Dallas Black Dance Theatre
| General information | |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 1976 |
| Founding artistic director | Ann Williams |
| Location | 2700 Flora Street, Dallas, TX |
| Principal venue | Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre |
| Website | dbdt |
| Senior staff | |
| Executive Director | Zenetta Drew |
| Other | |
| Official school | Dallas Black Dance Academy |
Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) is the oldest continuously operating dance company in Dallas, Texas.[1][2][3] For nearly half a century, DBDT has performed across the United States and around the world. In 2024, Dallas voters approved a $1.25 billion bond measure that includes an allocation of more than three million dollars to DBDT for the renovation and upgrade of their building in the Dallas Arts District.
History
[edit]Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) was founded by Ann Williams in 1976.[1][4] Originally located on the campus of Bishop College, DBDT received a 1988 gift from Lucy Crow Billingsley for access to a 13,000 square-foot building on Flora Street in Dallas.[5][6] The company has grown through the years to include two, professional modern dance companies (DBDT and DBDT: Encore!, established in 2000)[4][7] and a dance school with three student ensembles.[8]
All DBDT main company dancers receive a salary plus medical and dental coverage.[4] DBDT is a member of The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD).[9] In 1993, 1997, 2000, 2008, 2014, and 2017, DBDT hosted the annual IABD annual conference.[9]
In 2024, DBDT received a three-year grant from the Mellon Foundation to support institutional capacity building.[10]
Dallas Black Dance Academy
[edit]DBDT's official school, Dallas Black Dance Academy, was founded in 1973.[7][8] The academy offers classes for ages four to adult in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and African dance at DBDT studios.[8] The dance academy features three performing ensembles: Allegro Performing Ensemble, Junior Performing Ensemble, and Senior Performing Ensemble.[8]
DBDT Building
[edit]DBDT’s studios and offices are located at 2700 Flora Street, Dallas, a 32,000 square foot building that housed the former Moorland YMCA,[11][12][13][14] which DBDT acquired in 1999.[15] DBDT raised more than ten million dollars to purchase and renovate the building,[11][16] which includes four rehearsal studios, instruction classrooms, meeting rooms, and administrative offices.[17] In 2003, a City of Dallas-approved bond referendum awarded $3,263,976 to DBDT for “the planning, design, construction and renovation of the former Moorland YMCA building as a multi-use dance rehearsal, instructional and administrative office facility."[18] In 2005, DBDT donated its building to the City of Dallas,[19] the city's first-owned facility for dance.[20] In exchange for its gift to the city, DBDT received a forty-year building lease with an annual base rent of ten dollars and an annual city allocation of $170,000 for long-term building management.[15][19]
In 2014, the 2700 block of Flora Street was renamed "Ann Williams Way"[7] in honor of DBDT’s founder’s career.[21]
In 2017, DBDT completed a capital campaign that raised $2.2 million in matching funds that the City of Dallas reimbursed per a 2018 agreement[22] for the planning, design, construction and renovation of the building.[15] In 2020, DBDT finished a major building renovation project, including waterproofing and restoring exterior doors, windows, and facade, that was funded by a Dallas voter-approved 2017 Bond Program.[23][24] In 2024, the City of Dallas voters approved “Proposition E,” a $1.25 billion capital bond program that includes support for Dallas’ cultural and performing arts facilities.[25] Beginning in 2026,[19] DBDT will receive $3,127,850[26] for improvements to its building's elevator, security and HVAC systems, as well as flooring and roof replacements.[2][4]
Performances and tours
[edit]DBDT has performed for diverse audiences across the United States and around the world, including the following venues and events.
