



SATURDAY • DECEMBER 14, 2024 • 7:00PM
MAJESTIC THEATRE • 1925 ELM ST • DALLAS, TX 75201
PRESENTING SPONSOR
SATURDAY • DECEMBER 14, 2024 • 7:00PM
MAJESTIC THEATRE • 1925 ELM ST • DALLAS, TX 75201
PRESENTING SPONSOR
LEGACY SPONSOR
CATALYST SPONSORS
SEASON SPONSORS
EDUCATION & OUTREACH SPONSORS
SEASON SUPPORTERS
It’s a Winter white Christmas at the Black home, and Mr. and Mrs. Black and their child, Clara, are welcoming their guests to a holiday party. There are games and gifts for the children and dancing for everyone. Clara’s beloved godfather, Herr Drosselmyer gives her a wonderful present, a wooden Nutcracker.
After the party, Clara falls asleep with her Nutcracker but she wakes up because something is suspicious. Out of nowhere, giant mice scurry into the room. Everything in the room disappears except for toy soldiers and the mice.
The toy soldiers battle with the mice, and Clara helps them by throwing her slipper to slay the fierce Mouse King. Now that the Mouse King is dead, Clara enters into a beautiful forest, where the snowflakes dance a lovely waltz.
Clara and Drosselmyer arrive in the Land of Sweets and are greeted by the beautiful Sugarplum Fairy and all the other inhabitants of her realm. Everyone is delighted that Clara is safe. Everyone dances for Clara: Hot Chocolate from Spain, little ones from Africa, Chinese Tea, Coffee from Arabia, the Reed Flutes, and Mother Ginger with her little ones. Then comes the Waltz of the Flowers to dance and finally, the Sugarplum Fairy returns to perform a majestic dance.
It’s time for Clara to say goodbye and she bids the Land of Sweets a farewell.
Last year we celebrated Dallas Black Dance Academy’s 50th Anniversary. This year we are launching our theme, 50 Years Forward! 50 Years Forward is Dallas Black Dance Academy’s commitment to continue in its rich legacy of dance training, discipline and diversity. As an instructor for Dallas Black Dance Academy for 25 years, I have been amazed and inspired by the growth of the academy and the impact on parents and students who have trained with us over the years. I am reminded every year that when we teach dance, we are teaching more than movement. The former students of the academy who have gone on
to become teachers, realtors, medical doctors, lawyers and much more are a testament to this lasting truth.
It brings me great joy as we present Dallas Black Dance Academy’s 7th Espresso Nutcracker! In 2018, Dallas Black Dance Academy’s faculty and staff supported me with excitement as I cast the vision to have our students join the Nutcracker tradition in celebration of the Academy’s 45th Anniversary. In 2019, we experienced overwhelming community support in a sold-out performance at the Majestic Theatre. With gratitude in 2020, we were able to continue our Espresso Nutcracker tradition virtually spreading holiday cheer in homes around the world. In 2021 we had a joyful in person return and are thankful to keep sharing our Espresso Nutcracker tradition. Since then, we’ve continued to bring the holiday spirit in person and virtually with Dallas Black Dance Academy’s Espresso Nutcracker.
Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
Academy Director
Ann M. Williams Founder
Richard A. Freeman, Jr.
Interim Artistic Director
Zenetta S. Drew
Executive Director
Katricia Eaglin —Academy Director
DeAngela Christian —Academy Registrar/ Jr. Accountant
Shamonn Wise —Blessing Family Lead Outreach Teacher
Attiyya Fortune —Outreach Instructor
Attiyya Fortune —Junior Performing Ensemble Director
Sydney Winston —Senior Performing Ensemble Director
Katricia Eaglin —Allegro Performing Ensemble Director
Daijhia Kirk—Ensemble Assistant
Richard Battle —Facilities Coordinator
Raymond Tabera —Facilities Coordinator
Darian Brogdon
Tori Carter
Attiyya Fortune
Akeia Fuqua
Sydney Guine
Emma'lee Hashaway
Katricia Eaglin
Kevin Jackson
Daijhia Kirk
Julius Johnson-Mathis
Natalia Meza
Azya Warrick
Sydney Winston
Azaria Barnes
Maria Guerrero
Marley Randolph
Jeannette Allen
Angela Banks
Chasidie Brown
Deborah Curry
Attiyya Fortune
Zenobia Fortune
Michelle Fuller
Angel Gardner
Zoe Shepherd
Micah White
Aniya Whitaker
Kaylee Giles
Randolph Grant
Odette Goer
Shelia Harris
Tinita Jacquet
Galen Johnson
Kim Jones
Sareatha Kirk
Emelda Lawrence
Amber McCoy
Kira McCoy
Christa Richard
Sharonda Smith
Tori Thompson
Latricia Willis
by
ACADEMY, founded by Ann M. Williams in 1973, has provided high-quality dance instruction to diverse communities for over 50 years. Williams, who made history in 1968 as the first African American to earn a Master's degree in Dance from Texas Women's University, established the school (originally named South Dallas Dance Academy) with a vision of using dance to build discipline, self-esteem, and life skills.
