Dance North Texas May – July 2024 Issue

DANCE NORTH TEXAS

MAY - JULY 2024 A Dance Council of North Texas Production thedancecouncil.org

INSIDE: In The Spotlight: Dr Rosann Cox In Memoriam: Bill Atkinson Summer Intensives Seasonal Performances + More

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SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW AVAILABLE ATTPAC.ORG/TITAS TITAS.ORG

TWYLA THARP DANCE September 20 2024 Winspear Opera House

NOCHE FLAMENCA

(Spain) (Live Music)

October 04 . 05 2024 Moody Performance Hall

OKAREKA

(New Zealand) (Texas Debut) November 01 . 02 2024 Moody Performance Hall

MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP (Live Music)

November 23 2024 Winspear Opera House

ALONZO KING LINES BALLET December 13 2024

Winspear Opera House

BALLET HISPÁNICO

(Premiere) (Broadway Add-on)

January 24 . 25 2025 Moody Performance Hall

WHIM W’HIM (Texas Debut)

April 11 2025 Winspear Opera House

LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO May 02 . 03 2025 Moody Performance Hall

DOUG VARONE AND DANCERS (Live Music)

May 23 2025 Winspear Opera House

COMMAND PERFORMANCE TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND GALA April 26 2025

Winspear Opera House

DANCE NORTH TEXAS MAYY - JULY 2024

CONTENTS 4

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: DR ROSANN COX

6

IN MEMORIUM: BILL ATKINSON

10

SUMMER INTENSIVES

12

SEASONAL PERFORMANCES + MORE

FROM THE PRESIDENT...

Greetings, Dance Enthusiasts!

And, just like that, the regular season is up!

But fear not, there are still plenty of performances left to enjoy, as detailed on pages 12-13. Summer intensives will also be gearing up in early June for those staying in town, offering opportunities to stay in shape or try something new. Be sure to check out the ads and listings on pages 10-11.

Before you know it, summer will be over and dance enthusiasts will have a lot to look forward to. TITAS, DBDT, Texas Ballet Theater, and other North Texas companies have published their new dance calendars, promising an exciting 2024-25 season!

We are excited to announce the 2024-25 DCNT season lineup: • A Chance 2 Dance: Year-round at various locations • November 23, 2024: Open College Dance Audition at Dance Industry Performing Arts

COVER: TITAS DANCE/UNBOUND PRESENTS Alonzo King Lines Ballet photo by RJ Muna DANCE is published quarterly by the Dance Council of North Texas and is available online. Articles of interest to the community, performance calendar information, letters to the editor, and press releases are welcome.

EDITOR Mair Cawston CONTRIBUTORS Suzanne Lyra Wagner Go to thedancecouncil.org to: Join Dance Council of North Texas or renew an existing membership, sign up for CenterStage, DCNT’s weekly eblast delivered to your inbox each Wednesday, get information about advertising opportunities or donate to DCNT!

Dance Council of North Texas | 3630 Harry Hines Blvd | Dallas | TX 75219 214 219-2290 director@thedancecouncil.org | thedancecouncil.org DANCE COUNCIL SPONSORS THE MCDERMOTT FOUNDATION THE REA CHARITABLE TRUST

TARTAGLINO RICHARDS FAMILY TRUST

• November 2024: Dallas Dance Film Festival at Oak Cliff Society of Fine Arts • February 9, 2025: Dance Council Scholarship Deadline • April 6, 2025: Dance Planet 28 at The Hockaday School Mark your calendars for these exciting events!

And as always, we, at Dance Council, are dedicated to supporting our members in every way possible. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let us embark on this season together, celebrating the artistry, passion, and camaraderie that define the heart of dance.

P.S. Don’t forget to check out CenterStage for dance auditions, performances, jobs and more! Sign up here: signup.e2ma.net/sign up/1827774/1782200/. Find us at thedancecouncil.org, on facebook.com/dancecouncilofnorthtexas, and instagram.com/ dancecouncilntx.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

DR ROSAN COX

The Founder of the Dance Department at Booker T Washington HSP reflects on her career as a dancer + educator.

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DCNT: Tell us about your early history and how and when dance entered the picture..

RC: I have always danced, not on the studio floors of dance schools and studios, but rather in the world of grassy spaces and cement sidewalks. I loved the feeling of the air on my body as I moved through space, the shadows and light as they filtered through the trees, and the discovery of new ways to move as I experimented with balance, twisting, turning, reaching, falling.