- 1986 Deep Ellum Blues, Majestic Theatre, Dallas. DBDT’s first major production; lead sponsor: JC Penney.[5]
- 1991 Lima, Peru, sponsored by SAGA Foundation[5]
- 1991 Arts Festival, Italy[5]
- 1992: Expo ’92, USA Pavilion, Seville, Spain[27][28]
- 1996: Cultural Olympiad, Atlanta, Georgia, the first Texas arts organization to perform at an Olympic arts festival.[28]
- 1996: Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors Festival[29][30]
- 1997: Dance Women/Living Legends, New York City[28]
- 1998: South Africa[28]
- 1998: Gershwin Centennial, Kennedy Center[28]
- 2001 Texas A&M University-Commerce, Commerce, TX[31]
- 2004: Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors Festival[28]
- 2005: Masters of African-American Choreography, Kennedy Center, Washington, DC[28]
- 2006: Commissioning collaboration with Dallas Symphony Orchestra[28]
- 2008: Nasher Sculpture Center, George Segal Seascapes Exhibit, Dallas[28]
- 2012: Ailey Citigroup Theater, New York[32]
- 2012: Olympic Preview Performance, Bryan Park, New York[3]
- 2012: Cultural Olympiad, Edinburgh, Scotland, as part of the 2012 Olympic Games[3]
- 2015: Dance X BZ Festival, Belize[33]
- 2016: Masterworks Redefined, Ailey Citigroup Theater, New York[33]
- 2021: Jacob’s Pillow, Becket, MA[34]
- 2022: University Theatre, Yale, New Haven, CT[35]
- 2023: Aronoff Center for the Arts Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Cincinnati, OH.[36]
Repertoire
[edit]DBDT performs a mixed repertory of modern, ballet, jazz, and ethnic work by nationally and internationally known choreographers,[36] including the following selections.
- ...And Now Marvin (1994). Choreography: Darryl B. Sneed.[37]
- Absolute Rule (1992). Choreography: Elisa Monte and David Brown.[32]
- Above & Below (2016). Choreography: Nycole Ray[37]
- A Precious Stone (2018). Choreography: Claude Alexander III and Sean J. Smith[37]
- A Rag, A Bone, and a Hank of Hair (1991). Choreography: Talley Beatty[37]
- A Tender Pardon (2019). Choreography: Claude Alexander III[37]
- Awassa Astrige/Ostrich (1932). Choreography: Asadata Dafora[37]
- Beams from Heaven (2010). Choreography: Christopher L. Huggins[37]
- Bodies as Site of Faith and Protest (2016). Choreography: Tommie-Waheed Evans[37]
- Bounce (2017). Choreography: Stephen Mills[37]
- Boundless Journey. Choreography: Dianne McIntyre[32]
- Essence (2005). Choreography: Christopher L. Huggins[37]
- Execution of a Sentiment (2019). Choreography: Darrell Grand Moultrie[37]
- Face what's facing you! (2018). Choreography: Claude Alexander III[37]
- From Within (2019). Choreography: Nijawwon Matthews[37]
- Furtherance (2016). Choreography: Kirven Douthit-Boyd[37][38]
- Games (1951). Choreography: Donald McKayle[39]
- How to Kill a Ghost (2014). Choreography: Juel D. Lane[37]
- I AM LARGE (2020). Choreography: Joshua L. Peugh[37]
- Inside the Absence of Fear. Choreography: Ray Mercer[32]
- Instinct 11.1. Choreography: Francesca Harper[32]
- in•ter•pret (2005). Choreography: Hope Boykin. Music: Tchaikovsky[32]
- Interpretations (2017). Choreography: Sean J. Smith[38]
- In The Sea of Heaven (2018). Choreography: Takehiro Ueyama[40]
- LIKE WATER. Choreography: Darrell Grand Moultrie[7]
- Memoirs. Choreography: Garfield Lemonius[38]
- Night Run (2003). Choreography: Christopher Huggins.[32]
- ODETTA (2014). Choreography: Matthew Rushing][37]
