Controversy erupts after Dallas Black Dance Theater fires entire company; artists’ union takes legal action
The Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) is facing significant backlash following its controversial decision to disband its entire dancer ensemble for the upcoming 2024-2025 season.
This move was widely criticized by the dancers’ union American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). On August 12, AGMA issued a work ban order prohibiting all members from working with the DBDT until a collective agreement is reached.
The mass layoffs came as a shock to the dance world, especially because they came shortly after DBDT posted a casting announcement for new dancers on its Instagram account. Dancers were notified of their layoffs via email just one hour after the announcement was posted. AGMA National Organizing Director Griff Braun called the move an “outrageous” act of retaliation against dancers for their recent efforts to unionize.
“This is one of the most extreme cases we have ever seen,” said AGMA President Ned Hanlon. “We do not issue a work ban order lightly. What is happening to the DBDT dancers who have stood together for a voice in their workplace is simply unacceptable.”
The dancers’ dismissal came after they filmed a playful Instagram video following a rehearsal in DBDT’s studio and parking lot. DBDT management called the video a violation of company policy, arguing that it misrepresented the organization and negatively impacted its public image.
“Because this video violates our company policies regarding the use of our name and brand and does not reflect the values of the organization, it has had an immediate and negative impact on our public image,” Zenetta Drew, executive director of DBDT, said in a statement to Dance Magazine.
However, AGMA and the dancers argue that the video was nothing more than an innocuous and engaging post that did not warrant termination. They wrote, “DBDT management has attempted to justify the mass layoffs by claiming that the dancers were guilty of misconduct that violated company policies. However, the so-called ‘misconduct’ in question was nothing more than a playful and engaging Instagram reel that the dancers created after rehearsals concluded on June 21 to introduce their account. It is worth noting that the dancers received their signed letters of intent for the 2024-2025 season after this post had already been shared.”
For dancer Gillian Clifford, the timing of the termination points to a deeper problem: “To suddenly view our video as an unsatisfactory representation of the company – seven weeks after it was posted – is blatant retaliation. Not to mention that the comments under the video we posted are overwhelmingly positive. This is a prime example of what it means to be wrongfully fired.”
After forming a union on May 29, the dancers demanded fairer working conditions and better pay. AGMA has since filed several unfair labor practice lawsuits against the theater, seeking to hold it accountable for what they call “punitive” actions.
DBDT expressed regret at the outcome but reiterated its decision, saying: “We regret the impact these incidents have had on these talented dancers. Many of them have worked with us for several years. However, as a company, we must make the decision about what is most important.”
As the conflict continues, the future of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre is at stake. With AGMA’s Do Not Work Order in effect, the organization is under increasing pressure to reach an agreement that respects the rights of its artists.
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