Today we’d like to introduce you to Nycole Ray.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I took my first formal dance class in high school and knew from that day I wanted to be a dancer. I quickly learned that I was very behind in my studies starting so late. With the support of my teacher and family, I was able to take private lessons and advance. I continued my studies at the California Institute of the Arts and the London Contemporary School of Dance in England and graduated with my BFA in dance and choreography.
After graduation, I became a member of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II. Being a part of this training company was invaluable in my continued training and performance experiences. I then went on to become a member of the Lula Washington Dance Theater and was then offered a full-time position with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. working with the company gave me the opportunity to work with many noted national and international choreographers such as Diane McIntyre, Christopher L. Huggins, Alonzo King, Rennie Harris, Camille A. Brown to name a few. I have had the pleasure of traveling the world with DBDT, South Africa, Ireland, Bermuda, Zimbabwe, Austria, Scotland, Mexico, and Chile.
I am celebrating my twentieth season with Dallas Black Dance Theatre, performing full time for seventeen of those years and now am a guest artist with the company. I also hold the position of the Artistic Director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s, DBDT: Encore! DBDT: Encore! is the professional training company of Dallas Black Dance Theatre. I am also the program director of the Summer Intensive Professional Dance Program.
Has it been a smooth road?
At the beginning of my career, it became difficult when my student loan payments kicked in (same as most people, but with a stable career) and I had to work multiple jobs to be able to make payments while I danced full time with Dallas Black Dance Theatre. As time went on, a lot of time spent away from my family has its difficulty, however, my husband has always been very supportive. I have had a few injuries that resulted in having surgery. Recovery proved too mentally frustrating and physically painful. However, I have a stronger resolve.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) is celebrating its 41st season and is the fourth largest minority arts organization in the nation. In 2000, Founder, Ann Williams, created DBDT II to give performance opportunities for the elder students of Dallas Black Dance Academy. The company has grown in a breath and has served as the training company for DBDT, and attracts dancers from across the nation.
Now celebrating its 18th season and a name change to be indicative of the professionalism and demand of the company. DBDT: Encore! is now a company that tours regionally, nationally and internationally. I have been the Artistic Director of DBDT: Encore! for the past eight years. I am truly invested in the development of each dancer. I am really proud of the artistic growth of Encore and that 60 percent of the current members of DBDT where members of DBDT: Encore!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas’ Arts District has grown to become one of the best in the nation, attracting national and international dance companies to visit our city. Young and new dance companies have a city to thrive in, as Dallas is becoming art and cultural hub.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2700 Ann Willams Way Dallas, Texas 75201
- Website: dbdt.com
- Phone: 214 871-2376
- Email: admin@dbdt.com
- Instagram: dallasblackdance
- Facebook: dallasblackdance
- Twitter: dallasblkdance
Image Credit:
Steven Ray, Nycole Ray, Brian Guilliaux
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