- ON.Toward.Press. (2020). Choreography: Hope Boykin[37]
- Porgy and Bess (1998). Choreography: Hope Clarke[41]
- RED. Choreography: Bruce Wood. Music: Philip Glass.[33]
- Reflections in D (1962). Choreography: Alvin Ailey Music: Duke Ellington[37]
- Rite of Passage (2024). Choreography: Zach Law Ingram[42]
- Shatter (2023). Choreography: Gregory Dolbashian in collaboration with the dancers of DBDT[39]
- Sinatra Suite (1983). Choreography: Twyla Tharp. Music: Frank Sinatra.[38]
- Smoke. Choreography: Bruce Wood[38]
- Southern Recollections (2012). Choreography: Bridget Moore.[38]
- Swipe Left (2023). Choreography: Sean J. Smith in collaboration with Bianca Melidor[39]
- The B-Side (2016). Choreography: Tiffany Rea-Fisherz[38]
- The Edge of My Life...So Far. Choreography: Bruce Wood[32]
- Tribute (2016). Choreography: Matthew Rushing[39]
- Undeviated Passage (2018). Choreography: Ray Mercer[37]
- Vespers (1986). Choreography: Ulysses Dove[32]
- What to Say? Notes on Echo and Narcissus (2015). Choreography: Jamal Story[37]
Leadership
[edit]Artistic Directors
[edit]- Ann Williams (1976–2014)
- April Berry (2014–2015)[21][43][44]
- Bridget L. Moore (2016–2017)[21][38]
- Melissa Young (2018–2024)[21]
DBDT: Encore! (or DBDT II) directors
[edit]Dallas Black Dance Academy directors
[edit]- Katricia Eaglin, academy director[47]
Administration
[edit]- Gilbert Gerst, chairman, board of directors[19]
- Georgia Scaife, president, board of directors (2007 - )[16][19]
- Zenetta Drew, executive director (1987-)[4][5][7]
- Stephanie Hawthorne, managing director[19]
Dancers and former dancers
[edit]DBDT
[edit]- Claude Alexander III[20][34][48][44]
- Jasmine Black[44]
- Carmen Cage[48]
- Gillian Clifford (2023-2024)[4][49]
- Hana Delong (2015-)[48][39]
- Katricia Eaglin (2005–2015)[20][47][44]
- Kayah Franklin[38][44]
- Richard A. Freeman Jr.[20][33][44]
- Edmond Giles[33]
- William Gill[50]
- Alyssa Harrington[44]
- Michelle Hebert[20][44]
- Diana Herrera[20]
- Cynthia Jackson[51]
- Sierra Noelle Jones (-2024)[48][49]
- Elijah Lancaster (2022-2024)[4][49][39]
- Dominiq Luckie (-2024)[49]
- Xavier Mack[48]
- Derick McKoy, Jr. (2022-2024)[49][39]
- Bianca Melidor (2021-2024)[48][4][49][39]
- Amber Merrick[20]
- Keon K. Nickie (2014-2017)[52][44]
- Omoniyi Osoba Obioha[20][44]
- Daniel Palladino (2022-)[39]
- Charles Michael Patterson[48]
- Jessica Popoff (2021-)[48][39]
- Nycole Ray[33]
- Terrell Rogers Jr. ( -2024)[4][48][49]
- Tyrell V. Rolle[20]
- Nile Ruff ( -2024)[4][49]
- Brianne Sellers (-2024)[49]
- Micah Sherard (-2024)[49]
- Derrick Smith[20]
- Sean J. Smith (2010–2024)[4][20][44][48][49]
- Darryl B. Sneed (-1997)[48]
- Jamal Story[33]
- Milton T. Tatum, Jr.[51]
- Jamie Thompson[20][32]
- De’Anthony Vaughan[44][48]
- Isabel Wallace-Green (2021-)[48][39]
- Jasmine White-Killins[38]
- McKinley Willis (2015-)[48][39][38]
- Kimara Wood[44]
- Melissa Young (1994–2005)[43]
- Michele Zada[20]
DBDT: Encore! (or DBDT II)
[edit]- Darian Brogdon[39]
- Ketreon Butler[48]
- Gillian Clifford (2022-2023)[48][39]
- Molly Davison[48]
- Jayla Johnson[39]
- Rayshard Demarco Keys[48]
- Aleigha Mayo[48][39]
- Olivia McCall[48][39]
- Brandon Palmer[39]
- Jeron Sanders[48]
- Javares Selby[48][39]
- Brianne Sellars[48][39]
- Micah Sherard[48][39]
- Markel Antonio Williams[39]
Awards and honors
