Virtual matinees broaden cultural diversity

By Leigh Hopkins 

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) is bringing world-class dance directly into Texas classrooms this Black History Month with the return of its statewide virtual student matinee initiative. Made possible through support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Katherine Carmody Trust, the program offers complimentary virtual access to Title I schools across Texas, with reduced-cost access available to non-Title I schools and other educational organizations.

Throughout February, participating schools will have access to Bodies as Site of Faith and Protest by 2021 Guggenheim Fellow Tommie-Waheed Evans — a powerful work inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “We Shall Overcome” speech that examines the resilience and power of the Civil Rights Movement. The initiative reflects DBDT’s ongoing commitment to broadening cultural literacy and expanding arts access across the state while introducing young audiences to the stories of perseverance, creativity and cultural pride that define Black American history.

Choreographer Tommie-Waheed Evans describes the work’s intent: “The importance of the Civil Rights Movement was that it gave hope for equality to all Americans, no matter their race, creed, or gender. Speeches from this era not only served as a vehicle for social change, but also for self-assertiveness. This work explored the idea of bodies uniting in protest through faith. Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech ‘We Shall Overcome’ becomes the embodiment of faith and protest; my research situates itself within the meta-textual location of moving bodies alongside and within his speech.”

Each virtual student matinee is designed with educators in mind, incorporating TEKS-aligned performance features, opportunities for audience participation and a comprehensive educational study guide to facilitate meaningful classroom discussions about Black History Month through the lens of African American culture, music and dance.

Interested teachers and administrators can reserve access by submitting an application through DBDT. Upon approval, participants will receive a direct access link to bring the performance to their students.

For more information or to apply, contact Dallas Black Dance Theatre at marketing@dbdt.com.