992, 1996, and 2012), the nation’s most prestigious venues (Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Broadway, Jacob’s Pillow and Joyce Theatre), and for such luminaries as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and South African President Nelson Mandela. Since 2020, DBDT performances have been viewed virtually in 45 countries and expanded to include virtual student matinees and cultural literacy programs. Since 2021, the virtual education performances have been viewed by nearly 200,000 K-12 students across 28 districts throughout the nation. The Company has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts as an American Masterpiece Touring Artist (2008) and received the Texas Medal of the Arts Award for Arts Education (2017).
ABOUT THE AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS
The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is the labor union of singers, dancers, and staging staff in opera, ballet and contemporary dance, and concert choral performance in the United States. A national union with a membership of ~7,000 artists, AGMA provides forceful advocacy and defense of its members’ employment and artistic rights. AGMA negotiates and enforces over 75 collective bargaining agreements nationwide, ensuring fair and safe working conditions and enhancing the quality of life for its members. AGMA has a direct charter from the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO Branch of Associated Actors and Artists of America and the Department for Professional Employees (DPE). AGMA is also a part of the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds (COBUG).