Dallas Black Dance Theatre brings artwork to life with ballet inspired by Afro-Atlantic Histories exhibition

The Dallas Museum of Art continues to explore the rich culture and history of the Black Diaspora with a unique collaboration between dance and visual art. On January 18, DBDT: Encore!, the second company of Dallas Black Dance Theatre, will present a ballet inspired by the museum’s current exhibition, Afro-Atlantic Histories. This ballet, titled Echoes of Diaspora, will be performed in the museum’s Horchow Auditorium.

Afro-Atlantic Histories is a thought-provoking exhibition that showcases around 100 artworks and documents produced in Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, and Europe from the 17th century to the present day. It explores the history and legacy of the Black Diaspora, with a focus on the transatlantic slave trade. The exhibition was initially organized and presented by the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) in 2018 and is now making its final stop in the United States at the Dallas Museum of Art.

Nycole Ray, the artistic director of DBDT: Encore!, was deeply moved by the profound narratives and rich cultural tapestry presented in Afro-Atlantic Histories. She saw an opportunity to translate these powerful stories into the language of dance, creating a ballet that captures the historical depth and emotional resonance depicted in the artworks.

The exhibition features several standout pieces that influenced the choreography and thematic journey of the ballet. These include Aaron Douglas’ ‘Into Bondage’, Romare Bearden’s ‘The Black American in Search of His Identity’, Ernest Crichlow’s ‘Harriet Tubman’, Toyin Ojih Odutola’s ‘All These Garlands Prove Nothing’, Abdias Nascimento’s ‘Exu Damballah’, and Emanuel Araujo’s ‘O Navio (The Ship)’. These artworks encapsulate the resilience, beauty, and complexity of the Afro-Atlantic experience.

The music for Echoes of Diaspora has been carefully curated to complement the emotional and historical narrative of each section. Drawing from a diverse range of genres, including traditional African rhythms, negro spirituals, jazz, and contemporary compositions, the music enhances the storytelling, evokes emotions, and resonates with the audience.

The ballet not only amplifies the visual narratives of Afro-Atlantic Histories but also serves as a visual anchor for the audience, creating a seamless connection between the visual and performing arts. It adds a dynamic layer to the exhibition, allowing the audience to feel the rhythms, struggles, and triumphs depicted in the artworks.