[edit]- 2023—Best of Leadership Award, Dance Data Project’s Gender Equity Index, an index that measures a ballet or dance company’s commissioning of female creators, promoting women to leadership positions, and fostering a transparent and accountable culture as determined by a Dance Data Project survey.[4][53]
- 2017—Texas Medal of Arts Award, Arts Education from the Texas Cultural Trust[54][38]
- 2008—American Masterpiece Touring Artist, National Endowment for the Arts[7]
- 2008—Best Dallas Dance Company, Dallas Observer[55]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Arts Education. Texas Cultural Trust. https://txculturaltrust.org/bio/dallas-black-dance-theatre/
- ^ a b Gravley, Carly May (May 7, 2024). Dallas Just Voted 'Yes' on Investing $75.2 Million in Arts Facilities. Here's What's Next. Proposition E of the 2024 Capital Bond Program passed. What exactly does that mean for Dallas art and performance spaces? Dallas Observer. https://www.dallasobserver.com/arts/dallas-arts-spaces-to-receive-75-million-in-repairs-19304862
- ^ a b c Hamilton, Brentney (June 8, 2012). Olympics Bound, Dallas Black Dance Theatre Sets its Sights on London 2012. Dallas Observer. https://www.dallasobserver.com/arts/olympics-bound-dallas-black-dance-theatre-sets-its-sights-on-london-2012-7095524
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Myong, Elizabeth (September 20, 2024). How Dallas Black Dance Theatre fired dancers in the clash of old and new school. The Dallas Morning News. https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/2024/09/20/how-dallas-black-dance-theatre-fired-dancers-in-the-clash-of-old-and-new-school/
- ^ a b c d e Sharp, Cecil J. (December 1, 1991). ARTS A Great Leap Forward. While other groups have folded, Dallas Black Dance Theater is better than ever. D Magazine. https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/1991/december/arts-a-great-leap-forward/
- ^ THUMBS UP: A Space In Time For The Dallas Black Dance Theater. D Magazine. November 1, 1988.
- ^ a b c d e f History. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/about/history/
- ^ a b c d Dallas Black Dance Theatre Celebrates African American Dance Masters In A Virtual Performance Featuring The Work Of Matthew Rushing, Associate Artistic Director Of The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Garland Journal. October 13, 2020. https://garlandjournal.com/4164/arts-entertainment/dallas-black-dance-theatre-celebrates-african-american-dance-masters-in-a-virtual-performance-featuring-the-work-of-matthew-rushing-associate-artistic-director-of-the-alvin-ailey-american-dance-theat/
- ^ a b Conference and Festival | History and Timeline. International Association of Blacks in Dance. https://www.iabdassociation.org/page/confest-history
- ^ The Future of Dallas Black Dance Theatre to continue to support capacity building. Mellon Foundation. March 22, 2024. https://www.mellon.org/grant-details/the-future-of-dallas-black-dance-theatre-20454456
- ^ a b History of Moorland YMCA. Dallas, Texas. Prepared by QuimbyMcCoy Preservation Architecture. February 18, 2008. https://dbdt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2700-Flora-Street.pdf
- ^ Bass, Kelvin, “It’s a deal – Dallas Black Dance Theatre closes on old Moorland YMCA building,” The Weekly, September 21, 1999, page 12.
- ^ Wolfe, Peggy, “Dallas Black Dance Theater Grabs a Piece of History,” BlackPressUSA.com.
