The Long Wait

Choreography by Derion Loman and Madison Olandt

DBDT: Encore! Rising Excellence has always been a catalyst for young talent. In a first for Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s organization, dance/choreographic duo Derion Loman and Madison Olandt jointly created The Long Wait, a drama of cosmic proportions for DBDT: Encore! This relevant and revealing world premiere is an introspection of the human spirit refusing to give up even when it can’t see the finish line.

Photo by Brian Guilliaux

Diaspora

Choreography by Nycole Ray and Richard A. Freeman, Jr.

It’s a match made in artistic bliss. Diaspora synthesizes DBDT: Encore! with the volunteer musicians of the New Texas Symphony Orchestra. The Encore! company performs to NTSO live in a new work choreographed by Nycole Ray and Richard A. Freeman, Jr. The new work is based on a song named “Diaspora” by composer Conni Ellisor. The music is constructed on West African percussion, cultivating complex, contrasting rhythmic patterns.

Photo by Brian Guilliaux

Nineteenth

Choreography by Nycole Ray

In Nineteenth, another Ray showpiece, the dancers pay homage to women who engage in a tug-of-war with men as they pursue the right to vote and gain equality.

Photo by Brian Guilliaux

Opaque

Choreography by Nycole Ray

DBDT: Encore! dancers appear to levitate across the stage as they perform Opaque a mysterious and majestic work choreographed by Nycole Ray.

Photo by Brian Guilliaux

SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST

I. M. Terrell Academy for STEM & Visual Performing Arts Dance Ensemble

Experience the vitality of the next generation of dancers through the I. M. Terrell Academy for STEM & Visual Performing Arts Dance Ensemble from Fort Worth ISD. Their Director Christen Reyes, was a Terrell student herself, when a DBDT performance inspired her to become a dancer and ultimately a member of DBDT: Encore!