The Academy has produced multiple Presidential Scholars in Dance, with nine graduates from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts earning this prestigious recognition. Four Academy
students have received full scholarships to The Juilliard School, and many others have won the Texas Young Masters Award. Since 2012, all Academy seniors have graduated high school and pursued college education.
Today, the Academy features three performing ensembles—Allegro, Senior, and Junior—which provide performance opportunities and community outreach. Through these programs, the Academy continues its legacy of excellence in dance education and the fulfillment of Ms. Williams’ dream.
by Jin Kim
Katricia Eaglin Academy Director
KATRICIA EAGLIN is a Dallas native and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a minor in Business Foundations from the University of North Texas and earned a Master’s in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary.
Mrs. Eaglin is a former dancer of Dallas Black Dance Theatre's main company from 2005–2015, Director of the Academy’s premier Allegro Performing Ensemble since 2012 and an Academy instructor since 1997. Katricia has also done choreography for Dallas Black Dance Theatre, DBDT: Encore!, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and
Visual Arts, Texas Christian University as well as other dance programs in the Dallas community.
While a member of DBDT, Mrs. Eaglin performed with the Dallas Opera’s Porgy and Bess in 2008 and Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s collaboration with Dallas Theatre Center in The Wiz in 2011.
Mrs. Eaglin currently serves as Dallas Black Dance Academy’s Academy Director.
Shamonn Wise
Blessing Family Lead Outreach Teacher
SHAMONN WISE, from Duncanville, Texas, is a 2018 University of North Texas in Denton Honors graduate, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance. She has trained with Ad Deum Dance in Houston, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and is a founding member of the Terrance M. Johnson Dance Ensemble in Dallas. Shamonn is currently in her second year as Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Neiman Marcus Lead Outreach Teacher, facilitating arts integrated programs for students in Dallas County.
Attiyya Fortune Academy Outreach Instructor
ATTIYYA FORTUNE, a native of Dallas, Texas, received a Bachelors in Fine Arts in Dance and a Minor in Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2020. Attiyya has had the privilege to perform several works by many esteemed artists in the Dallas and Denver-Boulder communities and continues to explore as a freelance performer. Along with her professional dance career, Attiyya is a certified birth and postpartum doula (Bcd). She teaches at DBDT's Academy and Bodies In Motion outreach program for schools in the DFW metroplex. Attiyya is excited and looks forward to the connections and projects coming in her future.
Richard A. Freeman, Jr.
Interim Artistic Director
RICHARD A. FREEMAN, Jr., a native of Washington, D.C., began his training with District of Columbia Youth Ensemble and the Washington Ballet. He received additional training from Duke Ellington School of the Arts, as well as Virginia Commonwealth University. Richard has held many roles at Dallas Black Dance Theatre including Dancer, Academy Instructor, Company Instructor, Resident Choreographer, DBDT: Encore! Artistic Assistant, Costume Manager, Stage Manager, and Artistic Project Coordinator. This is Mr. Freeman’s 17th season with the organization.
Kirk
Ensemble Assistant
DAIJHIA KIRK, a proud native of Garland, TX, is in her 15th year as an instructor at Dallas Black Dance Academy, where she also serves as the Assistant Director for the academy’s ensembles. A former company member and rehearsal assistant with DBDT II (DBDT: Encore! ), Daijhia graduated cum laude with her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of North Texas. Following graduation, she became a dance educator and fine arts developer for Lancaster ISD, and currently holds a Texas Educator Certification. Beyond her contributions to the arts, Daijhia is also a dedicated and accomplished special investigator.
