Dallas Black Dance Theatre fired all of main company dancers - U.S. media

A worrying story is developing in Dallas, Texas, the United States. I do not have resources to directly interview either parties, so here are some news clippings as of 21st August, 2024.

On 9th August, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre posted the decision (I personally could not find it) and an audition notice on its social media account. An hour later, it dismissed nine dancers by email, all of its main company dancers for the upcoming 2024–25 season, according to Dance Magazine.

Company members had unanimously voted in May to join the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). Dancers and artist communities immediately claimed the company's decision was union busting.

On 12th August, the company posted another post explaining the decision was made "after a video surfaced that violated their contractual terms and our standards of artistic excellence. This decision is unelated to their choice to join the American Guild of Musical Artists, and we value their right to organize."

On the same day, AGMA called on dancers not to participate in the auditions and called on other unions not to work with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre until they reach agreements. On 17th August, the day of the auditions, many people gathered to support the dancers.

Earlier on 21 June, @dancersofdbdt, an Instagram account run by dancers, posted a video clip filmed in the Dallas Black Dance Theatre's dance studios and parking lot. According to a Dance Magazine article dated 15th August, "the DBDC leadership confirmed to Dance Magazine the video was the reason for termination, citing company policies prohibiting personal use of DBDT property and cell phone use in the building, among other contract violations.

"But the dancers were not on contract when they were terminated. Company members had unanimously voted to unionize on May 29, and AGMA had yet to reach an agreement with DBDT administration for the upcoming season."

The company said to the magazine the video clip violated the code of conduct at least partially.

The Dallas Black Dance Theatre was founded in 1976 by Ann Williams. It is the oldest continuously operating dance company in Dallas. The still unravelling even is causing public outcry. On 19th August, Fox4 KDFW news reported Dallas City Council membered were calling for an investigation into the dismissal.