- ^ Putnam, Margaret (October 8, 2006). “Dallas Black Dance Theatre Turns 30,” dallasnews.com.
- ^ a b c First Amendment to Master Agreement for the Development, Operation, and Use of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre Facility. City of Dallas. https://dallasculture.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Agreement-DBDT-1stAmend.pdf
- ^ a b Schutze, Jim (May 30, 2013). For the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, a Cold Shoulder from ATTPAC. Dallas Observer. https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/for-the-dallas-black-dance-theatre-a-cold-shoulder-from-attpac-6429811
- ^ Venue Rental. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/facilities-rental/
- ^ Dallas City of Council Chamber. Resolution 180347. February 18, 2018. http://citysecretary2.dallascityhall.com/resolutions/2018/02-28-18/18-0347.pdf
- ^ a b c d e f Inspector General Division City Attorney’s Office. Review of DBDT Dancer Terminations. City of Dallas, Texas. https://interactive.wfaa.com/pdfs/Dallas-Black-Dance-Theatre-Report.pdf
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Touring Kit. 2012–2013–2014 | 36th Season: A Season of Commissioned Work. Booking Dance. https://www.bookingdance.com/DBDT_TouringKit_2012-2013.pdf
- ^ a b c d Mendoza, Manuel (September 27, 2018). Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Melissa M. Young named artistic director after 25 years with company. Young is the long-running company’s fourth leader after a career as rehearsal director, dance academy director, associate artistic director and interim artistic director. The Dallas Morning News. https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/visual-arts/2018/09/27/dallas-black-dance-theatre-s-melissa-m-young-named-artistic-director-after-25-years-with-company/
- ^ Second Amendment to Master Agreement for the Development, Operation, and Use of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre Facility. Section 2. City of Dallas. February 28, 2018. https://dallasculture.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Agreement-DBDT-2ndAmend.pdf
- ^ 2017 Bond / Proposition F: Cultural and Performing Arts. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. City of Dallas. https://dallascityhall.com/departments/public-works/dallasbondprogram/Pages/project-detail.aspx?proj_id=1011606&name=Dallas+Black+Dance+Theatre
- ^ City of Dallas. Resolution: 200842. May 27, 2020. http://citysecretary2.dallascityhall.com/resolutions/2020/05-27-20/20-0842.pdf
- ^ Dallas 2024 Bond Propositions Approved by Voters. City of Dallas. https://www.dallascitynews.net/dallas-2024-bond-propositions-approved-by-voters
- ^ 2024 Bond / Proposition E: Cultural Arts Facilities. DALLAS BLACK DANCE THEATRE. Council District: 14. 2024 Dallas Bond. https://dallascityhall.com/departments/bond-construction-management/2024-Bond-Dashboard/Pages/project-detail.aspx?proj_id=1019966&name=Dallas+Black+Dance+Theatre
- ^ Final Report. USA Pavillion. Seville Expo '92
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Making History. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/making-history/
- ^ Lincoln Center Out of Doors - Correspondence and Photographs, 1994-01-01 - 1996-12-31, 1997-11-01, Box: 200047. Photographs, Photographs. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Archives. https://archives.lincolncenter.org/repositories/2/archival_objects/115622 Accessed October 27, 2024.
- ^ Lincoln Center Out of Doors Artist Files, 1977-01-01 - 1999-08-13, Box: 250775. Production Files, PF. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Archives. https://archives.lincolncenter.org/repositories/2/archival_objects/105047 Accessed October 27, 2024.