Emma'lee Hashaway
Academy Faculty Member
EMMA'LEE HASHAWAY, began her dance training at the age of 2. She began competing at the age of 6 at local, state and national Dance Competitions where she won numerous awards.
Emma’lee’s desire to take her dance skills to the next level led her to Dallas Black Dance Academy where she received more eminent training.
In 2024, Emma’lee graduated Magna Cum Laude from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in Dance Studio Management, and a minor in General Business. Emma’lee is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Business Administration with a target completion of May 2025.
Choreographer/Former DBDT Dancer
DE'ANTHONY VAUGHAN, from Kansas City, Missouri, was introduced to dance at the age of three by his grandmother. He received training from the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey and Kansas City Ballet School. He continued his training as a three-year scholarship student at The Ailey School. He was a member of the Von Howard Project in New York and is currently the director of Dallas Black Dance Academy‘s Senior Performing Ensemble.
De’Anthony has performed works by choreographers such as Matthew Rushing, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Kirven Douthit-Boyd, Alvin Ailey, Elisa Monte, Christopher L. Huggins, and many more. He is currently a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Choreographer/Former DBDT Dancer
JASMINE
, a native of Cincinnati, OH, began her dance training at the Cincinnati School for Creative and Performing Arts. In addition to earning her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from Southern Methodist University and minor in Arts Management, Jasmine has studied on scholarship at The Ailey School, Martha Graham School, Cincinnati Ballet Academy and other intensives across the country. Jasmine performed two seasons with DBDT: Encore! and was formerly the director of the Senior Performing Ensemble within DBDA.
Choreographer/Former DBDT Dancer
MCKINLEY WILLIS, a Dallas native, began her training with the Dallas Black Dance Academy and Özsoy’s School of Ballet. She is a graduate of Booker T. Washington HSPVA, and in the midst of her time there she received the Texas Commission on the Arts Young Masters scholarship. In 2015 she received her Bachelor of Fine Art in Modern Dance Performance with a minor in Health and Exercise Science from the University of Oklahoma. She made her debut with the Bruce Wood Dance Project in 2011 as an apprentice, and again as a performing member in 2015.
, a native of Dallas, TX, began her journey in dance as a child, which ignited her passion for the performing arts. She earned her BA in Dance from Texas Woman's University in 2016, where she also discovered her talent for production, taking on roles as a stage manager and lighting designer during her undergraduate studies.
In May 2024, just before her 30th birthday, RaChelle achieved a significant goal by earning her Master of Business Administration in Human Resources Management from Texas Woman's University. This accomplishment enhances her ability to lead and manage creative teams effectively.
RaChelle has had the privilege of traveling across the U.S., collaborating with numerous professional theatre, dance, and corporate companies. She has also worked with various schools in the DFW metroplex and participated in multiple dance competitions as both a stage manager and lighting designer.
For the past eight years, RaChelle has been a vital part of Dallas Black Dance Theatre, serving as stage manager for their home tour and lighting designer for portions of their U.S. tour. She is currently in her first season as Production Manager with Dallas Black Dance Theatre, where she merges her artistic vision with strong leadership to bring captivating productions to life.
**No photography or videography permitted. Please silence all devices.**
Founder, Ann M. Williams
Interim Artistic Director, Richard A. Freeman, Jr.
Academy Director, Katricia Eaglin
Composers: Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky & Duke Ellington
Narration: Dr. Von Eaglin
Lighting Design: Velyncia Caldwell
Script : Katricia Eaglin
Costumes: DeAngela Christian, Nycole Ray, Sareatha Kirk, Katricia Eaglin
"The use of "Waltz of the Flowers" by The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra as recorded on the "In the Nutcracker Mood" CD was granted by Glenn Miller Productions Inc, and WBLT, LLC"
Choreographer —Katricia Eaglin
Father —Zach Law Ingram
Mother —Nycole Ray
Clara —Tamyha Robertson
Drosselmyer —Richard A. Freeman, Jr.
