Arts education initiative returns to Dallas ISD

By Leigh Hopkins 

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) is continuing its annual virtual arts education accessibility partnership with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) for a sixth year. Originally started to bridge the gap in arts access during the pandemic, the partnership has grown into a yearly district-wide program each February that to date has served over 137,000 Dallas ISD students.

Between February 2-13, Dallas Black Dance Theatre will provide access to their Cultural Awareness virtual matinee to every student and grade level in the Dallas Independent School District during Black History Month 2026, which includes “The Nina Simone Project” by the award-winning multihyphenate choreographer Dianne McIntyre whose work epitomizes Nina Simone’s regal presence with choreography set to Simone’s signature classical, jazz and soul fusion.

“By connecting the classroom to the stage, we are doing more than teaching history; we are sparking the imagination and cultural pride that will empower the next generation of leaders,” said Levonue Brewster, Dallas ISD’s executive director of Academic Enrichment Support.

This arts education initiative aligns with the National Endowment for the Arts’ mission to support arts learning, celebrate America’s cultural heritage and promote equal access to the arts. Additionally, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) aligned program provides all K-12 Dallas ISD students with cultural literacy experiences that meet and support core curriculum subjects including English, Math, Science, History, Reading, Social Studies and Geography.

Dianne McIntyre’s prolific career spans over five decades and a variety of performance mediums including concert dance, theatre, film, opera and TV. She holds numerous honors and awards for her work, including a John S. Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship, a Dance Magazine Award, a Martha Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, a Doris Duke Artist Award, a United States Artists Fellowship, a Dance/USA Honor Award, three Bessies (New York Dance and Performance Award), a Master of African American Choreography medal from the Kennedy Center, two New England Foundation for the Arts/National Dance Project grants, two AUDELCO awards, two Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degrees and more.

All Dallas ISD teachers will receive a direct access link to bring this virtual student matinee performance into their classrooms, ensuring participation across the district.

For more information, contact Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Community Engagement team at marketing@dbdt.com.

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