Later in elementary school, Mrs. Keating introduced regiment of dance phrases which I loved. I was confident that I could levitate my entire body by concentrating and repeating frenetic movement of my arms. So much for that experiment! Even so, I was selected by Mrs. Keating to perform in an outdoor Mayfest for the next three years. In high school, I took modern dance classes from Miss Ella Newman, who featured me in dance performances and where I learned the joy of performing. I continued the role of performance in college and discovered that I acquired some analysis and teaching skills through the guidance of May Ella Montague. I continued study at the summer session at the University of Wisconsin in 1951 where I had classes with dance luminaries, Alma Hawkins, Mary Hinkson, and Margaret H’Doubler. I learned how much more there was to be learned. The summer of 1953, I attended the American Dance Festival in New London, Connecticut. All these educational events prepared me for the job of a lifetime, coordinator of dance at BTWHSPVA. DCNT: Speaking of–when did you begin the dance program at Booker T. Washington HSPVA? What process did you use to gain Dallas ISD’s interest in developing the dance program?

RC: When Paul Baker visited different arts schools to ascertain their best practices, policies, and strategies to accomplish their goals, he met with Mary Martha Lappe, head of the Houston High School of Performing Arts.

She recommended me to Paul Baker when he was searching for new faculty. I was called for an interview with Himself in the late summer of 1976. I remembered that the director of the theatre in Houston had been a student of his, but I couldn’t remember whether Mr. Baker approved of her or not. During the interview, I took a chance and mentioned the fact that I had been a dancer, chorus member, and actor with Johnny George. His response was immediate: “Best damn director I know.” I was hired and thus began some of the most exciting, challenging, and fulfilling times of my life.

Most of the hard work was done by Paul Baker who was sought after by DISD to head the all-important job of designing a public school that would attract a diverse student population while providing an exemplary arts education. Mr. Baker’s notable reputation as an innovative and creative director and his success as the founder of his theatre school enabled him to be the perfect choice. He demanded many requirements such as the renovation and redesign of facilities, a consultant budget for each arts department, a lay advisory board, and many others as part of his contract with DISD. Because of his diligence and his understanding of the necessary needs of a public education arts facility, the Arts Magnet became widely known and highly respected. I recognized that community awareness and support of our dance program was essential, so I set about a plan that would involve our dance teachers and students. I had assembled an extraordinary faculty who were as committed to arts education as I was. We performed for organizations throughout the city, at openings of new businesses, the City Hall, and conventions in an effort to inform the public of our department as a presence in the dance community. A time went

on, the dance department became active contributors in local, state and national organizations and gained the respect and cooperation of DISD. DCNT: How long have you been dedicated to dance as a career/ profession? Provide 3 words that describe your passion for dance.

RC: I have been a career teacher for over 50 years. Three words that describe my passion for dance are: joy, transformation, and transcendence.

DCNT: What has been your greatest teaching success so far?

RC: I feel the greatest success that I achieved is seeing young people realize their potential not only as dancers, but also as contributing members of society. Also I am proud of the relationships that I have been fortunate to make with dance communities in Dallas and with choreographers, college personnel and organizations throughout the United States.

DCNT: What words of wisdom would you share with prospective dancers/teachers?

RC: I want to tell prospective teachers to respect the talents of their colleagues, to continue to take class, to share their experiences and knowledge with students and colleagues, and to develop a positive attitude and compassion. What I would like to tell students is take every opportunity to learn by listening, to be open to new ideas, to attend performances, to recognize and follow the guidance from your teachers.

Dr. Cox was recently honored with the 2024 Revolutionary Award and a plaque at Booker T Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts. Photos by Brian Guilliaux.

5 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • MAY – JULY 2024

BILL ATKINSON 1929 – 2024

6 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • MAY – JULY 2024

The Obituary written by Sarah Hodges appeared in People Newspapers on April 23, 2024:

Bill Atkinson, an accomplished dancer who trained generations of young ballerinas in his studio on Hillcrest Avenue, died on March 27 at age 95. A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life for Atkinson will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8017 Preston Rd.

Dance Council co-founders Bill Atkinson and wife, Ann Etgen, were honored in 2013 with DCNT’s Mary Bywaters Award.

Atkinson and his wife, Ann Etgen, danced in New York, Canada, and South America before opening the doors of the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet in 1960.

The performing company and associated Etgen-Atkinson Ballet School closed in 2014, after 54 years of training performers who went on to dance with troupes in the United States and abroad, including the prestigious American Ballet Theatre in New York City, the San Francisco Ballet, the Boston Ballet, and the Stuttgart Ballet in Germany.

Atkinson devoted his life to his art and did not retire until he was 85. When his studio closed its doors, parents and young dancers left pastel-colored notes on its windows.

A volunteer in the US Army who eventually rose to the rank of sergeant, Atkinson was a man of deep faith and a lifelong practicing Catholic, family friend Peter F. Gonzalez said. Atkinson was committed to preserving the artistic integrity of his company and school, and resisted attempts to monetize the business or commercialize performances.

