Get Ready for the Big Dance

Dallas Black Dance Academy’s Disco Fever

By Sylvia Powers
Correspondent
Texas Metro News

Once again the Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) will have audiences on their feet and this time, it’s a different era – taking you back to a time, a different century and world.

Picture the scene.  It’s Saturday, June 7, 2025 and you’re in the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas.

For DBDT, you’re back in the 1970s where there are slick moves, silver balls, glowing lights, repetitive rhythms, synthesizers and flashy outfits.

Get ready for another great performance.  But this time the main act will be you.  That’s right, it’s a party, featuring Special Edition Band.

For more than five decades, the Dallas Black Dance Academy (DBDA) has served as a cornerstone of dance education and cultural enrichment, providing young students with a structured, culturally based professional dance experience.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Founded by Ann Williams with a vision to offer high-quality dance instruction to underrepresented communities, the Academy has grown to become a respected institution offering classes in ballet, jazz, African, modern, hip-hop, and tap, serving students at every skill level.

“Fifty-one years ago, I asked friends and sponsors to help me provide dance opportunities for children in the Dallas community,” said Williams. “Dance as an art form offers movement, creativity, and discipline—more than any other activity I can think of. “At DBDT, our Academy is focused on giving each student professional dance training at an affordable cost.”

Comprehensive Dance Education

DBDA offers a wide range of classes designed for all ages and levels. Children as young as four can enroll in beginner ballet, while older students advance into more sophisticated forms of dance, including jazz, African, tap, and modern.

Adult classes in ballet, modern, and dance cardio further extend the Academy’s commitment to lifelong learning.

According to BIG Dance co-chairperson La’Wonda Peoples, who shares honors with DeDe McGuire, “The primary goal of DBDA is to provide youth with educational programs that help them grow into well-rounded citizens through the discipline and techniques of dance.

“For those interested in pursuing dance professionally, the Academy provides an excellent foundation.”

DBDA’s commitment to excellence is evident in its alumni, many of whom have gone on to perform with world-renowned companies like Boston Ballet, New York City Ballet, and Hubbard Street Dance.

“Tory Carter, who is currently dancing with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Encore Company—our pre-professional training company—began with DBDA in sixth grade and graduated from Harvard University,” said Leigh Hopkins, Director of Marketing & Public Relations for DBDA. “We’re thrilled to have her return to our studios to pursue her professional career.”

Hopkins also shared that former student Michaela Fuller, who is a student at Tuskegee University, received an aerospace fellowship.

“This shows that dance training can prepare you with skill sets that are beneficial outside of just the dance world. This is also very important. We want to make sure our students can pursue career paths that may not follow the dance track, which demonstrates that the skills developed at DBDA prepare students for success even beyond dance,” said Hopkins.

BIG Dance: A Fundraiser That Feeds the Soul

This year’s BIG Dance fundraiser, themed Disco Nights, promises to be a soulful, vibrant celebration. With live music, surprise dance vignettes, and a 70s-inspired atmosphere, the event is designed to engage the community in a night of entertainment while raising funds to continue DBDA’s programming for underserved students.

“When you talk about feeding your soul, DBDA has always offered these types of culturally enriching programs,” said Hopkins.

Peoples added, “The funds raised are critical in ensuring that our students leave the Academy ready to become solid, contributing, and well-rounded citizens. DBDA nourishes the mind, body, and soul, offering young people the tools they need to be prepared for life.”

Honoring Pillars of Support

This year’s BIG Dance will also recognize three strong pillars of support: Sheena M. Payne (honored posthumously), The Kirk Family, and The Willis Family. Their longstanding support has allowed DBDA to continue providing services to low-income families.

“DBDA is vital for the community because we all benefit from what they have to offer,” said Peoples. “Events like BIG Dance are essential to continuing DBDA’s mission of making dance education accessible to all.”