Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s 2024 The Big Dance (Courtesy photo)
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
Dallas Black Dance Theatre is ready to make all the disco dreams come true this Saturday night, June 7, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center when the company celebrates its annual The Big Dance fundraising gala led by Interim Artistic Director Richard A. Freeman. Proceeds from this boogie night will benefit DBDT’s Dallas Black Dance Academy.
“This will be our sixth fundraiser for the academy,” Freeman explained. “I am the emcee, and this will really just be a big party for Dallas kicking off the summer.”
But getting here hasn’t been without its challenges for the dance company.
Last year, DBDT found itself in tenuous times with its then leadership and its company. In a nutshell, company dancers intended to unionize with American Guild of Musical Artists. AGMA then filed charges against DBDT for unfair practices regarding benefits, policies and more.
DBDT laid off its then-company and held auditions for a new roster of dancers.
The company has worked hard since then to re-establish itself and get back on track, staging a handful of performances since last year’s imbroglio. New leadership in Freeman, who was open to discussing the goings-on of last year, has also been part of that effort.
Freeman has been focused on repairing through morale building and a look back before looking forward.
“In my role, I’ve been focused on working with our dancers to complete our Larger than Life 48th season,” he said. “We’ve all worked together to dive deep into the company’s origins and embrace Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s history so we can evolve for the future,” he said in an email.
Freeman also adds to the impressive number of queer leadership of arts organizations in the Dallas Arts District where Dallas Black Dance Theatre calls home.
As the issues last year became public, DBDT took a hit in public opinion with the news reverberating throughout the dance community beyond Dallas. For Freeman, the goal was to shut off the outside noise by looking inward.
“We’ve remained focused on world-class, quality performances and rebuilding the trust of our community by getting back to the roots of our organization,” he said.
“We know actions speak louder than words, so we’ve reaffirmed our commitment to our community through outreach programs, maintaining the highest excellence in artistry and championing accessible arts education for students of all backgrounds.”
This gala and the new season are all about what’s ahead for Freeman while embracing the organization’s values. As a longtime member of DBDT, the former company dancer wants to keep the heart of DBDT at the forefront.
“I am embracing the organization’s values of inclusion, passion for work and collaboration.
My goal is to facilitate a culture where dancers feel free to express themselves in a welcoming and safe creative environment,” he added.
Freeman spoke by phone about the gala and was intent on letting the festivities of this event be the focal point of DBDT for now. At least, the company can breathe with the good news of both the event and its fundraising.
“Imagine the fun we’re gonna have with all the outfits and music!” Freeman enthused. “There has to be a photo booth, and we’re going to have mini-performances by both companies.”
He added that there is a little bit of Pride going on here as well for this June event. First, he’s ready to let his own hair down for the event. But second, he has an affection for the inclusive nature of not only the company, he said, but of dance in general.
“I’ve always been appreciated here and celebrated, and I feel that way about our community,” he said. “DBDT has been very open and warm and accepting and celebrated every part of me through my whole journey.”
Now, the 39-year-old finds himself at the forefront of the organization he started in as a dancer. He’s working to fix the cracks the Dallas institution suffered last year, but he’s also got a party to get ready for.
“If you have not gotten your ticket, do it. This is a party you don’t want to miss,” he said. “We’re going to celebrate the company, the community and Dallas.”
For tickets, visit DBDT.com/Big-Dance.