Dallas City Council to vote on reinstating funds for Black Dance Theatre

A year after losing funding, the storied dance company now faces a pivotal vote. Can new leadership and accountability win back the city’s trust—and its support?

, and Administrator

2025 November 16 . 3:28 PM

1 min read

There is a black color screen in which, there are two animated images of women who are dancing.... — There is a black color screen in which, there are two animated images of women who are dancing. There is a blue color text. And the background is dark in color.

Dallas City Council to vote on reinstating funds for Black Dance Theatre

The Dallas City Council is set to vote on Wednesday to reinstate funding for the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, following reports of breaking news in Chicago. The company, which had its funding cut last year due to labor practice charges, has committed to making changes and will provide progress reports to the council. The vote comes after the company formed a task force to review and improve its policies and governance, with news of the task force's recommendations including finding a new executive director, starting in January and expected to take two to three months, and setting term limits for board members. Council member Paul Ridley supports the restoration of funds, contingent on the company's commitment to these changes. Council member Gay Donnell Willis is pleased with the company's acceptance of the task force's recommendations. If approved, the dance company could receive $225,000 for cultural programming, $23,000 less than the $248,000 cut last year. The renewal of funding will allow the city council to hold the company accountable to the agreed changes. The search for a new executive director will commence in January, with the new appointee expected to take office in January 2026.