ABOUT
THE MISSION
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Providing a platform where performers and audiences of all ages are inspired to celebrate the techniques, creative powers and fusion of dance movement.
VISION
A world where the primary impulse to move is honored and nurtured.
Performing Artist: T'keyah Cleveland | Photo Credit: Hendrix Wesley
Performing Artist: Antwone Bagley | Photo Credit: Hendrix Wesley
HISTORY
ARGA NOVA DANCE / Beckles Dancing Company
Beckles Dancing Company (BDC) was founded in May 1995 by André R. George, a gifted dancer, teacher, and choreographer whose career spanned the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean. The ensemble was originally formed as nova … a dancers’ company! with twelve dancers, making its debut that November at the Theatre on Elm Street (ToES) in Dallas, Texas.
Following Mr. George’s passing the next year, Loris Anthony Beckles assumed artistic leadership of the company, renaming it Nova Dancing Company. On April 1, 2004, the company became known as Beckles Dancing Company, a change that honored Mr. Beckles’ family name, marked his fiftieth birthday, and celebrated his survival five years beyond a major health crisis. While the public name shifted, the legal name has remained ARGA NOVA DANCE.
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For nearly 30 years, BDC has been an anchor in the Dallas arts community, committed to artistic excellence, cultural diversity, and accessibility. The company has premiered numerous original works and restagings, performing at the South Dallas Cultural Center, Latino Cultural Center, and other local venues. Signature productions include the South Dallas Dance Festival, Shades of Black for Black History Month, Dance Planet, and the Thirtieth Anniversary Gala & Celebration in 2025.
BDC is equally dedicated to education and community outreach. Since its early years, the company has offered free weekly ballet and modern dance classes for youth and adults, along with youth programs in modern, jazz, and African dance for children ages 5–10. These initiatives have opened doors for many young dancers, with numerous students admitted to the prestigious Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, as well as graduates advancing to professional companies and national tours.
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In recent years, BDC has expanded its leadership team with the addition of an Assistant Artistic Director and a Dance Captain, strengthening rehearsal and artistic support. Alumni continue to thrive professionally: Jared Brown is performing in Europe, Layla Brent is touring internationally as Rafiki with The Lion King, and Lacy Brent is building a successful freelance career in New York City. Kaleb Smith performing with Philadanco - The Philadelphia Dance Company and Tristan Rodney touring with Lightwire theater in the US. Today, BDC thrives as an intergenerational company, with dancers ranging in age from their 20s to their 50s, weaving together diverse perspectives into inspiring performances.
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Rooted in South Dallas, housed at the South Dallas Cultural Center, and supported by decades of community trust, Beckles Dancing Company sustains its mission: to make dance accessible, inspiring, and transformative for all.
ANDRÉ R. GEORGE ASSOCIATION (ARGA)
The André R. George Association (ARGA) was founded in 1997 to support and promote dance and related arts and issues. ARGA presents dance companies, festivals, lectures, and other programs that build community and foster understanding. Dedicated to the memory of André R. George—the gifted dancer, teacher, choreographer, and founder of Beckles Dancing Company—ARGA continues his legacy of celebrating dance as a living art form that unites and uplifts communities.
STAFF
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Loris Anthony Beckles
Guyana, South America
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Loris has studied ballet, modern dance, jazz and a taste of African dance; performed with lots of companies including the Syracuse Ballet Theater, Capitol Ballet, Eleo Pomare Dance Company, Joan Miller Dance Players and the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (now Ailey II). He has taught in the U.S., the Caribbean and in Europe; and choreographed just about wherever he stayed long enough.
His company, Beckles Dancing Company, gives regular performances in Dallas and other parts of Texas. In the summer of 2005, he restaged Suite Beauty, Parts I and II, and did a new work, SR70II, in Trinidad, W. I. In the spring of 2006 he choreographed Dive Slow Resurface on the Momentum Dance Company (MDC) in Irving TX. 2008 brought Spring from The Four Seasons to the Vivaldi music. 2011 he choreographed Shut Blue Hey on MDC, with Second Movement (Ravel/Herbie Hancock) and Headlong (John Adams) in 2015.