Atkinson is survived by his niece and wife, Ann Etgen, to whom he was completely devoted. Atkinson loved the company of his dogs, who he always named Dollie, and spent his final days praying for “strength and protection for his Annie and Dollie,” Gonzalez said.

Due to his army service, Atkinson will be interred with military honors at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Celebrating A Life by Suzanne Lyra Wagner The Etgen-Atkinson School of Ballet was my emotional home for years. It was the place I felt free, safe, and loved in the ways that mattered the most to me. It was not that my parents did not love me, it was that they did not understand what made my heart beat in my chest.

And that was ballet.

To my parents, ballet was a detour on the path that life had in store. To me, ballet was life itself.

In my home, emotions were not expressed fully because my father had a topsecret security clearance as he was the co-creator of the smart weapons systems for Texas Instruments. My mother was a walking ball of insecurity, anxiety, fear, and upset. Her constant emotional upheavals were legendary in our house, and she literally took up all the air in that context so that there was no room for others to feel upset or express their feelings. If you shared your feelings, within

minutes she turned everything back around to her problems, concerns, upsets, and issues.

Only in the Etgen-Atkinson School of Ballet were my emotions allowed to be more fully expressed.

Ballet was my space of permission and acceptance. Artists are a temperamental lot, and we are intense by nature. Ballet was a world of passion, expression, pantomime, drama, and wonder. While words were less the focus as a form of expression, the body was the instrument to feel into and express those emotions in powerful ways that could cross over the footlights of the theater and spill out into the audience.

My father was rarely demonstrative. He was an engineer with the very secret mission and that purpose was rarely spoken about in our house. While I adored my father in all ways (as he was a very good and honorable man), he was not the cuddly dad that you could tell your problems too. If you tried, he would tell you that it is a tough world out there and that you have to “Not let the Bastards get you down!”

That statement did not make much sense to my ultra-sensitive ballerina self.

But Bill Atkinson, became my surrogate dad in the ballet world. While Bill was tough and I mean very tough, he at least allowed the expressions of emotion to form, flow out, and find their own meaning and purpose. He understood that ballet was going to be hard work and instilled in us confidence through repetition and practice. He liked excellence in angles and positions.

Deep inside, I understood the feeling that would come from my body when I did things correctly. It gave me a great sense of accomplishment.

For me, Bill Atkinson was somewhat distant but that was a good thing in a world that was so touchy feely. I felt safe with him, even when he and I would disagree.

While Ann Etgen (his wife) was the choreographic genius of the two, Bill was great at explaining Pas de Deux and coming up with crazy, insane lifts that would take your breath away.

I know many people preferred Ann’s classes to Bill’s, but I actually really enjoyed Bills classes. Because they operated around a familiar theme, one could get a sense of accomplishment because I (personally) could see how I was getting better and more exact in the mirror.

Bill could see that I struggled with my growing body and keeping enough calories in me to have stamina during classes and rehearsals.

When I first got into the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet, he would bring me smoothies with honey, yogurt, fruit and protein powder. He did not want the other dancers to know so he would hand them to me in passing as he told me to “Drink up!”

That showed me that he cared and understood that my body was growing even as I was rail thin, and I needed the extra calories to make it through classes and rehearsals.

He also brought me jars of honey with a spoon and told me that if I felt weak to take a spoonful of honey and that I would feel better.

He was right.

I remember that we were preparing for a Southwest Regional Ballet Conference and the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet (our small school company) was usually the final, thrilling performance that closed the event yearly.

We had an amazing dancer (Christy Dunham) that was incredible in her turning ability, and she was by far much better of a ballet dancer than any of us in the company. But she injured herself before the adjudication and was unable to perform the leading role.

Instead, I was chosen to do the performance that would decide our placement in the program. It was a thing of pride that the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet always got to close the event. Not getting that position would be a failure and I was bound and determined to not fail. I was going to perform to the best of my ability and keep that spot.

I went out to do that performance and I believed that while I was no Christy Dunham, I at least did the best I knew how in that moment.

Weeks later, it was confirmed that we got that coveted spot, and I was so very proud that I had kept the tradition alive.

Unfortunately, I was under the illusion that if I had solidified the slot, then I would be getting to do that lead position at the Southwestern Regional Ballet Conference.

That was not to be my fate. (continued on page 8)

7 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • MAY – JULY 2024

Today, I celebrate the life of a man that made a difference in the lives of so many dancers, especially my own. I am grateful to consider him one of my spiritual and artistic fathers in this life. I am grateful for his care and concern for my well-being. I am grateful for the love he offered me at such a critical time in my growth. And I am grateful for the honesty he showed me, even when I did not want to hear it.

