Скачать или смотреть How Nycole Ray Built a Legacy with Dallas Black Dance Theatre Encore

In this heartfelt episode of Art After Dark, host Randy Ham sits down with Nycole Ray, Artistic Director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre: Encore, to reflect on the company’s 25th anniversary and her 15-year milestone as artistic director. Nycole opens up about her late start in dance, the mentors who shaped her, and her passion for developing not just great dancers—but great human beings.

From her first steps in high school to shaping a company that now attracts talent from around the world, Nycole shares the ups, downs, and legacy-building moments of her incredible career.

Don't miss the powerful conversation about commitment, recovery, and why being present in the moment matters more than ever.

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Presented by Odessa Arts.

00:00 Odessa’s warm welcome to Dallas Black Dance Theatre
01:08 The 25th season and 15 years as Artistic Director
02:30 Why each performance still feels fresh
03:39 The beauty of being fully present
04:08 Nycole’s origin story: starting dance late
06:12 Auditioning as an extra—and getting hired!
07:23 Mentorship, passion, and community support
08:33 What Nycole looks for in new dancers
09:41 Passion vs. raw talent
11:03 Randy's story: falling into his dream job
13:07 Moments that change everything
14:29 Wrapping up the season in Odessa
15:50 The deeper mission of dance: growing people
18:08 How Encore evolved into a world-class company
20:11 Randy and Nycole reflect on their friendship
22:01 Fan favorites: Phoenix and Motherless
25:00 The meaning of friendship beyond the stage


Art After Dark is hosted by Odessa Arts Executive Director, Randy Ham.
https://odessaarts.org

Produced by: Forty Wolves (@podcastdept)
https://fortywolves.com

Music by: Sam Weaks
https://samallen.studio

Filmed at: Copper Rose Building
https://copperrosevenue.my.canva.site

Odessa Arts exists to support and promote the Arts in Odessa and Ector County through Cultural Tourism, Arts Education and Arts Advocacy.