ICYMI: On May 29, the dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) made a bold move—they voted unanimously to unionize with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).
Since then, DBDT leadership:
- Denied benefits for departing dancers
- Removed teaching opportunities for company dancers
- Fired a 14-year veteran dancer
- Failed to replace departing dancers, leaving the number dangerously low for the 2024-2025 season
- Terminated the 9 remaining dancers – the entire company – just 10 days before they were set to return, and ended all benefits
There are several ways you can support the fired dancers of DBDT and help them fight for justice!
1. Join Us on a Picket Line!
Despite AGMA's active Do Not Work Order, Dallas Black Dance Theatre proceeded with auditions, quietly replaced the fired dancers, and announced an entire season of performances, which AGMA fully intends to picket. Next up is AGMA's Picket of "Director's Choice" on November 8 and 9.
Our picket line will be dedicated to the dancers who have contributed to DBDT’s legacy yet face job loss after voting unanimously to unionize. Let’s send a strong message that a true celebration of DBDT's history must include accountability for how its artists are treated today. Registration is now OPEN!
See the rest of the "Season of Solidarity" here.
2. Follow AGMA and the Dancers on Social Media
Follow AGMA and the dancers on Instagram. Every like, comment, and share helps us amplify our message!
3. Donate to the dancers' GoFundMe
None of these dancers are originally from Dallas, and all made life plans, signed leases, and committed to another season with DBDT, believing their jobs were secure. Now, they’re confronted with unexpected challenges as they struggle to cover basic expenses like rent and groceries without the security of their jobs that were unjustly ripped away from them only 10 days before the new season was scheduled to begin and several months after audition season.
The Dancers of DBDT are in territory that we’ve never seen before, but we have an opportunity to make a difference. Contribute what you can to their GoFundMe. Every donation, no matter the size, can help these dancers stay afloat while we continue the fight for justice alongside them.
Read Dancers Vice President Antuan Byers message too!
4. Send an Email to Management
Demand DBDT leadership be held accountable! Email admin@dbdt.com. Insist they reinstate the dancers and negotiate a fair first contract!
By taking any or all of these actions, you’ll stand in solidarity with the fired dancers of DBDT!