DALLAS — On Nov. 9 fired dancers and 65 supporters picketed at the Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s performances put on with nonunion replacements. In May when the dancers voted to join the American Guild of Musical Artists union, the theatre bosses fired them.
The Dallas City Council paused funding to the Dallas Black Dance Theatre Oct. 23 over concerns about the firings. This puts on hold some $248,000 in funding.
The National Labor Relations Board has filed a complaint against the dance company. The NLRB calls for the company to reinstate the dancers and provide them with back pay. It also urges that letters of apology be issued to the fired dancers, and they be compensated for all damages caused by their firing.
The dance company has until Nov. 15 to respond. If a settlement isn’t reached, a trial on the charges will be held Dec. 9.
“This kind of solidarity is what is needed,” Griff Braun, national organizing director for the union, told participants. “Everybody wants to see justice for the real Black dancers. Nov. 25 is our next protest.”
“They are trying to make us disappear and shut up,” said Sean Smith, one of the fired dancers. “All dance companies are watching what happens to see how they can treat their dancers.”
Other speakers included Katharine Goeldner, an opera soloist and American Guild of Musical Artists vice president from New York. “We’ve got your back!” she said. Braun concluded the rally by announcing a fundraising dance benefit in December.
Build solidarity with the fight. Email the Dallas Black Dance Theatre at admin@dbdt.com to urge them to reinstate the dancers and recognize the union. Donate at the union’s GoFundMe page.