I know that on many levels, Bill could be a challenging person to deal with and many dancers may not feel as I did. But to me, he was a doorway. And he faithfully stood there holding that door open to any dancer who was willing to do the hard work and put in the effort. I was one of those that understood what he was offering and why. I was one of the few that managed to get to that door and through that door. And I will be forever grateful to him for his genuine love of ballet and how he tried to share that perfectionistic passion with me.

Be at peace Bill Atkinson. I am sure we will meet again. Thank you!

BECOME A DCNT MEMBER! Bill Atkinson put up the casting for the show and Christy was back in the lead.

I went up to Bill and argued my case. He looked bemused (which I found irritating) and said, “Suzanne! Christy is a much better dancer than you! That should be obvious! She is going to be the lead and that is how it is going to go.”

As infuriated as I was, I knew he was right. She was better than me. I knew that! I just wanted fairness to win out in the end. But here was another lesson in that ballet was not fair. It would be a lesson that I would have to learn again and again. I am grateful that Bill just said the obvious truth with no other explanation.

He was not kind, but he also was not cruel. He was honest and honesty can hurt.

Christy Dunham would go on to become a principal dancer with the Dallas Ballet and eventually as I was retiring from Ballet West, shockingly she became a principal dancer with American Ballet Theater, which was as prestigious as one could get in an American company. For unknown reasons she only stayed a few years, but her performances got rave reviews.

Bill was right! And I am grateful for that lesson.

I liked Bill! He allowed me to express my exasperation and frustration on him and we could disagree without that undercurrent of care disappearing. That was something that I could never do with my father.

On all levels, I felt that Ann Etgen and Bill Atkinson were like the emotional and artistic parents I never had.

On all levels they saved me!

They saved my soul from suffocating under all the suppressed emotions of my family. They gave me that tools and the confidence to know that I was a good dancer and that I had potential. They gave me free classes when my father refused to pay for anymore silly ballet classes because they did not want me to stop trying to reach for that illusive gold ring of being a professional ballet dancer.

Ann and Bill gave me back myself.

Life kept trying to take away what was so beautiful inside my soul. They fought to keep that spark of creative perfectionism alive and vibrating.

They gave me opportunities to perform amazing unique choreography on stage that was fun, playful, and technically challenging. They gave me enough chances to stretch and to succeed. They were proud of who I had become as a ballet dancer and celebrated my successes even if at times it was because they could put their name on those success for their school programs and advertising.

8 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • MAY – JULY 2024

Options available at the dancecouncil.org.

9 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • MAY – JULY 2024

SUMMER INTENSIVES

JUNE – AUGUST 2024

BALLET CENTER OF FORT WORTH

June 10 - July 13. Audition required | Minimum two weeks requirement | Faculty: Ballet Frontier’s Artistic Staff and Charmaine Hunter, LeeWei Chao, Bruce Steivel, Weaver Rhodes | Two Weeks $1000/ Three Weeks $1500/ Four Weeks $2000/ Five weeks $2500 | Description: Ballet Technique, Pointe, Variations, Composition, Modern, Jazz, and clinics covering topics like nutrition, injury prevention, and more. Ballet Frontier prides itself on offering small class sizes to provide individual attention to each dancer. More details at balletfrontier.org/summer-intensive.

June 10 - July 13. Ages 3 - 11: Offering Workshops with themes for the younger ages 3-6. Throughout the week-long workshops, our young dancers will explore creative movement and musicality in a safe and nurturing environment. Each summer workshop will include ballet, storytelling, imaginative play and dance games related to the theme.

For ages 7 - 9: In these week-long ballet programs, the young dancers will train daily in ballet class along to stretching, jazz, lyrical, tap, character dance, performance etiquette and ballet hair style classes. Starting at $250 for 1 week.

For ages 10 - 12: Audition required | This program is a ballet-based intensive with the focus on development and strengthening of the young dancer. Dancers participate in daily classes in ballet, pointe, variation, classical repertoire, modern and jazz. Starting at $380 for 1 week. More details at balletcenterfortworth.com/summerworkshops.

provide full immersion in the Bruce Wood® movement style, featuring diverse and exciting repertoire. Participants perform excerpts in a showcase at the end of the intensive. Staff include Artistic Director Joy Bollinger, Rehearsal Director Matt Rivera, WOOD I WORKS Director/Company Dancer Cole Vernon, and company dancers. Drop-in classes to Two-Week Intensive options available. Price ranges from $25-$1500. To apply, email Cole Vernon at woodworks@brucewooddance.org.

BALLET CONSERVATORY

June 10 - July 18. Teachers/Guest Artists: Ronnie Underwood, Steven Loch and Sarah Lane, as well as the regular faculty: Kelly Lannin, Nancy Loch, Janet Waters, Rachael Clark, Shannon Beacham, and Tracy Jordan. Tuition Range: $90 to $200 monthly or $110 - $195 weekly depending on the camp. Audition: No Registration Deadline: 06/7/2024 Age: 3 and up Expertise: Beginning thru Advanced/Professional Scholarships: No | Choose from Pas de Deux Intensive, 5 week Summer Workshop Intensive including ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary and more | Musical Theater Dance Workshop with Tracy Jordan | Musical Theater Peerformance Camps | adult Summer Classes | Princess Camp | Children’s beginner classes. To enroll and for more information: balletconservatory.com or email info@balletconservatory.com.

1400 FM 407, Lewisville, Texas 74077 | 972-746-1515.

BALLET NORTH TEXAS

June 10 - July 5. Guest teachers: Francis Veyette, Dede Barfield, Leslie Peck, Jennifer Milner, and BNT Company member Kenzie Jones for contemporary. We are offering ballet technique, pointe/ variations, conditioning, and contemporary. balletnorthtexas.org/ summer-intensive.

CONTEMPORARY BALLET DALLAS

Professional Training in a Positive Environment. 2 Summer Sessions of classes throughout the Summer for ages 18mos-18 years and the largest Adult Program in Dallas, TX with a variety of techniques. Make Believe Camps (ages 3-5): June 3-7, July 8-12, Mini’s Dance Intensive (Ages 6-8): June 10-14, July 8-12, Summer Dance Intensive(ages 9+): July 15-26, Tap Workshop Intensive(ages 8+): July 29-Aug 2. Guest teachers and CBD faculty instruction. Check website for more details & to register! contemporaryballetdallas.com | danceinfo@schoolofcbd.com 214 821-2066.

DALLAS BALLET CENTER

Bruce Wood Dance photo by Kent Barker

BRUCE WOOD DANCE

June 24 - 28 and July 1 - 5. WOOD I WORKS Intensive Workshops

Ballet Summer Intensive: July 8-12/ July 15-19 (9:00 – 5:00 daily) | Master Guest Teachers: Olivier Pardina, Christine Spizzo, Christina Ghiardi. Tap/Jazz/Contemporary Intensive: June 17-21 (9:00 – 5:00) daily. Broadway Bound (ages 7-10): July 22-26 (1:00 – 5:00). Ballet Dance Camp (Ages 6-9): June 10 -14 (1:00 – 5:00) Discovery Dance Camps: June 10-14; July 22-26; July 29 – Aug 2.

Half Day Ballet Intensive (ages 10-13): July 29 – Aug 2.

DALLAS BLACK DANCE THEATRE

com/academy/summer-classes/ | DBDT Studios 2700 Ann Williams Way, Dallas, TX.

Saturday Classes. 9AM: Ballet/Tap Combo 4-5 years | Ballet/Tap Combo 6-8 years | Ballet 7-12 years. Saturday Classes at 10AM: Jazz 6-10 years | Ballet 11-15 years | Modern 7-12 years. Saturday Classes at 11AM: Parent & Me 2-3 years | Hip Hop 9-15 years | Teen/Adult Stretch & Move.

June 1 - 22. Summer Workshop. 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 (4 Saturdays). dbdt.

June 3 - 14. Summer Enrichment. (Limited capacity) Previous Dance Experience Required.

Experience intensive training during the summer with DBDT professional company members. Ages 9–15 years | Monday – Friday: 8:30AM - 3PM | dbdt. com/academy/summer-enrichment/. | DBDT Studios 2700 Ann Williams Way, Dallas, TX.

Summer Workshop Intensive: June 17-July 18 Top 5% of Prestigious Ballet Schools in the US 4 time Winner of YAGP’s Outstanding School and Teacher Awards

Classes include ballet, jazz, contemporary, and more!

4 Levels for dancers 7 and up!

Featuring Special Guest Faculty...

Distinguished Teaching Best of Lewisville Award 2023 Home of LakeCities Ballet Theatre and Intensity Dance Company Top 12 Ensemble Winner at YAGP New York Finals 2024

Ronnie Underwood June 10-13

Sarah Lane July 15-18

Steven Loch June 17-20

Pas De Deux Workshop: June 10-13 “Brandenburg Concerto”

For more info visit www.BalletConservatory.com

Learn partnering skills with special guest teacher, Ronnie Underwood, from The CW's "Breaking Pointe."

Open to Advanced Level Ballet/Pointe Students.

June 17 - 21. In-person and virtual. Ages 13 & up For intermediate, advanced, and professional dancers. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Space is limited and classes may be adjusted based on enrollment.

Summer Intensive Session 1. Intermediate: Int Ballet 9-10:30AM - Karen Brown | Int Horton 10:40AM-12:10PM- Milton Myers | Int/Adv Hip Hop 1-2:45PM- Michelle Rambo. Advanced: Adv. Ballet 2:55-4:25PM- Karen Brown | Adv. Horton 4:35-6PMMilton Myers. June 24 - 28 Session 2. Intermediate & Advanced: Int. Horton 9-10:30AM- Milton Myers | Int/Adv Jazz 10:40AM-12:10PM- Zach Law Ingram | Int/Adv West African 1-2:30PM- Ayo Alston | Adv. Horton 2:40-4:10PM- Milton Myers. $15-$725 | Audition No | Registration Deadline 05/31/2024 | Scholarships N/A | dbdt.com/academy/summerintensive/DBDT Studios 2700 Ann Williams Way, Dallas, TX.

Tracy Jordan Master Tap & Musical Theatre Teacher

Musical Theatre Dance Workshop: June 18-July 16 Join Tracy Jordan every Tuesday this Summer and learn Luigi-style warmups to help with dance technique, and Tap & Musical Theatre choreography.

For High School/College Students.

Adults Welcome!

And More!

Broadway @BC presents “Selections from the Wizard of Oz”: June 17-21 Princess Camp: July 16-18 Broadway @BC presents “Lion King Kids”: July 22-26

PERFORMANCES

MAY – JUNE 2024

May 3 - 4. Beckles Dancing Company, in partnership with South Dallas Cultural Center, presents Almost Thirty. Performances

by Guest Artists, local guest groups, premieres and repertory favorites. 7PM | Tickets: TicketDfw.com, call 214-871-5000 South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas TX | BecklesDancingCo.org.

May 3 - 4. Avant Chamber Ballet presents Snow White. Journey with these classic characters as they prove that real beauty comes from within and celebrate the power of friendship and love. May 3 at 7PM | May 4 at 2PM & 7PM | Moody Performance Hall | Tickets start at $30 avantchamberballet.org.

May 17 - 18. Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents Spring Celebration. As our 47th season draws to a close, we invite you to join us for our grand finale! Our multi-faceted artists will be joined by special guests, The DASH Ensemble, as they embrace a spirit of joy and revelry in an exhilarating showcase of their passion and finesse. 7:30PM | Wyly Theatre | 2400 Flora St | Dallas, TX dbdt. com/season-calendar/spring-celebration/.

May 25. Texas Ballet Theater Fort Worth’s Impressionism in Motion Spring Performances. 11:30AM Creative Ballet, PrePrimary and Primary Classes-Nursery Rhymes | 2PM Level 1-3, Performance Group, Musical Theater-Fairy tales featuring Into the May 4 - 5. imPULSE directors Anastasia Waters and Miranda Woods | 6:30M Level 4 & up-Fairy tales featuring Into the Woods | Spence come together in collaboration to create an evening Tickets-877.828.9200-Option 1 | I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and length, and uniquely structured dance work, N/Evermore. In VPA, 1411 I M Terrell Cir S, Fort Worth, TX. Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”, the narrator’s “inner chatter” is that of despair and grief over his lost love Lenore, but it goes deeper than that into a fear of death, and the unknowns of the afterlife depicted by an unfeeling Raven that only answers back to him “nevermore, nevermore”. This dance work takes symbolic inspiration from this short story to reveal the inner turmoil of the narrator vs callousness of the Raven. Lewisville Grand Theater | Get tickets here: N/Evermore: an imPULSE dance EXPERIENCE. May 3 - 5. Texas Ballet Theater presents Beauty and the Beast. Hearts will melt as a hideous beast and a young maiden discover that love transcends and ultimately transforms outward appearances in this much beloved fairy tale. Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, TX | texasballettheater.org.

May 31 - June 1. TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND Presents Micaela May 17 - 19. Texas Ballet Theater presents Beauty and the Taylor’s TL Collective. Founded in 2016, it is now on the rise as Beast. Hearts will melt as a hideous beast and a young maiden one of the hottest tickets in the contemporary dance world. *PM | discover that love transcends and ultimately transforms outward Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St, Dallas, TX | attpac.org. appearances in this much beloved fairy tale. Bass Performance Hall-Fort Worth | texasballettheater.org.

May 24. Texas Ballet Theater School Richardson Main Spring Performance. 8PM | Tickets 972.744.4650 | Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts- The Hill Performance Hall, 2351 Performance Dr, Richardson, TX 75082.

May 25. Texas Ballet Theater School Richardson Junior Spring Performances - What A Wonderful World. 4PM-Lower School | 6:30PM-Lower School | Tickets 972.744.4650 | Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts- The Bank of America Theatre, 2351 Performance Dr, Richardson, TX.

12 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • MAY – JULY 2024

June 1. Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s The BIG Dance. All aboard

the midnight train to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center for an evening dedicated to celebrating the legendary Motown sound that defined an era. 8PM - Midnight | Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center | 2301 Flora St | Dallas, TX | dbdt.com/big-dance/.

June 2. Fiesta Flamenca X, presented by the 2024 Dallas Flamenco Festival, features world-renowned flamenco artists from Spain and the United States to transport you to Andalusia for a night of authentic flamenco music, dance, passion, and joy. Known for its artistry and quality of productions, it is no surprise the Fiesta Flamenca X attracts exceptional guest artists including Maestro Juan Parades (bailor), guitarist Guillermo Guillen, “YiYi” Francisco Orozco (percussionist/cantaor), Jose Cortes, Nelida Tirado, and bailaora Julie Moon.

Expect to see local Dallas favorites on stage as well, including Maestro Antonio Arrebola, Delilah Buitrón Arrebola and Flamenco DNA adult students. Four Day Weekend will make its wonderful full bar available to you for drinks for purchase until 6:30pm. Event starts at 4PM, Doors open at 3:30PM | 5601 Sears Street Dallas, TX | eventbrite.com/e/2024-dallas-flamenco-festival-fiesta-flamenca-xtickets-894423844797?aff=oddtdtcreator.

June 7 - 9. Experience the grand finale of Bruce Wood’s 14th season with Radiance, an unforgettable showcase featuring three captivating and emotionally powerful dance performances. Immerse yourself in the fiery passion of Boléro by founder Bruce Wood, the exhilaration of the world premiere, Smile, by artistic director/resident choreographer Joy Bollinger, and the world-renowned Nine Sinatra Songs by legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp. June 7 - 8 at 8PM | June 9 at 2PM | attpac.org/event/bruce-wood-dance-radiance.

June 15. Denton Dance Conservatory presents its 36th Annual Recital Showcase, Believe. Program 1 starts at 12PM | Program 2 at 2PM | Program 3 at 4:30PM | Texas Woman’s University’s Margo Jones Performance Hall, 1100 Oakland St, Denton, TX 76201 | Tickets on sale May 2nd at buy.tututix.com/ dentondanceconservatory.

2024 – 2025 SEASON Year Round A Chance 2 Dance Various Locations

November 23, 2024 Open College Dance Audition Dance Industry Performing Arts

November 2024 Dallas Dance Film Festival

The Oak Cliff Society of Fine Arts

February 9, 2025 Dance Council Scholarship Deadline April 6, 2025 Dance Planet 28

The Hockaday School

June 20 - 23. Ballet Concerto presents the 42nd Annual Summer Dance Concert. This year’s program include the return of Spanish dance master Luis Montero to present his iconic ballet Carmen. Additionally, audiences can anticipate mesmerizing performances such as Ebb and Flow by resident choreographer Elise Lavallee and Western Sweet choreographed by Michael Vernon. Free lawn seating or opt for reserved table seating with various options available. No tickets are needed for free lawn seating, while reservations for reserved seating can be made at balletconcerto.com or by calling (817) 763-5087 | 8:30PM | The Shops at Clearfork, 5188 Monahans Avenue, Fort Worth, TX.

15 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • MAY – JULY 2024

DANCE DIRECTORY

COPPELL BALLET ACADEMY OF TEXAS

145 Fitness Ct, Coppell TX 75019 972-745-0199 Balletacademyoftexas. com. Director, Tammie Reinsch Professional training for ages 2 ½ - Adult Ballet, Pointe, Pas de Deux, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Tap, Coaching and Professional Preparatory Program.

Alumni performing with national and international companies, including American Ballet Theatre.

Home of Ballet Ensemble of Texas Artistic Director, Thom Clower Balletensembleoftexas.org

DALLAS AVANT CHAMBER BALLET Train for your career, not competitions ACB Trainees - professional training for ages 14 and up. First Steps - low-cost classes for ages 4-8. 2408 Farrington St, Dallas, TX 75207 avantchamberballet.org, info@avantchamberballet.org CONTEMPORARY BALLET DALLAS

Lindsay DiGiuseppe, Director & Owner.

Year round Professional Training in a positive Environment in the Heart of Dallas. Classes for all ages: 18mos-Adult in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, pointe, modern, contemporary, creative movement, parent & me; pre-professional program; Youth Ballet, Tap & Hip hop Companies; Largest adult selection of dance classes in Dallas, Located at Central Expressway & Mockingbird Ln. Dallas, TX 214-821-2066 www.contemporaryballetdallas.com admin2@schoolofcbd.com

DALLAS BALLET CENTER

Judy and Brent Klopfenstein, Artistic Directors. 8530 Abrams Rd, Ste 608, Dallas, TX 214.348.3224 dallasballetcenter.com info@dallasballetcenter.com

DALLAS BALLET COMPANY

DBC Tap Connection & DBC Contemporary Company. Judy & Brent Klopfenstein, Artistic Directors. 8530 Abrams Road, Ste 608, Dallas, TX dallasballetcompany.org info@dallasballetcompany.org

THE DALLAS CONSERVATORY

(Dallas and Frisco campuses) Jacqueline Porter, Artistic Director.