Loris is pleased to share that they staged the first section of his first work in Trinidad, Cantobello Daydream (1985) last year, and plan to do all three sections this year, 2024. His recent work includes Chamber Music, and upcoming is the premiere of Fahrenheit Afternoon.
LaCentheah "Cece" Bagley
Assistant Artistic Director
(left)
LaCentheah "Cece" Bagley was born and raised in Dallas Texas. She is a performer, artist, teacher, director, and a recent graduate student from the University of North Texas where she received her Bachelor's degree. Cece is an alum of Booker T. Washington HSPVA where she first decided to further her dance studies. Cece has been dancing for over ten years, and has trained in many genres of dance including Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, West African, Afro-Cuban, hip-hop heels, and other commercial styles. She has performed and taught in many venues in Dallas and its surrounding communities. Cece is in her seventh season with Beckles Dancing Company, and is currently the Assistant Artistic Director.
Dedra Brent
Managing Director
(right)
Dedra Brent is a native of Dallas, TX. She graduated high school from Ursuline Academy and received her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology from The University of Texas at Dallas. She has had a career in corporate America and is currently an independent contractor in sales, part-time nanny and an administrative assistant.
Dedra comes from a family of artists and was a musician herself. This love of the arts led to introducing her daughters Lacy Brent and Layla Brent-Tompkins, both former members of Beckles Dancing Company, to the world of dance.
Dedra is the current Managing Director of Beckles Dancing Company and the coordinator of the annual Sweatt Dallas Dance Festival.
RoseMarie Sanders
Dance Captain
(left)
RoseMarie Sanders is a dancer born and raised in the DFW area. She is trained in modern, ballet, hip-hop, theater jazz, and improvisation, but has learned many other styles to expand her knowledge such as African Dance, Bellydance, Latin Ballroom and many others. Sanders was a part of the Beckles Dancing Company from 2013-2018 as an apprentice/professional dancer before pursuing her education at Texas Woman’s University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Studies with a Minor in Small Business. She has since returned for the 29th anniversary and is continuing to grow as a performer.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Beckles Dancing Company (BDC), originally founded as noVa a dancers’ company! in 1995 by Andre’ R. George moved to my leadership in 1995 and adopted its current name in 2004. As a nonprofit, BDC is dedicated to creating, developing, and presenting innovative and historical works while providing free weekly dance classes, education, and performance space for local artists to engage and inspire the community.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Benefits:
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Prestige
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Personal fulfillment
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Opportunity to serve in the growth of BDC
ARGA NOVA DANCE
Board of Trustees
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Loris Anthony Beckles
Dedra Brent
Tarviant Campbell
Michael Richardson
Tiffani Furlough Rogers
ADVISORY PANEL
Helena L. Banks
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Vicki Meek
Kamyar P. Kadivar
Karen Bower Robinson
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​Amanda Stone
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Mary Lois Sweatt
Trustee Emerita
(1939-2016)
JOIN OUR BOARD
BDC invites you to consider joining our Board of Directors as we strive to strengthen our infrastructure in a competitive environment.
Beckles Dancing Company (BDC), originally founded as noVa a dancers’ company! in 1995 by Andre’ R. George moved to my leadership in 1995 and adopted its current name in 2004. As a nonprofit, BDC is dedicated to creating, developing, and presenting innovative and historical works while providing free weekly dance classes, education, and performance space for local artists to engage and inspire the community.
We seek self-starting, passionate, responsible individuals who are team players and have:
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A strong commitment to our cause
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Previous service on a nonprofit board of directors
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Strong professional and community connections
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Familiarity with the local and national arts/cultural landscape and a willingness to learn
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Benefits of Joining the Board
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Expand your public engagement in the arts
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Share your expertise within the nonprofit sector
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Support your local dance community
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Stay tuned for more upcoming updates!