Family Children —Anndelynn Barfield, Malia Bonney, Harper Brown, Jene Crawford, Chrysette Diggs, Gemariah Floyd, Cadence Genova, Marian Graham, Taylor Jaquet, Kai Johnson, Janelle Jolivette, Kaylin Kelly, Madison Lee, Farrah McCoy, Zoe McPhaul, Tamyha Robertson, Roxie Swan-Sterling, Ailey Williams, Micah Williams, Ellington Young
Family Adults —Darian Brogdon, Tori Carter, Attiyya Fortune, Daijhia Kirk, Tonnette Black, La'Dacher Jackson, Galen Johnson, Joy Hallman, YaRonda McDonald, Tatum Rogers
Toys
Choreographer —Emma'Lee Hashaway
Madison Bell, Devyn Black, Danny Sullivan, Aniya Whitaker, Micah White, Toryn Williams
Battle
Choreographer —Katricia Eaglin
Lead Soldier —Marley Randolph
Soldiers —Taylor Brock, Charlee McCoy, Madison Polk
Lead Rat —Aryn Andrews
Rats —Charity Harris, Jaia Jones, Jae-Ruby Allen
Snow Scene
Choreographer —Jasmine White-Killins
Restaged by —Katricia Eaglin
Snow Queen —Azaria Barnes Corps de ballet:
Madison Bell, J'Nae Jackson Bey, Devyn Black, Ariel Bowman, Maria Guerrero, Marley Randolph, Micah White, Aniya Whitaker, Toryn Williams
Hot Chocolate
Choreographer —Katricia Eaglin
Spanish Lead —Toryn Williams Corps de ballet:
Jae-Ruby Allen, Aryn Andrews, Taylor Brock, Charity Harris, Jaia Jones, Charlee McCoy, Madison Polk, Marley Randolph
Coffee
Choreographer —Katricia Eaglin
Soloist —Micah White
Cacao
Choreographer —Daijhia Kirk
Lead —Ariel Bowman
Charlee McCoy & Taylor Brock
Zehavi Douglas-Gibbs, Elliot Hency, Kennedy Holland
Choreographer —Katricia Eaglin
Lead —Aniya Whitaker
Andelynn Barfield, Chrysette Diggs, Gemariah Floyd, Cadence Genova, Marian Graham, Farrah McCoy, Roxie Swan-Sterling, Ailey Williams, Ellington Young
Choreographer —De’Anthony Vaughan
Madison Bell, Ariel Bowman, Danny Sullivan, Toryn Williams
Choreographer —Katricia Eaglin
Azaria Barnes, Devyn Black, Maria Guerrero, Aniya Whitaker
Ginger
Choreographer —Jasmine White-Killins
Restaged by —Katricia Eaglin
Mother Ginger —Madison Bell Corps de ballet:
Malia Bonney, Harper Brown, Jene Crawford, Taylor Jaquet, Kai Johnson, Janelle Jolivette, Kaylin Kelly, Madison Lee, Zoe McPhaul, Micah Williams
Choreographer —Richard A. Freeman, Jr.
Richard A. Freeman, Jr.
Choreographer —McKinley Willis
Waltz of the Flowers Leads —Azaria Barnes, Devyn Black, Toryn Williams Corps de ballet:
Aryn Andrews, Madison Bell, J'Nae Jackson Bey, Ariel Bowman, Taylor Brock, Maria Guerrero, Charlee McCoy, Madison Polk, Marley Randolph, Aniya Whitaker
Choreographer —Jasmine White-Killins
Sugar Plum Fairy Soloist —Micah White
Choreographer —Katricia Eaglin
Richard A. Freeman, Jr. & Tamyha Robertson with Azaria Barnes, Madison Bell, Devyn Black, Ariel Bowman, Maria Guerrero, Aniya Whitaker, Micah White, Toryn Williams
Thank You to Our Groups
Bochy's League
DBDA Families
Jackson Middle School
RAFT
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
Jack and Jill of America
Gilbert Gerst Chairman Bank of Texas
Georgia Scaife President Retired, SuperMedia, LLC
Mark D. Cooks Vice President, VP Artistic Frost Bank
Lee McKinney Treasurer Retired, City of Dallas
Paulette Turner Secretary Integrated Leadership Concepts, Inc.
