[...]On Stage: Hines’ Last Dance «[...]…

It seems that the information I was given was not, in it’s entirety, true. Which really isn’t surprising. I’m still hearing bits of information about the failure to complete the grants and it seems that the fault lies with many people who where involved. I found out that Susan Sparks, our managing director, was laid off prior to three grants being finished. So it wasn’t her fault. The board and Kelly-Strayhorn were to determine what grants to apply for and then do so. I have no knowledge what they were or if we were eligible, but I do know that none of them came in. A few large donors didn’t give money this past season. I don’t know if it was due to the economy or for personal reasons, but that hurt us really bad. Susan Sparks was working while donating back her pay to help out. I’m not sure why they laid her off in the end, specifically because she was donating her pay. There are a lot of rumors going around about some problems that some of the board members had with she and Greer from the beginning. Again, it’s all hear say, but it’s unsettling that a possible personality clash or personal issue could have had a hand in this.

Susan Gillis, I’m so sorry you had to find out in the way you did… know that you’re not alone. We all found out in similar messed up ways. We found out the third week of August. One month before the start of our season. There was no “heads up”. We were left at the last minute to fend for ourselves. I think that the board doesn’t consider what we do as a “job”, rather, it’s just something fun we do. In reality, it was our main source of income. It’s sad for all of us. I’m specifically in a rough spot. Greer tried to take me back with her to AWC Dance Ensemble, but there was no money left to pay me. That coupled with a foot injury make it hard for me to travel the 166 mile round trip from Morgantown, WV. I’m still teaching, but not performing. The whole thing is incredibly depressing.

The Kelly-Strayhorn is really the lifesaver for DAT. They want to keep the outreach and school going as well as keeping the company intact even though they couldn’t sign contracts with the dancers. They are turning it into a “pick up company” though. Dancers will be hired on a per project basis. They seems quite optimistic that we can raise money to have a fall “season”. Whether that is performing at newMoves or actually having our own concert at the Kelly-Strayhorn, that’s to be dictated on the amount of money we can raise. Hopefully donors will step up and we can locate some grants.

If anyone interested in donating or helping DAT get it’s footing, contact Janera Solomon at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater.