#USA #Dallas #Nycole Ray #DBDT Encore! #Rising Excellence

Celebrating 25 Years of Dance and Excellence with DBDT

Under the innovative leadership of Artistic Director Nycole Ray, DBDT: Encore! is all set to honor its 25 years of excellence with a spectacular two-night event titled 'Rising Excellence'. Scheduled for April 25 and 26, 2025, at the Moody Performance Hall in Dallas, this celebration marks a significant milestone in the journey of this esteemed professional training company.

As a transformative figure in Dallas’s dance landscape, Nycole Ray has spent 27 seasons with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT), continually pushing the boundaries of artistry while maintaining a deep respect for the company's cultural heritage. She reflects, "This 25th anniversary represents not just a milestone for the company, but a testament to the artistic journey we've undertaken together. Each piece selected for Rising Excellence reflects our growth, challenges, and triumphs over a quarter century of artistic exploration."

The evening will feature a blend of world premieres and signature works from DBDT's distinguished repertoire. Emerging choreographer Cameron Jade Harris’s poignant piece, 'Mama's Chair', and a visceral work titled 'Church of Nations' by Kevin Iega Jeff, who is a co-founder of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, are among the highlights. Other pieces like Nicholas Villeneuve’s 'The Art of Waiting', Christopher L. Huggins’ 'Chaos', Richard A. Freeman, Jr.’s 'Unsettled Thoughts', Zach Law Ingram’s 'Phoenix', and Katarzyna Skarpetowska’s 'Tidal Intersections' will further showcase the talents of this innovative company.

Ray's exceptional ability to nurture emerging talent while maintaining artistic integrity has been a defining element of her tenure. One of her own choreographic achievements, 'Nineteenth', commemorated the centennial of the 19th Amendment and received accolades for its emotional depth and innovative approach.

An award-winning dancer and choreographer, Ray is not just influential at DBDT Encore!, but a prominent advocate within the national dance community, championing diverse representation and excellence in the arts. Her efforts have opened numerous doors for dancers and choreographers, especially those from underrepresented communities.

The 'Rising Excellence' event transcends a mere celebration of past achievements; it serves as a bold proclamation of the future direction for DBDT Encore! with Ray at the helm. Each performance epitomizes her dedication to presenting work that is not only technically challenging but also emotionally engaging, thereby paving the way for the next generation of dance artists.

Event Details

• - Title: Rising Excellence featuring DBDT Encore!
• - Venue: Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201
• - Dates: Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2025
• - Time: 7:30 PM
• - Tickets: Available at ATTPAC.org

About Nycole Ray

Nycole Ray is the Artistic Director of DBDT Encore!, leading the company with over 20 years of experience. She is recognized as a leading figure in North Texas's dance scene, combining technical mastery with profound storytelling to create performances that inspire and challenge audiences. Under her leadership, DBDT Encore! continues to thrive as a nurturing ground for aspiring professional dancers.

About DBDT Encore!

Founded in 2000, DBDT Encore! serves as the professional training company for the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. For the last 25 years, the company has offered high-quality training and performance opportunities for emerging artists, bridging the gap between academic dance education and professional careers. Renowned for its extensive repertoire, the company performs both nationally and internationally, celebrated for its modern, jazz, African, and spiritual dance works.