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TITAS Announces Its First ‘All-American’ Season Of Dance


by Mia Estrada 17 Jun 2020 2:20 PM

Seven dance companies return to Dallas in October, with social distancing restrictions in place.

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For the first time, TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND will dedicate an entire season to artists working and living in the U.S. The company’s new season will kick off in the fall with well-known dance group MOMIX.

The season will showcase seven dance companies from across the country. Since its inception in 1982, TITAS has stood to provide North Texas communities with American and international dance, music and performance art.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, TITAS has shortened its usual list of dance companies from 10 to seven, and won’t be bringing in any international groups, something the presenting organization is known for. That’s mainly because visas have been difficult to get amid the pandemic, said Charles Santos, executive director and artistic director of TITAS. And there’s another reason to focus on American artists:

“Our own artistic community is really suffering,” Santos said. “It’s a time to celebrate the artist working here.”

Highlights from the 2020-2021 season were announced on Monday in a media release.

Santos said social distancing measures will be in place at Winspear Opera House and Moody Performance Hall, where the group presents its shows. Only 30 to 50 percent of seats will be sold. He said families can sit together, but the spacing will be strict. Audience members will be required to wear masks.

The shows for the fall and winter will be in the Winspear, which normally can accommodate 2,200 patrons, and so will allow more people at a social distance. Santos said protocols for the lobby and the halls are still being determined.

“There is no scenario in the world where you can make something 100 percent safe,” Santos said. “It doesn’t exist. It is about being responsible and making the most responsible and reasonable efforts to make it as safe as possible for everyone involved.”

Ballet Hispánico returns to TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND for 2020-2021 season. Photo Courtesy: AT&T Performing Arts Center

There are now clauses in contracts that spell out health requirements and restrictions. For example, dance companies will be responsible for monitoring the health of their artists, such as taking performers temperatures before they go on stage. And no guests will be allowed backstage.

Of course, as the pandemic continues, all of these plans could change.

“I’m prepared if a company has to pull out for one reason or another, which I wouldn’t be surprised,” Santos said. “We will replace them and keep it going.”

TITAS has received some money from federal coronavirus relief funds, including the Paycheck Protection Program. Still, the group cancelled five shows in its 2019-20 season. It also postponed its major fundraiser, the Command Performance gala. These were big hits to the group’s annual budget.

Companies have agreed to lower their fees. But still, with reduced seating, maximum earning potential is 60 percent down, Santos said.

“To make this work, we’re all going to have to tighten our belts,” Santos said.

Alonzo King/ LINES Ballet, Fall 2019. Photo Courtesy: AT&T Performing Arts Center

TITAS season subscriptions are on sale and begin at $116.

2020-2021 Season Productions

Special Events

  • Opening night celebration, Oct. 15, 2020
  • 2021 Command Performance, June 12, 2021

Got a tip? Email Mia Estrada at [email protected]. You can follow her on Twitter @miaaestrada.

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