dance theatre X in TX

I am artistic director of dance theatre X, a dance company whose mission is to create dance theatre work invested in promoting social justice and inspired by African Diasporic movement.  I founded the company in 2003 in Philadelphia.  We have presented and tour throughout the United States, was named "One of 25 to Watch" by Dance Magazine, received numerous grants and received critical acclaim throughout the country and the world.  

I am also an associate professor of dance and currently the Head of Dance at the University of Texas at Austin where I relocated in 2011.  I have tried to maintain dance theatre X by flying in the dancers and artists who have been at the core of our creative work for years .  With the new responsibilities of my position at UT and the lack of funding support in Texas, this has become impossible to maintain...However, I have been blessed to discover tremendous talent here in Texas and lucky enough to still have dancers outside who want to come work with me...However, it's time to truly make ATX (Austin, TX) the home of dtX (dance theatre X)...So I need your help...

I am trying to raise $5000 to support a travel and honorarium fund for the following:
1.  To hold an invitation only audition for new dancers for dtX in TX.  I want to be able to provide housing and per diem support for 6 invited dancers from outside of Texas for a three day audition residency and to provide per diem for up to 14 invited dancers in the Texas region.

2.  To create a series small works (solos and duets) that are easily tourable to 're-introduce' dance theatre X as a Texas-based dance company featuring the newest (local members of the company)

3.  And lastly, to begin developing a new evening of work entitled "Dark Matter: The Ashe Suite" to be premiered in 2017.

I am asking for your help to do this because it is time...I have things to say...I am seeing exciting new, young dancers through which to say them...I want to maintain relationships with the amazing artists with whom I have been lucky enough to work over the past 12 years....I see a need in Texas for a voice like mine, but lack the resources and support to make that voice heard...

My hope is to secure the funds by December 1 in order to begin holding auditions in early January.  I hope that any of you who believe in my work, believe that work informed by African Diasporic movement, believe in creating opportunities for dance artists in Texas will consider donating...

My gratitude would know no bounds!