While the spring fundraising season for many will be winding down by Memorial Day, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre will be in overdrive on Saturday, June 4, at the Meyerson to close out its 45th anniversary season.
Anyone who has ever attended DBT’s “The Big Dance” knows all too well that it’s an amazing presentation of music and dance. And with Co-Chairs Helen Giddings and Sheena Payne, this one may be the one to beat all.
This year’s theme, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” is “featuring a hometown salute to Charley Pride, the late country music icon who was honored with the 2020 CMA Lifetime achievement Award.” It is an especially poignant celebration of the singer’s legacy with his widow Rozene Pride and Grace Cook serving as honorary co-chairs.
The concert itself will feature two-time CMA and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year Janie Fricke, as well as a video tribute with Charley’s son Dion Pride paying “tribute to his father with Dallas Black Dance Theatre dancers performing.”
Following the concert, the dancing will continue with guests having the opportunity to strut their two-stepping to music provided by North Texas’ own Breckenridge Band and fiddle duo June Blount. If you’ve ever heard either of these groups perform, you know it’s impossible to stay in your seat.
Already on board as committee members are Jim Austin, Ivy Awino, Chris Banjo and Jasmine Banjo, Bridget Biagas, Angela Chapman, Teresa Coleman Wash, Mark D. Cooks, Marie Diaz, Dr. and Mrs. William Frazier, Marena and Roger Gault, Arthur and Gwen George, Laura Harris, Misty Hoyt, Sharon K. King, Kevin K. Lewis, Larry Lundy, Kim Noltemy, Maxine Pride, Willow Sanchez and Peter Lewis, Kymberley Scalia, Michelle Sherman, Don Short, Michelle Thomas, Linda and Frederick D. Todd II, Paulette Turner, Phyllis Walker, Dr. and Mrs. Myron Watkins, Carla Wattley-Bradley, Kim Whitaker, Ann Williams, Michelle Wong and Freda Wright.
In-person tickets range from Premium to VIP. On the other hand, if you’re stuck at home babysitting the kids, you can always attend online.
Funds raised from the event will benefit Dallas Black Dance Academy’s Education and Outreach programs that have resulted in area students achieving national recognition, including four DBCA students receiving full scholarships to The Julliard School’s dance program.
In the past ten years, 100% of DBCA students have graduated from high school and attended college.
* Photo provided by Black Dallas Dance Theatre