Now in its 15th anniversary year, 7-time YAGP Outstanding School Winner offers world-class facilities and instruction for 18 months to Adult in ballet, pointe,

partnering, variations, contemporary, jazz, modern, hip hop, theatre dance, ballroom, tap, acro, Bollywood, singing, acting, musical theater, TV/Film and fitness. Our graduates are at Juilliard, USC, and work professionally in dance and theater. Classes for absolute beginners through professional. • NEW Commercial Program ages 8-22 led by world renowned Blake McGrath • Classical Training Program for 14-22, daytime with optional housing • 5 performing companies for recreational and pre-pro students with varying price and commitment • Public Master Class Series • International Summer Dance Intensives at 5 levels • 15 dance studios + 3 voice studios available to rent • Frisco Square, Dallas, Lewisville-Castle Hills locations. //TheDallasConservatory.org

DENTON DENTON DANCE CONSERVATORY

Lisa Racina-Torre, Owner/Director.

Ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, Pilates, Ages 3-Adult. Home of Denton City Contemporary Ballet. 4103 Mesa Dr, Denton, TX 940.383.2623 Director@dentondance.com dentondance.com

FT WORTH BALLET CENTER OF FORT WORTH Artistic Director Enrica & Chung-Lin Tseng. 6132 Overton Ridge Blvd, Ft Worth, TX 76132 817.423.9888 balletcenterfortworth.com balletcenter_fw@yahoo.com

MARGO DEAN SCHOOL OF BALLET

Home of Ballet Concerto. Ballet for all ages & levels, flamenco & Jazz dance.

3803 Camp Bowie Blvd, Ft Worth, TX 76107 817.738.7915 webster_dean@att. net margodeanballet.com balletconcerto.com

TEXAS BALLET THEATER SCHOOL —FORT WORTH

The official school of Texas Ballet Theater offers programs ranging from beginner ballet to elite professional training, ages 3 and up. Classes also include jazz and tap, as well as adult classes. | 1500 Mall Circle, Ft Worth, TX 76116 | 817-763-0207 | fwschool@ texasballet.org | texasballettheater.org texasballettheater.org

LEWISVILLE THE BALLET CONSERVATORY

Home of Lake Cities Ballet Theatre Kelly Lannin, Director. 1400 FM 407, Lewisville, TX 75077 972.317.0194.

balletconservatory.com lakecitiesballet.org. 4-time YAGP Outstanding School. 4-time YAGP Best Teacher Award

MCKINNEY TEXAS YOUTH BALLET: CONSERVATORY AND COMPANY 901 N. McDonald St, Suite 705.

Boutique ballet conservatory, highlevel ballet training includes pas de deux, men’s program. Frequent guest instructors. Jennifer Dulin, Artistic Director 214-477-9434 texasyouthballet.org

PLANO CHAMBERLAIN BALLET

Pre-professional Dance Company.

Kathy Chamberlain, Artistic Director 1404 Gables Court, Suite 101, Plano TX 214-412-8589 ChamberlainBallet.Org

CHAMBERLAIN SCHOOL OF BALLET Kathy Chamberlain, Director.

Classical ballet, jazz, tap,musical theater, adult classes. 3003W. 15th St, Plano, TX 972.985.1374 chamberlainschoolofballet.com

HATHAWAY ACADEMY OF BALLET

Home of Collin County Ballet Theatre “Lessons of a Lifetime”. A premier ballet academy serving North Texas, providing professional training for over 20 years in dance technique for all ages.

Directors, Kirt & Linda Hathaway former dancers of Dallas Ballet. Developing the dancer’s technical skills and performance artistry. 2865 McDermott Rd #140, Plano, TX 75025 972 7470600 hathawayacademyofballet.com & collincountyballettheatre.com

RICHARDSON TEXAS BALLET THEATER SCHOOL— DALLAS

he official school of Texas Ballet Theater offers programs ranging from beginner ballet to elite professional training, ages 3 and up. Classes also include jazz, tap, and modern, as well as adult classes. | 300 N. Coit Rd. Ste. 231, Richardson, TX 75080 | 214-377-8576 | Dallasschool@ texasballet.org | texasballettheater.org

TOBY’S SCHOOL OF DANCE

Home of Richardson Fine Arts Conservatory. Sally & Don Andriot.

635 W Campbell Rd, Suite 224, Richardson, TX 75080 972.235.0514 tobyschoolofdance@gmail.com tobysdance.com