- ^ Dallas Black Dance Theatre, 1998 - 2001, Box: 1, Folder: 12. Black History Month Collection, 2018.36-A. University Archives, Special Collections, Waters Library, Texas A&M University-Commerce. https://archives.tamuc.edu/repositories/4/archival_objects/46651 Accessed October 27, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Perron, Wendy ( January 24, 2012). Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Dance Magazine. https://www.dancemagazine.com/dallas-black-dance-theatre/#gsc.tab=0
- ^ a b c d e f g Press release. Dallas Black Dance Theatre Announces 2015-2016 | 39th Season: Vision Renewed. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/DBDT_39th-Season-Announcement-Press-Release.pdf
- ^ a b Onsite Event: Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Leir Stage. August 4–8, 2021. Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. https://www.jacobspillow.org/events/dallas-black-dance-theatre-2021-leir-stage/
- ^ Connecticut Premiere: Dallas Black Dance Theatre. June 14-15, 2022. International Festival of Arts & Ideas. https://www.artidea.org/event/2022/4736
- ^ a b Dallas Black Dance Theatre. October 20–21, 2023. Aronoff Center for the Arts. https://www.mutualdance.org/archive/2023-2024/dbdt/
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Repertoire. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/repertoire/
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Mendoza, Manuel (January 31, 2017). Doing Well By Doing Good: Dallas Black Dance Theatre at 40. Arts and Culture Texas. https://artsandculturetx.com/dallas-black-dance-theatre-at-40/
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Cultural Awareness. February 17-18, 2023. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/DBDT_CulturalAwareness2023_Program-Booklet_5.5x8.5_e1.pdf
- ^ Hill-Agnus, Eve (April 3, 2018). In The Sea of Heaven’s World Premiere in Dallas Enters Waters of Destruction and Peace. D Magazine. https://www.dmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/2018/04/dallas-black-dance-theatre-commissions-world-premiere-from-takehiro-ueyama/
- ^ Porgy and Bess. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Baltimore Sun. September 9, 1998.
- ^ Raebel, Peter (October 24, 2024). Enjoy the Dallas Black Dance Theatre's alumni showcases. NBC5-DFW. https://www.nbcdfw.com/about-nbc-5/community/enjoy-the-dallas-black-dance-theatres-alumni-showcases/3680141/
- ^ a b Weeks, Jerome. April Berry Is No Longer Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Director. Art and Seek. October 1, 2015. https://artandseek.org/2015/10/01/april-berry-is-no-longer-dallas-black-dance-theaters-director/
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Touring Brochure. 2014-2015. 38th Season. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Booking Dance. https://www.bookingdance.com/DALLAS-BLACK-DANCE-THEATRE.pdf
- ^ Nycole Ray. Artistic Director, DBDT: Encore! Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/dbdt-encore/artistic-director/
- ^ Meet Nycole Ray of Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Voyage Dallas. April 4, 2018. https://voyagedallas.com/interview/meet-nycole-ray-dallas-black-dance-theatre-downtown-arts-district/
- ^ a b Katricia Eaglin, Academy Director. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/academy-director/
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x DBDT Season Brochure, 2022-2023. Dallas Black Dance Theatre.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Public Statement from the Dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre: Can You Hear Us Now, Leadership? American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). July 24, 2024. https://www.musicalartists.org/public-statement-from-the-dancers-of-dallas-black-dance-theatre-can-you-hear-us-now-leadership/
- ^ William Gill, Interim Artistic Director. Joel Hall Dancers & Center. Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project. https://www.chicagoblackdancelegacy.org/companies/joelhalldancers
- ^ a b The Dream: Dallas Black Dance Theatre (Extended Version) (video) and transcript. Visual Biography Company, producer, and the Blessing Family Endowment of The Dallas Foundation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGTcD3VyaPA
- ^ Keon K. Nickie. DBDT: Encore! Artistic Assistant. Dallas Black Dance Theatre. https://dbdt.com/dbdt-encore-artistic-assistant/
- ^ Gender Equity Index, Dance Data Project. https://www.dancedataproject.com/gender-equity-index/
- ^ 2017 Texas Medal of Arts Awards. Texas Cultural Trust. https://txculturaltrust.org/what-we-do/texas-medal-of-arts-awards-2023/honorees/
- ^ Best Dallas Dance Company: Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Dallas Observer. https://www.dallasobserver.com/best-of/2008/arts-and-entertainment/best-dallas-dance-company-6462066