City of Dallas commission hears presentation from Orizon about refugee-focused dance programming

The City of Dallas Arts and Culture Advisory Commission on June 12, 2025 heard a community-spotlight presentation from Orizon, an arts program led by Michaela Tillett, about culturally grounded dance instruction and mentorship aimed at refugees and youth.

Orizon founder Michaela Tillett told commissioners the group has worked in Dallas for several years and is now seeking a residency where it can expand programs for refugee children and preserve cultural traditions. Tillett said a recent residency at the Northwest Community Center brought together young people from roughly 24 African countries and that students spent hours at the center connecting with the music and languages of their home countries. She said the group’s immediate goal is to find a stable site to continue that work.

Why it matters: presenters said the programming mixes technical dance training with cultural education, social-emotional learning and mentorship, and that opportunities for dancers in street and Afro–Caribbean styles are limited in Dallas. The commission’s staff and members suggested local funding programs and partnerships the group could pursue.

Participants described Orizon’s work in personal terms. Lauren Booker, who said she met Tillett in 2019, read testimony for a colleague and said, “Orazon is more than just a performance company. It is a vibrant, inclusive community where culture, creativity, and connection thrive.” Scott, who identified himself as Caribbean American and said he has worked with Orizon for four years, described the program as a rare local space for learning West Indian and Afro–Caribbean styles. Charlotte Crawford, who described herself as a native of Dallas, credited Tillett with mentoring her as a teacher and choreographer.

Tillett told commissioners she has sought to bring teachers and artists from Jamaica and East Africa to Dallas to expose students to distinct regional forms and to push back against the misconception that “West African” styles represent the whole continent. She said she has funded some programming personally and has used credit to bring international instructors to the city.

Commissioners and staff offered next steps. Commissioner Valentin (first name not specified in the record) and others suggested Orizon consider the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Elevator Project as a promotional opportunity. Lynn from the Office of Arts and Culture recommended the Arts Activate grant program as a potential funding route and said staff are available to help with applications and orientations. Glenn Ayers, who introduced the spotlight, offered to connect Orizon with staff and community partners.

Tillett gave the website used during the presentation as orizon2005.com and emphasized the organization’s logo and name reflect a spiritual and cultural meaning for participants.

The commission did not take any formal action on the presentation; commissioners thanked the presenters and moved to the voting agenda.

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to share funding information and contacts recommended during the discussion and to make OAC resources available to Orizon staff if they request application support.