At Dallas Black Dance Theatre, we have always been committed to excellence, professionalism, and integrity. As the executive director of an organization that is my life’s work, I deeply understand the magnitude of decisions that affect not only our dancers, but all of the communities that DBDT serves in the city of Dallas and around the world.

Our dancers are not just performers; they are custodians of a rich tradition of Black art and culture, carrying on the visionary legacy of our founder, Ann Williams. This legacy commits us to upholding the highest standards in every aspect of our work. Recognizing the importance of this legacy and with the support of our Board of Directors, I share the special circumstances that have necessitated the difficult decision to withdraw the offer letters of nine of our dancers.

Recently, dancers from our Main Company created and operated an independent social media account where they publicly shared a video without DBDT’s consent or knowledge. This unauthorized video not only misused DBDT’s logo and brand, but also promoted content and practices that contradict our core values ​​and standards of professionalism.

Furthermore, the actions in the video occurred during work hours in restricted areas and were portrayed as if they were endorsed by DBDT. Each of these actions was a violation of DBDT’s established employment policies, including the video recording and professional conduct policies that apply in all venues where our dancers perform and represent us. These standards, rooted in Ann Williams’ vision, are essential to delivering excellence both as professionals and as Black artists. Our policies specifically prohibit vulgarity, violence, profanity, and unauthorized use of our brand. I will not go into the details of the video other than to say that they violated those policies.

The policies, which are clearly outlined and agreed to by our dancers, explicitly state that such violations are grounds for termination. Since the video was released, we have received complaints and voices of concern from our dance education partners and stakeholders regarding the behavior in the video. The negative impact of the video has been significant, damaging our public image and jeopardizing relationships with key stakeholders who expect DBDT to maintain the highest quality standards.

Some may argue that the dancers’ video was merely a form of artistic expression or harmless fun. With over 37 years of experience in the arts and dance industry and as a board member of over 40 arts and dance organizations, I can say with certainty that no reputable organization would condone such behavior.

To those who suggest that the dancers’ actions should be excused as “kids just acting,” as a Black professional, I reject such harmful stereotypes. Black artists, including professional dancers, continue to face harmful stereotypes rooted in history. At DBDT, we are committed to breaking down these outdated perceptions by ensuring our dancers are recognized for their advanced classical training in ballet, modern, jazz, and other dance techniques.

We have faced allegations that our actions were aimed at preventing unionization among the dancers. This is false, as the chronology of relevant events shows. To clarify, the National Labor Relations Board held an election on May 29 in which the dancers voted to unionize. The same dancers continued to work with DBDT from June 1 to July 15, 2024, with extended summer contracts.

In addition, we issued letters of intent to the dancers to enter into a contract for the upcoming season during the week of June 24, 2024. Three days earlier, on June 21, the dancers filmed the video.

We only learned about the video on July 25, almost a month after it was posted. When we realized the impact on our organization, we immediately took the necessary action.

DBDT has worked cooperatively with the union to address concerns about the dancers’ contracts and their professional conduct. Despite our continued willingness to work together in good faith, the union has not yet requested dates to negotiate a collective agreement for the dancers.

It is disappointing that the union is applying pressure and advising its members not to audition for DBDT. Such actions only limit members’ career opportunities. However, we will not be pressured to reinstate dancers whose actions have caused significant harm to our company without the National Labor Relations Board being able to review the dispute first.

The arts are a powerful platform for expression, but with that power comes responsibility. At DBDT, we hold our artists to the highest standards, both on and off stage while representing DBDT.

We respect the dancers’ decision to join the union, but will continue to enforce our policies and maintain the integrity our audiences, donors and community expect from us.

Zenetta S. Drew is the executive director of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre.

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