Mark Howard VP Investment Momentum Wealth Strategies
JeAnna L. Parker VP Audit Anderson
Clem Maddox VP Government Affairs Charter/Spectrum
Frank Samuels VP Strategic Planning Retired, Accenture
Jack Skinner VP IT & Security Oversee My IT, LLC
Kim Whitaker VP Development McKesson
Ann M. Williams Founder Dallas Black Dance Theatre
Keron Wright Governance Burke Bogdanowicz PLLC
Lisa Young ** VP Finance Retired, Ernst & Young, LLP
Brandy Alfred Community Volunteer
Joleen Chambers Community Volunteer
Angela Chapman Bright Legacy Enterprises, LLC
Greer L. Christian Walmart
Kyle Davis Locke Lord, LLP
Lawanda Penland Dunwell L3Harris Technologies
Farah Fitzpatrick Community Volunteer
Jesse Hornbuckle Commissioner, OAC/City of Dallas
Ebonie Jackson Bank of America
Stephanie L. Johnson AT&T
Marianne Lamont Texas Instruments
Kevin K. Lewis Deloitte LLP
Terrence G. Maiden Russell Glen Company
Holly Mayer
P.R.I.D.E. Rehabilitation
Shelia McAfee US Bank
Amenemopé McKinney Big Sky Funds
DeDe McGuire “DeDe in the Morning Show”
Heidi K. Murray Leadership Women
Christopher Plumlee ELEVATE Strategy Group
Geralyn Richard Libéte LLC
Tanya Reddick Rogers Skin Specialists of Allen and Addison
Melanie Guthrie Sanders Walmart
Boski Sharma Communities Foundation of Texas
Ahava Silkey-Jones Dallas College - School of Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design
Linda M. Todd LMT Global Consulting Solutions LLC
Zannie Voss SMU DataArts
Keith Webb Genesis Motor America
Petre White Community Volunteer
The mission of Dallas Black Dance Theatre is to create and produce contemporary modern dance at its highest level of artistic excellence through performances and educational programs that bridge cultures and reach diverse communities.
INTERIM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FOUNDER
RICHARD A. FREEMAN, JR.
ZENETTA S. DREW
ANN M. WILLIAMS
DaJuan Foley, Jr.
Jayla Johnson
Amit Katz
Jazmun McCoy
Katricia Eaglin
Asako Fandrich
Quintin Moore
Jemari Neal
Brandon Palmer
Anna Rotllant-Estelrich
Javares Selby
Anna Vazquez
Sarah Westbrook
Richard A. Freeman, Jr.
Keon K. Nickie
Alfonsina Treneman
DBDT: ENCORE! ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Nycole Ray
Darian Brogdon
Tori Carter
Akeia Fuqua
Sydney Guine
ARTISTIC
Academy Director
Blessing Outreach Teacher
Robert Hooks II
Julius Johnson-Mathis
Marcus Johnson, Jr.
Academy Outreach Instructor
Production Manager
Administrative & Artistic Assistant
DBDT: Encore! Artistic Assistant
DBDT Rehearsal Assistants
ADMINISTRATIVE
Managing Director
Controller
Staff Accountant
Academy Registrar / Jr. Accountant
Sr. Director of Development
Sr. Grant Manager
Executive Assistant to the Executive Director
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Community & Digital Strategy Manager
Database Manager / Ticket Assistant
Box Office & Audience Engagement Manager
Graphic Designer / Brand Manager
Video Editor / Jr. Graphic Designer
OPERATIONS
Director of Facilitates & Operations
Facilities Support
Darien ”DJ“ Jones
Natalia Meza
Azya Warrick
Katricia Eaglin
Shamonn Wise
Attiyya Fortune
RaChelle Conley-Lister
Casey Gutenberger
Keon K. Nickie
Jazmun McCoy, Brandon Palmer
Stephanie Hawthorne
Ma Fe Massengale
Wawen Villamin
DeAngela Christian
Jennifer Yorek
Kristen Y. Vogel
Taylor S. Tindol
Leigh Hopkins
Victoria Ribeiro
John Trimble
Gena Loe
Jonathan Harlos
Aleah Pilot
Kimberlie Page
Richard Battle, Raymond Tabera
Photo by Jin Kim
June 7, 14, 21, 28 (LIMITED CAPACITY)
Classes for students ages 2 thru Adult; no experience required, no audition necessary. This is an extension of our regular academy classes on a smaller scale. Classes are held on Saturday mornings.
June 2-14 (LIMITED CAPACITY)
Experience intensive training during the summer with DBDT professional company members. Previous dance experience required.
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