I was a new sophomore at Booker T. Washington HSPVA, navigating my place among so many talented dancers and artists. I struggled with feeling overlooked and wanting to prove myself among my peers. I felt, as a Black girl, I had to work twice as hard to be cast in pieces or to be placed in the same technique levels as my peers. I felt that my other Black female friends and I were responsible for representing all Black dancers and the implicit biases placed upon me restricted me from fully being seen and valued in the space. Although this wasn’t an issue unique to Booker T., being immersed in an expansive dance community woke me up to the problems that plague dance and prevent black and brown dancers like myself from succeeding. 

Reflecting on the issues I found most prevalent in the dance world, I created Turning Tables to explore and explain these issues. Turning Tables, therefore, was born with A Seat At The Table being its inaugural event. A Seat At The Table showcased 5 choreographers’ perspectives on discriminatory issues in the dance world across two performances and welcomed over 100 audience members and 40 dancers. Since its first year, we have held A Seat At The Table annually, welcoming over 500 audience members, 30 choreographers, and over 200 performers. Each piece has explored the Core Concepts: Underrepresentation, Bias, Standard, Acceptance, and Pride. Since 2017 Turning Tables has hosted SITT the Summer Intensive by Turning Tables, a Ballet outreach program at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas, awarded over $2500 in scholarships, and hosted a mentorship program led by dance professionals, teachers, and professionals. 

Looking forward, Turning Tables will continue to make space for Black and Brown dancers, equipping them with the tools, opportunities, and resources to succeed. Through choreographic opportunities, enrichment workshops, mentorship programs, and scholarships Turning Tables aims to fulfill our mission.