Executive Director

Organization

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT), based in Dallas, Texas, is dedicated to creating and producing contemporary modern dance at the highest level of artistic excellence through performances and educational programs that bridge cultures and communities. Founded in 1976 by Ann M. Williams, following the establishment of the Dallas Black Dance Academy in 1973, DBDT was born from a powerful vision: to inspire underrepresented youth, expand access to dance as an art form, and serve as a professional role model for Black dancers.

Today, DBDT serves ever-expanding national and global audiences while employing a diverse, multi-ethnic company of artists, presenting work across multiple venues within the Dallas area, including the Dee & Charles Wyly Theatre (Main Company, 551 seats), Moody Performance Hall (Encore!, 750 seats), The Majestic Theatre (Espresso Nutcracker, 1,704 seats), and the Latino Cultural Center (Academy Recital, 300 seats).

Entering its 50th year as the oldest continuously operating professional dance company in Texas and Dallas, DBDT is a $4 million organization that presents a rich and varied repertory, including modern dance, ballet, jazz, and culturally rooted works by nationally and internationally acclaimed choreographers. Over its history, DBDT has reached more than five million arts patrons and three million children worldwide, currently engaging approximately 50,000 K–12 students annually through performances and educational initiatives.

These efforts reinforce DBDT’s long‑standing commitment to artistic excellence, cultural connection, and broad community impact.

To support artistic development and meet growing demand, DBDT expanded its organizational structure with the launch of DBDT:
Encore! in 2000 as its second performing company. This ensemble of classically trained dancers from across the country presents an annual season at the Moody Performance Hall. Complementing the DBDT’s two companies, the Dallas Black Dance Academy provides comprehensive dance education for students ages four and up, offering multiple levels of ballet, jazz, tap, and other disciplines and training more than 550 students each week at the DBDT Studios.

DBDT has been headquartered since 2008 at its permanent home in the Dallas Arts District, a renovated historic Moorland YMCA building that now houses rehearsal studios, classrooms, and administrative offices. DBDT has historically served on the board of the Dallas Arts District. DBDT's artistic achievements have earned significant recognition, including designation as an American Masterpiece Touring Artist by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Texas Medal of Arts.

Known equally for innovation, DBDT pioneered paid virtual performances during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching audiences in more than 30 countries. As a resident company of the AT&T Performing Arts Center, DBDT now serves approximately 125,000 people annually, continuing Ann Williams’ legacy while embracing new opportunities to inspire and connect with audiences worldwide.

DBDT has a 28‑member board of directors led by Board Chairman and President Jack Skinner. The executive director oversees an administrative staff of 17, including the managing director, director of facilities and operations, director of marketing and public relations, director of administration and board liaison, and senior director of development. For the year ending May 31, 2026, DBDT expects a total revenue of $4.2 million, including 79% from contributed sources (including individual donors, events, foundations, corporations, grants, and government), and 21% from earned revenue (season performances, touring, and Academy).

Sources: edited from ; propublica.org

Situated on the ancestral lands of the Wichita, Tawakoni, and other Caddoan-speaking tribes, Dallas, Texas, is home to approximately 1.3 million residents and anchors one of the nation’s fastest‑growing metropolitan regions. The Dallas‑Fort Worth‑Arlington metroplex, with more than 7.7 million people, is the fourth largest in the United States and is known for its economic vitality, cultural diversity, and strong civic and…